- Queensland Day
Queensland Day is officially celebrated as the birthday of the
Australia n state of Queensland.History
Towards statehood began with a public meeting in 1851 to consider separation from
New South Wales . As the push for separation gained momentum,Queen Victoria was approached to consider establishing a separate colony based atMoreton Bay . The Queen gave her approval and signed theLetters Patent on 6 June 1859. On the same day an Order-in-Council gaveQueensland its own Constitution. Queensland became a self-governing colony with its own Governor, a nominated Legislative Council and an elected Legislative Assembly.Now 6 June is celebrated by Queenslanders as the day when the new colony of Queensland was established.
With the word ‘Separation’ painted on its hull, the ship "Clarence" sailed into
Brisbane on 10 July to be greeted by a jubilant crowd eagerly awaiting the news of separation. "Clarence" was welcomed with a 14-gun salute, a 'blue light' display andfireworks .On July 20, Queensland was informed that Sir George Ferguson Bowen would be the State's first Governor. Celebrations resumed with fireworks, cannon fires, flag raisings and the sound of gun shots.
On 10 December 1859, Governor Bowen arrived in Brisbane to a civic reception in the Botanic Gardens. He officially marked the historic occasion of Statehood by reading a proclamation from the verandah of the Deanery of St. John's Cathedral.
Queenslander of the Year
Since 1981 Queensland Day has been celebrated as the official birthday. Celebrations provide an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Queenslanders with "Queenslander of the Year" and "Young Queenslander of the Year" awards.
ee also
*
History of Queensland References
* [http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/awardsevents/events/queenslandweek/about/ Queensland Government's History of Queensland Day]
External links
* [http://www.qld.gov.au Government of Queensland]
* [http://www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au Official Queensland Week Website]
* [http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/ceremonial_honours/queensland_day.asp Queensland Day Ceremonial and Honours]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
