A golden 150 years: the sesquicentenary badge

150 Objects that represent the history, philosophy and ethos of Brisbane Girls Grammar School have been lovingly documented for posterity. This ambitious and significant undertaking explores the history of our School, not chronologically but through a thematic lens. By discovering the origins and meaning of Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s Objects of Substance, this project ‘bookends’ our reflections on the distinguished 150 year history of our noble institution. It began with the 1882 Register of Attendance and now, most appropriately, concludes with the 150 Year Badge.

It seems such a lot: 150 different objects gathered from the mists of time through to the vivid vibrancy of today. Yet, so many options had to, reluctantly, be set aside. To complete ‘the project’ perfectly on time, and in time, for our 150 Year celebrations, required meticulous organisation, spirited debate and collaboration, determination and sheer passion. And what other word has been more frequently used in association with Manager, School History and Culture, Mrs Pauline Harvey-Short (1971)—the visionary behind and architect of this extraordinary undertaking—than passion?

It is my privilege and honour to write the final ‘instalment’ of this momentous gift to the School.

In 2025, Brisbane Girls Grammar School celebrates its sesquicentenary. To commemorate this milestone, a dress badge has been created as a meaningful keepsake of this 150th anniversary, capturing the School’s history and spirit.

The Grammar badge symbolises belonging and reflects the School’s philosophy and collegiality. It has been proudly worn by every Grammar girl at the centre of her tie since the late 19th century. Its significance is timeless, as captured in a postcard from Marian Morison (1906): ‘This is our crest, and we have little silver ones which we wear as brooches.’

Historically, badges were handmade, with variations in size and detail. One early badge in the School’s archive was even fashioned from a two-shilling coin. From the 1940s to the 1960s, students often wore two badges: one on the tie, as seen today, and a smaller one on the blazer or gym tunic, often used to secure ribbons in support of sporting events.

The commemorative badge is inspired by those versions, reimagined to celebrate the School's 150th year and has been gifted to all students and staff of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. It blends, to use the terminology of Marion Morison, badge and brooch.

The decision to create a 150 Year badge was based on the rationale that the badge is the ultimate and lasting symbol of the School, and to design a special ‘once off’ was in keeping with precedent previously set—as part of the 140 Year celebrations—and reflective of our history. It was conceived as an elegant, tangible piece for every girl that would create a talking point and reinforce our history in the consciousness of our community. The 140 Year celebratory badge was well received and viewed as significant by the students who were gifted it, wore it, and treasured it. The unique 150 Year badge will feel particularly special.

The 150 Year dress badge was thoughtfully designed to echo and complement the School’s iconic tie badge. Its crest, adorned with the School’s motto ‘Nil Sine Labore’ (nothing without hard work), is inscribed on a ribbon gracefully arched beneath an open book. This emblem holds profound historic significance, symbolising the School’s legacy of educating girls and young women. The inclusion of the number 150 serves as a tribute to the momentous occasion of the sesquicentenary.

While the dress badge is more refined and delicate in design compared to its bold, silver sister, it speaks to a sense of preciousness, inviting gentle care and reverence. Dipped in gold, the badge is not only a symbol of prestige, its warm, uplifting hue evokes inspiration and confidence—qualities deeply ingrained in the spirit of BGGS. It serves as a small yet bright beacon, encouraging all who wear it to embrace their dreams with the unwavering determination of a Grammar girl.

How and where the School’s various badges are worn is significant. It was decided that the 150 Year badge would certainly not replace the School badge, but be worn on the blouse collar in summer and the blazer lapel in winter on special occasions throughout 2025.

The sesquicentenary celebrations commenced on Friday 24 January 2025, with a transformative presentation by futurist Kristin Alford (Stewart, 1989), followed by a stirring Lilley Oration delivered by Elizabeth Jameson AM (Head Girl, 1982, Chair, Board of Trustees 2006-2018). Teachers and staff of Girls Grammar then received their 150 Year Badge, accompanied by a card that conveyed its significance.

At the Foundation Day Assembly on 12 March 2025, Dr Emily Granger (Head Girl 1991) captivated Grammar girls with her inspiring address, offering insight into her remarkable career as a cardiothoracic and heart and lung transplant surgeon and the transformative importance of her Grammar education.

After the traditional ‘birthday’ cakes were cut, the 1555 students of our School were presented with their 150 Year Badge by the Chair, Ms Julie McKay (2000); Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh; Trustees Ms Sophie Moore (1991); Ms Diana Lohrisch (1989); Mr Andrew King; Dr Jim Nicklin; Prof. Maher Gandhi and Mr Berkeley Cox; guest speaker and Griffith girl, Dr Emily Granger; and President of the Old Girls Association, Mrs Julie Caton (1981) as an enduring gift to mark this historic moment in time, forever linking them to the legacy of their School.

Through Objects of Substance, we have explored the grand (Dorothy Hill Observatory #39), the simple (Calico Bag #27), the profoundly moving (Marrapatta Commemorative Grove #84), the intriguing (Confidential Book # 32) and even the amusing (Sock and Custard #115). We have explored the tangible (School Bell #111), the ephemeral (R.T. Jefferies Choral Competition #104) and the enduring (Rangakarra Year 7 Knowledge Tree Grove #106) but each object is always meaningful. For the people of our School have chosen these objects, ascribed them with their significance, imbued them with a meaning that has grown over time and made them uniquely our own.

Head Curator at The Australian National Museum, Sophie Jensen, has said: ‘Objects don’t tell stories, people tell stories. But so often, the object provides the anchor through which a story can be told.’ Dipping in and out of history, revealing the hidden stories and shared experiences through time and bringing thoughtfulness, these objects reflect and bring meaning to modern traditions such as the Year 12 Motto and Blue Days. Those involved universally see this project as a journey of discovery and delight.

In 2020, Mrs Pauline Harvey-Short (1971) conceived of the idea to select and document the history and significance of 150 Objects of Substance, and it evolved into a celebration of Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s sesquicentenary in 2025. Every item chosen would capture elements of Grammar’s essence. She proposed to feature the School’s treasured objects, locations and ephemera arguing that ‘these treasures and treasured places, capture the essence of the Girls Grammar journey from “an experiment” founded in 1875 to … one of the most prominent girls’ schools in Australia’.

The process and story of the undertaking is part of the history too. The list was created by brainstorming ideas between Pauline Harvey-Short, Kristine Cooke and Jenny Davis. Leaders from every faculty and area of the School were interviewed by Mrs Harvey-Short, seeking suggestions. Some objects were observed or discovered in situ by fellow writers, such as the Trustees Seal and Wilkinson Safe.

Once a writer was selected for a relevant article, they were approached to gauge their interest and then provided with a research paper containing images, references and detailed information. The writer would create their piece which was critiqued and referenced by Pauline and then edited by Kristine, ready for publication in editions of BGGS News from 2020 to 2025.

The roll call of 38 writers is as diverse of the Objects themselves. Deserving of special attribution and recognition are Pauline Harvey-Short (1971), Kristine Cooke (1967), Lorraine Thornquist (1967) and Librarian in charge of Special Collections and now, our Sesquicentenary Research Officer, Jenny Davis, who carried the great weight of responsibility in choosing, researching and bringing to life through their writing and accompanying images, the history and significance of so many of the Objects of Substance.

Many myths have been uncovered and mysteries solved. For example, the Mollison Cup for Interhouse Athletics Aggregate Points, the Marrapatta Stone on the Spring Hill Campus, Grace Wilson’s photograph simply named Auntie Grace’s photograph, and the story of the ‘saving’ of Main Building’s front door keys. One Object, despite all these efforts, continues to elude us and that is the Foundation Stone placed in 1883. We leave that great challenge and mystery to those of the future. As 150 years is honoured and celebrated in 2025, we place now before our School 150 Objects of Substance: A Treasury of Material Culture at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

So now, with this golden gift, the sesquicentenary is fully launched with every student and staff member bound by a special symbol of their connection to this special institution.

Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh

Principal