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About Me

Jan Wegner researches the history of north Queensland, particularly mining history and environmental history. However, her research also touches on race relations, gender, and the history of pastoralism and the sugar industry in the north. She is currently researching a history of weeds in tropical Queensland: their introduction, spread and management.

Because of her expertise in mining history, she has undertaken a number of consultancies in mining cultural heritage. She has a wider interest in cultural heritage, and is Chair of the Far Northern Branch of the National Trust of Queensland. She has been involved with a number of heritage surveys of places within the region and heritage committees, including the Queensland Heritage Council.

Jan also volunteers at the Cairns Museum and has assisted to develop museum displays there.

Recent Publications

 

Wegner J (2017) A weed by any other name: problems with defining weeds in tropical Queensland. Environment and History, 23 (4). pp. 523-544

Wegner J (2016) Too much haste, not enough prospecting: Mount Garnet Mine and Smelters, North Queensland. Journal of Australasian Mining History, 14. pp. 99-115

Wegner J and Robb S (2014) Chinese in the sugar: a case study of Ingham and Halifax in the Lower Herbert District. In: Rediscovered Past: Chinese tropical Australia. Chinese Heritage in North Australia, East Ipswich, QLD, Australia, pp. 4-13

Wegner J (2010) Why garden? Gardening on mining fields in the dry tropics of Queensland, 1860 to 1960. Journal of Australian Studies, 34 (3). pp. 347-361

Wegner J (2010) Blasting out: explosives practices in Queensland metalliferous mines, 1870-1920. Australian Economic History Review, 50 (2). pp. 193-208

Wegner J (2010) Out where the dead towns lie. Queensland Historical Atlas, Memory.

Wegner J (2009) Industrial treasure: North Queensland’s mining heritage. In: Sir Robert Philp Lecture Series: selected lectures on North Queensland history from the city libraries Sir Robert Philp Lecture series: 9 June 2008-11 May 2009. Townsville City Council, Townsville, QLD, Australia, pp. 84-91

Wegner J (2009) Sludge on tap: Queensland’s first water pollution legislation, 1944–1985. Environment and History, 15 (2). pp. 199-216

Wegner J and Lambert J (2006) The Emuford Battery, North Queensland: a study in survival. Journal of Australasian Mining History, 4. pp. 93-107

Wegner J (2003) Underground gold prospecting techniques in late 19th Century early 20th Century North Queensland. Journal of Australasian Mining History, 1 (1). pp. 159-168

 

Media Coverage

Social Media

Country Focus

Australia

Expertise by Geography

Australia

Expertise by Chronology

19th century, 20th century

Expertise by Topic

Economic History, Environment, Local & Regional, Technology