Birth of Queensland
The push for separation from New South Wales began in earnest in the early 1850s. Between 1851 and 1854, a number of public meetings were held and by January 1856, a series of petitions had been sent to Queen Victoria seeking the establishment of a separate colony.
On July 10 1859, the ship ‘Clarence’ with the word ‘Separation’ painted on its hull sailed into Brisbane bringing the news that on 6 June 1859, Queen Victoria had signed the Letters Patent creating a new colony. The news was greeted enthusiastically by a jubilant crowd and the vessel was welcomed with a 14-gun salute and fireworks.
The Queen favoured the name Queensland over suggestions to call it Cooksland in honour of Captain James Cook.
Later that month there were further celebrations when news was received that Sir George Ferguson Bowen would be the colony's first Governor. Fireworks, cannon fire, flag raisings and the sound of a gun shot expressed the public's sentiment.
Elaborate plans were made for the reception of the Governor, who sailed into Brisbane with his wife, Lady Diamantina, on Saturday 10 December 1859. On arrival at the Botanic Gardens, they were greeted by over 4,000 people waiting on the river banks.
The Governor and his party proceeded to Government House in Adelaide Street (now the Deanery of St John's Cathedral) and ascended to the balcony from where the proclamation was read officially establishing Queensland as a separate colony. The proclamation and Letters Patent were published in the Queensland Government Gazette on 10 December 1859.
The Moreton Bay Courier reported that the celebrations continued in Brisbane for several days and included formal ceremonies, boat races on the river and fireworks.
To mark the date on which Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent, each year, 6 June is celebrated as Queensland Day. To commemorate the anniversary, the Queensland Government organises a series of statewide activities known as Queensland Week.
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Last reviewed 9 July 2008
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