Waltzes, Wurst and Wine: Adventures in Search of German-Queensland

Folklorist and historian Mark Schuster (www.germanydownunder.com) has spent half-a-lifetime travelling throughout southern Queensland recording, documenting and also performing the unique traditions of the once extensive German-Queensland farming communities. The presentation will focus on the settlement patterns, traditions, culture and stories of the communities. As well as illustrating the wealth of traditions unearthed, Mark will provide a fascinating insight into his adventures in the quest for these traditions – some of which are still very ‘German’, but many of which have transformed into very unique ‘German-Queensland’ traditions. He will take you along on his journey into a 'kulturscape', which is fast disappearing in Queensland.

About the Speaker

Mark Schuster has spent over thirty years investigating, recording, documenting and performing the rural German-Queensland folk culture. Much of his time has been spent with the German-Queensland farming community. His knowledge of the customs, folklore and music of these unique German-Queensland enclaves is unrivalled and today he is a custodian and descendant documenting the tail-end of these many traditions before they disappear. He has written self published books, including the 'Singing Farmers', appeared on ABCs Australian Story and has performed at hundreds of functions and festivals. Mark is also a master of that most 'German' of Queensland bush instruments - the squeezebox (button accordion).