Col's Chat - Paddington Then & Now

COL’S CHAT Locals through my Lens

Paddington Then & Now

Paddington – one of Brisbane’s most historically significant suburbs - is awash with memories and ripe for the creation of new ones. Though starting out with a focus on the past, Paddington Then & Now has morphed into an organic group that’s not just bringing history to life in the area, but celebrating all that is young and bright about its community.

Co-founders, Caylie Jeffery and Kerry Forsythe, along with Paddington Festival organiser Julie Duff display an effervescent enthusiasm for all things Paddington. “Our goal is to share memories. Much of the 1930s and 40s was recorded, but the later eras are not properly represented. We want to forge a connection with the community where we are seen as keepers of the past, but advocates for the future.”

Volunteering their time to the project, and working out of Latrobe Terrace, the team are gathering hundreds of images and stories, and building a significant database. “We intend to make the stories a permanent record on our website, and maybe even a book. The uptake has been enormous, and we are thrilled to be considered with such a sense of trust and honesty. We’re doing it with the intention of helping Paddington wherever we can.”

The recent Now & Then Festival was also a huge success. Organised alongside Paddington Terraces 4064, the event attracted huge numbers. “This is the first time a Paddington Festival has been organised by this team, and the first time that it has had the distinct goal of redefining Paddington’s identify. We are so proud of its success and look forward to doing it again in 2024”.

To add your own Paddington story, visit paddingtonthenandnow.com.au, or Paddington Terraces 4064 on Facebook.

Author & Photographer: Colin Bushell | Colin Bushell Photography