Queensland Rifle Association Museum

In August 2002 – Johnno arranged the Association’s first formal display of historical its items, a modest display, opened by the Hon. Kevin Rudd with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the conclusion of 2002 Queen’s Prize presentation.

In 2011  – Johnno engaged historian Bill Casey to update the Association’s history for its 150th year publishing the book Home on the Range. That same year, the memorabilia display evolved into a true Museum, reopened by then Governor of Queensland Penelope Wensley. – Yet another VIP ceremony –  

Between 2011–2014 — With a goal of driving expansion Johnno brought together a dedicated Museum working group and secured support for a purpose‑built Museum facility.

In 2015  – His vision became reality with the Opening of the new Museum building a 12‑metre by 12‑metre building behind me.  A fully air-conditioned fully alarmed display room, complete with an even more secure archive room to catalogue and store the associations expanding collection.

In 2017 —Johnno instigated the construction of the Belmont War Memorial at the Complex’s gates and formed the volunteer team that ultimately became today’s Commemorations Committee.

Because of these efforts, this Museum stands today as a living record of our Association’s story –  a legacy Johnno sought to bring together and preserve piece by piece.

Today, it is our privilege to dedicate this space – the John Johnstone OAM Room – in honour of a man who ensured our history would be remembered, respected, and preserved for future generations.