Discover QIAPB's history

The Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band (QIAPB) is one of the oldest pipe bands in Queensland, and the oldest Irish pipe band in Australia. Despite existing in many forms during the late 1800s and early 1900's, the QIA Pipe Band can be officially traced back to 1925, with references to the band's existence being reported in the QIA Financial report and articles featured in The Courier Mail (Irish Heritage, 2004).   

The band was first officially named the QIAPB in 1935 (Brisbane Telegraph, 1935) when the QIA, for the first time, equipped and uniformed the band.  The QIAPB has been an institution in Brisbane ever since. 

The QIAPB was affiliated with the Queensland Irish Association (QIA) on Elizabeth Street in Brisbane, Queensland where the band practiced every Wednesday night until the closure of the Queensland Irish Club in 2015.  The QIAPB became an independant Incorporated Association in 2015.

 Image:  Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band in Brisbane, Queensland, ca. 1949
 John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland http://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/248619 

A short 5 minute digital story with Bill and Bev Hanley and Graham Wolfe who share their memories of the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, one of the oldest pipe bands in Queensland . They recall rehearsals, performances, St. Patrick's Day and Anzac Day marches, and overseas trips. 

Hanley, Bev, Bill. Hanley, and Graham. Wolfe. Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band Digital Story and Oral History. Interview by Robyn Hamilton. Brisbane, Qld: State Library of Queensland, 2014.  

Source: http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21148493840002061

An oral history interview with Bill and Bev Hanley and Graham Wolfe who share their memories of the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, one of the oldest pipe bands in Queensland . They recall rehearsals, performances, St. Patrick's Day and Anzac Day marches, and overseas trips. 

Hanley, Bev, Bill. Hanley, and Graham. Wolfe. Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band Digital Story and Oral History. Interview by Robyn Hamilton. Brisbane, Qld: State Library of Queensland, 2014.  

Source: http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21148493840002061

Irish Heritage is a photographic and written journey of the Queensland Irish Association Dancers and the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.  While this booklet is by no means a definitive history it does provide a fascinating insight through the memories and photographs and information that it brings together. 

Festivals, parades and overseas trips have always been part of the fun of being part of QIAPB.  The band still travels regularly and plays in festivals both in Australia and internationally. 

The band has played at the following international locations and festivals over the last few decades:

• Festival Interceltique de Lorient, France: 1985, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2023
• Rose of Tralee Festival, Ireland: 1998, 2008
• World Championships, Scotland and Ireland: 1978, 1981, 1985
• New Zealand: 1988, 1990

Image:  Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band marching in Brisbane, Queensland, ca. 1950
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, http://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/248618