Brisbane history Archives

Did you know that Bardon has its very own Queen Bee: entomologist Elizabeth Exley, PhD? Here are five things you may not know about this remarkable woman, who passed away in 2007.

1. One of the Largest Bee Collections in Australia

Dr Exley’s work as a researcher resulted in one of the largest collections of native bee specimens in Australia. Over decades of fieldwork, she meticulously gathered thousands of bees, often from Australia’s northern regions. These specimens are now housed at the University of Queensland’s School of Biological Sciences and form a vital resource for the study of Australia’s diverse native bee species.

Her collection includes rare species and offers valuable insights into the ecology of native bees. It continues to serve as an essential reference for both students and seasoned entomologists alike, preserving her legacy in tangible form.

2. She Discovered and Named Over 200 Species

A major part of Dr Exley’s legacy lies in her contribution to the taxonomy of Australian bees. She described and named over 200 species during her lifetime, shining a light on the diversity of native bees in Australia. Among her most notable discoveries was the Homalictus exleyea, a species named in her honour, and the Quasihesma clypearis, a bee so small it measures just 1.8 mm in length, making it one of the world’s smallest bees.

The smallest bee discovered by Bardon's Queen Bee, Elizabeth Exley.

The Queen Bee of Bardon worked on the Colletidae family—many of which are closely associated with Australia’s myrtaceous plants like eucalyptus—was vital in understanding the relationship between native flora and fauna.

3. A Mentor to Australia’s Leading Bee Experts

Dr Exley’s influence reached far beyond her own research. As a professor at the University of Queensland, she played a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of entomologists. Scientists like Tim Heard, Ken Walker, and Helen Wallace credit Exley’s guidance and expertise for shaping their careers.

Many of these researchers have gone on to make significant contributions to the fields of native bee conservation, taxonomy, and pollination studies. Her dedication to education and mentorship ensured that her passion for native bees was passed on to others, creating a lasting ripple effect in the scientific community.

The Homalictus exleyea, named after the Queen Bee of Bardon — *Photo Credit: Garden Room*

4. Her Journey to Bees Started with Fruit Flies

Her scientific journey began with fruit fly larvae, the subject of her Honours degree at the University of Queensland. Her early research showcased her meticulous attention to detail and passion for entomology. She then turned her focus to ants, conducting systematic studies that demonstrated her skill as a taxonomist.

However, in 1958, her career took a decisive turn when she met Professor Charles Michener, a renowned bee expert from the University of Kansas. Mr Michener’s work inspired her to shift her focus to native bees, an area that had been largely neglected in Australia. This change marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to understanding and documenting Australia’s native bee fauna.

5. Her Research Benefited Australian Agriculture

In addition to her contributions to taxonomy, Dr Exley worked extensively on the role of bees in agricultural pollination. Her research in the 1980s focused on crops like lychee, macadamia, custard apple, and pigeon pea, demonstrating the critical role native bees play in pollination. Her findings not only highlighted the ecological importance of native pollinators but also provided practical insights for farmers, helping improve yields and sustainable farming practices.

By bridging the gap between entomology and agriculture, Dr Exley’s work underscored the value of native bees in supporting both natural ecosystems and commercial industries.

A Local Icon with a Global Legacy

Born in Bardon on 29 November 1927, Elizabeth Exley’s story is one of a local girl whose contributions reverberated globally. Her legacy includes her groundbreaking research, her mentorship of future scientists, and her commitment to preserving Australia’s natural history.

Elizabeth Exley, the Queen Bee of Bardon — *Photo Credit: Entomological Society of Queensland*

Her work remains a source of pride for the Bardon community, where her roots in natural history were first nurtured by her family. From the streets of Bardon to laboratories and field stations across Australia, Dr Exley’s life and career demonstrate the profound impact of dedication and curiosity.

Updated 18-October-2025

Locals can now uncover the secret history hidden in plain sight along the footpaths of Rosalie, where a community heritage trail reveals a dramatic past of devastating floods, legendary rock concerts, and grand estates that rose from a swamp.

The self-guided “Reminisce in Rosalie” heritage trail invites residents on a journey through the suburb’s surprisingly colourful history. The walk, which covers about 2.1 kilometres and takes less than an hour, is marked by a series of street plaques. These markers guide explorers on a loop that starts and finishes in the heart of Rosalie Village, making it a perfect outing before grabbing a local coffee. The trail encourages a new appreciation for the familiar buildings and parks we see every day.

From Swamp to Suburban Life

It’s hard to imagine now, but parts of the neighbourhood were once marshland known as Red Jacket Swamp. Today, this area is the lush Gregory Park, named for Queensland’s first Surveyor General, Sir Augustus Charles Gregory. A plaque at the corner of Baroona Road and Nash Street also serves as a powerful reminder of Rosalie’s resilience, recalling the major floods that have shaped the community, including the destructive events of 1893, 1974, and most recently, 2011.

The trail also shows how daily life has transformed. A quaint, heritage-listed tram shelter on Nash Street is the last physical reminder of an era when trams rattled through the suburb. Before that, horse-drawn omnibuses were the main way to get around, run by two local businesses. These small details, revealed on the walk, paint a vivid picture of a community constantly evolving.

Echoes on Every Corner

Many of Rosalie’s most charming buildings hold stories of their own. The grand timber hall above the optometrist on Nash Street began its life as the Rosalie School of Arts and Commemoration Hall, built as a memorial to those lost in World War I. Over the years, it transformed into the Beverly Theatre, was taken over by the RSL, and has since housed a gym and a shoe outlet.

Nearby, the Rosalie C&K Kindergarten still operates from the same decorative Arts and Crafts building constructed in 1928, making it one of Brisbane’s earliest kindies. Similarly, the stately main building of the Milton State School dates from 1938 and, like the tram shelter, was an employment-stimulus project during the Great Depression. The trail also passes magnificent structures like the Sacred Heart Church, the Marist Brothers Monastery, and a beautiful convent built for the Sisters of Mercy, all of which have served the community for over a century.

Unexpected Local Legends

Perhaps the most surprising secret uncovered on the walk is the former site of the Milton Tennis Centre. Now being redeveloped as Frew Park, this spot was once a world-famous venue where tennis greats competed. Even more surprising, it’s where The Rolling Stones played a live concert for cheering crowds in 1973.

The trail also leads walkers past “Lucerne,” the oldest surviving private residence in the area. Built back in 1862, its high brick fence hides a home that was once a boarding school for young ladies and later the residence of a Queensland parliamentarian. While the properties on the walk are privately owned and must be viewed from the street, their stories add a rich new layer to the neighbourhood’s character, proving that every street in Rosalie has a tale to tell.

Published Date 25-September-2025

Tag: Brisbane history

Bardon’s Queen Bee: A Legacy of Science and Mentorship