The Australian Women's Register

The Court of Appeal is one of the two divisions of the Supreme Court of Queensland, the other being the Trial Division. Established in 1991, the Court of Appeal hears appeals from the District and Supreme Courts and from tribunals. Decisions of the Court of Appeal are made by a panel of three to five judges of the Supreme Court.

The District Court is constituted under the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 (QLD). It deals with serious criminal offences such as rape, armed robbery and fraud. It also hears appeals from cases decided in the Magistrates’ Court and disputes involving sums greater than $150,000 but less than $750,000. The judges of the District Court also sit in the Planning and Environment Court and in the Children’s Court of Queensland.

Established in 1992, the Children’s Court of Queensland (CCQ) deals with all juveniles who commit criminal offences while under the age of 17 years, unless the court orders that the matter be dealt with in an adult court. The CCQ is presided over by judges who have been appointed from the District Court. There is no jury. Matters are heard in accordance with the guidelines set down in the Children’s Court Act 1992 and the Youth Justice Act 1992. Matters involving children can, in addition, be heard in the Magistrates or Supreme Court.

The Magistrates Court represents the first tier of the Queensland Courts system. It is the place where most criminal cases are first heard; it is also where most civil actions are heard. It deals with civil cases where the amount in dispute is $150,000 or less. Some minor family law matters are dealt with by the Court as too are matters covered by the Customs Act 1901, the Social Security Act 1991 and the Taxation Act 1953. The Court also hears the majority of domestic violence matters, and applications for child protection orders.

The Queensland Ladies’ Golf Union was formed in October 1922 with representatives from all clubs.

Established in 1875, Brisbane Girls Grammar School is one of Queensland’s original grammar schools.

The Young Women’s Christian Association was established in Queensland in 1888 at Rockhampton.

In 2011, three Queensland branches amalgamted to form YWCA Queensland. These branches were Brisbane, Townsville, and Downs and SW Queensland (based in Toowoomba).

Held in Brisbane in October 1982, the 12th Commonwealth Games attracted demonstrations from Aboriginal people and supporters, part of the campaign for land rights.

One of the oldest women’s clubs in Queensland, the Brisbane Women’s Club was formed in 1908 under the sponsorship of the Queensland Women’s Electoral League. Originally called the Women’s Progressive Club, the name was changed to the Brisbane Women’s Club in May 1912. Ardent feminist and women’s rights campaigner Margaret Ogg was one of the 59 founding members.

The objectives of the club were to provide a social centre for women workers in the cause of reform and to encourage free discussion on subjects of public importance, including social, political and municipal matters. The club lobbied the Brisbane City Council and the State Government for the betterment of the community. In an effort to improve the life of rural women, the club was instrumental in the establishment of the Queensland Country Women’s Association in 1922 and the Bush Book Club in 1921. The Brisbane Women’s Club celebrated its centenary in 2008 and continues to provide a social and cultural centre with a philanthropic charter.

The Lyceum Club Brisbane, founded in 1919, was directly modelled on the London Lyceum Club. It is a club for women interested in the arts, science, contemporary issues and the pursuit of lifelong learning. The club is apolitical and non-sectarian. Membership of the club is open to women who have university, conservatorium or other tertiary qualifications of a standard approved by the Management Committee; have published original work in literature, science, art or music; or have given important public service