COMMUNITY. LEGACY. CONNECTION. Celebrating 140 years of history, QVMAG, September 2026
In 2026, Scotch Oakburn College celebrates 140 years of community, connection and shared history. From 24 September, Northern Tasmanians will be able to take a deeper dive into this legacy through QVMAG’s latest community exhibition.
On display at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) at Inveresk, this rich community exhibition will take visitors through 140 years of history – born from the amalgamation of Methodist Ladies’ College, Oakburn College and Scotch College.
Celebrating shared values, enduring traditions and a progressive outlook, this exhibition has been shaped through community-led development and design, reflecting the heart of the Scotch Oakburn community.
Developed with students, families and Collegians, this community history exhibition brings together ideas, memories and stories, showcasing who the College is, where it has come from and the values that continue to guide it.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said it’s through community-led exhibitions such as this that history can be shared through generations.
“I always love to see the diversity of community exhibitions on display each year in partnership with QVMAG,” Mayor Garwood said.
“Whether this be through community art, history or science – delivering a platform for Tasmanians to co-create and share their stories will always play an important role within our annual program.
“With 140 years of local history on display within this new community exhibition, I’d encourage everyone to make the most of this free experience while on display.”
Developed through collaboration between Scotch Oakburn College and the team at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the exhibition is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the College’s legacy of shaping generations of learners and leaders across northern Tasmania.
Scotch Oakburn College Principal Ross Patterson said at its heart, this exhibition is about people. It reflects the relationships, experiences and shared sense of community that have shaped Scotch Oakburn over many generations and continue to shape the College today.
“While our history matters deeply, this exhibition is not simply a look back. It reflects a living community – one that continues to grow, adapt and create opportunities for young people today and into the future.
“We are grateful to QVMAG, and to the students, families, Collegians and staff who have helped bring these stories together for the wider community to enjoy.”
QVMAG Director Jonathan McBurnie said this exhibition was a brilliant community celebration of community, connection and learning.
“We recognise and champion the importance of sharing the history of our communities through exhibitions such as this each year,” McBurnie said.
“Our team really enjoys working with communities to identify these exhibition opportunities and help bring this history to life through rich, immersive visual storytelling.”
“I look forward to visitors – spanning local, national and international audiences – exploring our latest community offering and celebrating a remarkable 140 years of history within our city.”
Scotch Oakburn College: Celebrating 140 Years of Community will open at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk (2 Invermay Road, Launceston) on 24 September 2026 with free entry