From Happy Valley to a Thriving Suburb: The Story of
Stafford
Discover the rich history that makes Stafford a unique place to live and work
Originally known as "Happy Valley", the area was renamed Stafford after a public movement, likely inspired by the English county of Staffordshire and its connection to Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane.
The heritage-listed Stafford State School opened its doors, originally known as the Happy Valley State School, marking the beginning of a strong community focus on education.
The last completely new tram line in Brisbane was built to serve Stafford, running until 1968. The tram terminus on Stafford Road became a bustling local centre.
A post-war housing boom saw the construction of many Queensland Housing Commission homes on quarter-acre blocks, shaping the suburb's character and creating a need for reliable electrical infrastructure.
Gibson's Tannery, one of the area's original large employers, closed down, making way for the Stafford City Shopping Centre which opened in 1984 and remains a major hub today.
The iconic water reservoirs on Sparkes Hill were completed, holding 16% of Brisbane's water supply and offering panoramic views of the city.
