Premier of Queensland’s welcome
Let’s celebrate
2009 is a time for everyone to feel good about being a Queenslander. We’ll be 150 years young and proud of it.
We have come a long way since being declared a State in our own right by Queen Victoria in 1859 — from being a location in the antipodes deemed fit for convicts to becoming one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, from having a nine-pence in our treasury to becoming one of Australia’s fastest growing economies.
Queensland has grown into a State of over four million residents. We lay claim to amazing people doing incredible things in tourism, the arts, health, research and development, science and innovation, mining and agriculture.
We have a lot to celebrate. Our 150th anniversary year is an opportunity for Queenslanders to take stock, reflect back, think ahead and move forward.
The Queensland Government’s year-long celebrations (Q150) have been designed to help Queenslanders do just that.
In 2009 you can expect to see 150th anniversary celebrations around Australia Day, Queensland Day, Queensland Week, Reconciliation Week and Proclamation Day.
This celebration is not confined to metropolitan Queensland. It’s a celebration for everyone throughout the State, for people in the city, the regions and the bush.
Already we are seeing a real sense of pride start to resonate within communities throughout the State for next year’s celebrations through the Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program and Community Funding Program grants.
With more than 90 Legacy Infrastructure projects in progress, it’s fair to say there will be many towns looking their best for Queensland’s birthday.
Queenslanders now have more than 180 Community Funding projects and events to commemorate or participate in next year, and that number is growing.
The pride and excitement we are seeing now will only intensify as we countdown to 2009.
Adding even more to the celebratory spirit will be the historic Q150 steam train and the entertainment of the travelling Q150 shed. And take a look at the calendar of events on offer on this website. It’s easy to see next year is going to be huge.
You are invited to be part of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity to celebrate our 150th anniversary.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Last reviewed 1 August 2008
^ to top