Did you know that the president of one of Ipswich’s long‑standing local history societies is just 26 years old? Alice Sippel is the youngest president in the 47‑year history of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society, a volunteer organisation usually led by older members.
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Ms Sippel says that working alongside volunteers in their 80s and 90s has shown her the value in traditional methods of preserving history, while also highlighting opportunities to try different approaches to documenting the past. She emphasises the importance of learning from experience while finding new ways to share stories from the region.
In early 2025, Ms Sippel was selected as president after several years volunteering at the Society, including serving as Treasurer the year before. She took over from Susanne Rijs, who had led the Society for 19 years. By profession, Ms Sippel is a librarian and previously worked as a library technician in Lowood, giving her skills that complement the Society’s archival work.
Joining her in this work is 25‑year‑old Mr Montgomery, who spends much of his spare time researching historic buildings in Ipswich. Some of his friends do not share his interest, but Mr Montgomery has explained that he finds compelling stories in places such as the 150‑year‑old St Paul’s Anglican Church and local sites like Limestone Park, where community folklore suggests an elephant is buried. He sees these places as narratives that connect people across generations.
Why Young Volunteers Are Key
Local history and heritage organisations across Australia are facing an ageing membership and challenges in attracting younger volunteers. Leaders in the field emphasise the importance of young people stepping in to sustain these societies. Volunteers like Ms Sippel are seen as important for encouraging others of their generation to get involved and contribute energy and new perspectives to preserving local history.
This work is particularly vital in a region like Ipswich, which is undergoing rapid development. As new housing and commercial developments transform the landscape, historic homes, churches and community buildings stand side‑by‑side with modern structures. Local historians play an important role in explaining why preserving these older streetscapes matters, both for cultural identity and community memory.
Ms Sippel also points to lessons from the past that resonate today—for example, how her regional hometown of Marburg faced pressures during World War I that led to changes in the town’s name due to its German heritage. She believes that dedicating time to community work helps people value their heritage and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr Montgomery similarly sees history as a way to inspire, educate and connect people across generations.
A History of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society
The Rosewood Scrub Historical Society was formed in 1979 as a volunteer association to preserve a range of historical documents gathered during school centenaries across the region. The name describes the area it serves, which includes Ashwell, Fernvale, Glamorgan Vale, Haigslea, Lowood, Marburg, Minden, Mt Marrow, Prenzlau, Rosewood, Tallegalla and Tarampa. Its focus from the outset has been on preserving documents and photographs, which the Society believes are powerful tools for telling local stories.
The Society’s archives have grown to include more than 4,000 items, including family histories and community photographs. Volunteers work to catalogue and maintain these collections, ensuring they remain available to community members, researchers and future generations.
Today, the Society operates entirely through volunteer efforts, funded by membership fees, donations, grants, sponsorships, research services and the sale of photographs and publications. Its hall, located in Marburg and maintained by Ipswich City Council, serves as a hub for research and community engagement, where locals can explore and learn about their shared past.
Keeping Local Stories Alive
Under the leadership of volunteers like Ms Sippel and Mr Montgomery, the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society shows that local history remains a living narrative, not just a record of things past. Their work helps ensure that the stories, traditions and memories of Brisbane’s outer suburbs continue to be preserved and shared even as the region evolves.
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Together, their commitment demonstrates that passion for preserving the past is not limited by age, and that local history will thrive when diverse voices and generations are part of the conversation.
Published 19-February-2026
