25 years ago, the Australian Lebanese Historical Society (ALHS) was founded to recognise Australians of Lebanese descent. Their parents and grandparents’ stories were largely absent from the Australian story and this gap needed filling.
Most of these establishing families struggled, not embraced by the community. The White Australia policy operated to ostracise them from land ownership, business connection and citizenship. That did not stop these migrants from finding ways to work and earn income. Because they were shunned as employees most Lebanese commenced their own businesses often selling things they grew and / or made themselves.
From the 1880s Syrian/ Lebanese immigrants often obtained merchandise from Sydney established Lebanese warehouses and commenced working as licensed hawkers. They travelled far and wide selling household and handicraft items easy to carry. They advanced from travelling on foot or with horse and cart, to using motor vehicles and then became self-employed fabricators and shop owners. These were often a whole of family operated business that survive as impressive corporations today.
Since its beginnings in 2000, the ALHS, has grown nationally to include members throughout Australia. In West End QLD 4101, in particular, an active group has supported the recording and telling of the Australian/Lebanese story: see Dr Anne Monsour’s A Continuous Thread: the Lebanese Presence in South Brisbane, Woolloongabba and West End
Walking down Boundary Street, West End you can now see the public display board dedicated to the Lebanese of the area. Also, through ALHS publications and exhibitions, collections and events, the ALHS showcases Australian Lebanese history. Family historians (professional and amateur), writers, academic researchers, artists and creatives whose focus is the Lebanese Australian experience are encouraged by the ALHS to share their work.
ALHS has gathered many family histories and supported events that get people together to remember how it was they became Australians and citizens of Brisbane. These activities are very important for every generation as often times the family history has been buried under the effort to become and be Australian.
Events and activities information can be accessed on the ALHS website https://alhs.org.au/ Look out for up coming events:
The ALHS 25th anniversary celebration on Sunday 26 April 2026. This includes publication of an ALHS book of family stories edited by Margaret Clapham and Yvonne Matta titled Of Lebanese Heritage.
The ALHS annual walking tour around West End looking at buildings, family homes, business, religious and memorial sites of significance to the settlement of Lebanese families. The next walk is proposed for June 2026.
ALHS
