For thousands of years Barrambin has been a place of cultural significance.
One hundred and fifty years ago, the area became known as the inner Brisbane parkland, Victoria Park.
Community members gathered at the park to reflect and celebrate the anniversary and to protest proposed redevelopment.
The Queensland Government has proposed building a new Olympic Stadium and National Aquatic Centre on the site. The stadium, which will hold 63,000 seats, has a price tag of $3.8 billion.
While supporters say the development is essential Olympic infrastructure, Traditional Owners, environmentalists, and advocacy groups argue it threatens both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the park.
Campaigners have also criticised the government for bypassing more than a dozen state laws, including those protecting heritage sites.
Yagarabul Elder and Traditional Owner Gaja Kerry Charlton said that that project's approval relied on changes to the state's Cultural Heritage Act.
"This tell us that those who were planning this knew that they weren't doing the right thing," she said.
For many in the community, Barrambin is more than green space; it is a place where generations have gathered for learning, ceremony, and connection. Local youth programs and family events have long called the park home, teaching young people about culture, sustainability, and community leadership.
Those attending the celebrations shared stories of their own memories in the park, from picnics and football matches to cultural ceremonies led by Elders.
While recognised as Victoria Park for 150 years, Barrambin is a culturally significant place to local community and Traditional Owners. Credit: Save Victoria Park
“We can see the natural land formation, so we can work out where the village was, where the camp was . . . a thriving community lived here, and not just way back 200 years ago, but all through the decades," she said.
“Who would think to lump a great, big, metal cement building smack bang in this little piece of paradise that should be on a World Heritage List, and protected?”
She also noted the importance of preserving Country.
"It's also important to our social, emotional well-being, to be able to come here and sit or drive past . . . I don't think people understand that, what that means to just see Country and that connection to Country.”
Questions linger on project's approval
The Queensland government confirmed in October that investigative works, including drilling and soil testing, had commenced on the site at Victoria Park. The works are led by Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) who the government said were "working closely with stakeholders" and keeping "community informed during the process".
While the government confirmed work had began, it remains unclear which entity green-lit the project and gave GIICA formal approval to commence drilling and technical testing on the protected land.
According to GamesWatchDog 2032 Committee, GIICA confirmed they had "requested permission from Brisbane City Council". However, Chair of City Planning, Councillor Adam Allan told the committee the "drilling works in question are not captured by this portfolio".
The uncertainty has intensified frustration among local residents and campaigners, who say transparency and respect for heritage protections are urgently needed.
Among them is former Liberal Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman.
“It’s the wrong place, and it's no trade off saying we're going to take a park and put a stadium in it," he said.
He believes the International Olympic Committee has an interest to stop the development, claiming it's "against their supposed ethos and values for putting on the Olympics".
Mr Newman said the land was originally dedicated to be Brisbane's Central Park and that promise should be seen out.
“This was set aside to be a Central Park, and we've lost quite a severe land area of it over the many years," he said.
"But this is the opportunity to make sure that this is saved, and it will be Brisbane Central Park.”
Legal protections under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act are still being explored by campaigners, who hope this process could halt or pause construction. Meanwhile, environmental advocates have raised concerns about the potential loss of biodiversity, including mature trees, wetlands, and native species that rely on the park for habitat.
If construction goes ahead, the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will take place on the site in seven years. For the community, the significance of Barrambin stretches far beyond a single event.
While anniversary celebrations came to an end, community's commitment to preserving Barrambin will continue.
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