Bligh seeks Queensland’s top 150 Icons

In the countdown to Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations 2009 (Q150), Premier Anna Bligh today called on Queenslanders to start thinking about what icons they believe define the Queensland identity, with voting on icons beginning in March 2009.

“Maybe its Eddie Mabo, the Story Bridge, the Queensland Muddie, the Gabba, the XXXX Man, the Ekka, Qantas, or the Big Pineapple – then again maybe its all of them,” the Premier told State Parliament this morning.

“As Queenslanders, we have come a long way since 1859,” Ms Bligh said.

“The past 150 years have shaped who we are and what Queensland has become and we have plenty to be proud of.

“With next year, Queensland’s year, there’s no better time for us to take a good look at the Queensland identity and what better way to do that than through icons dear to the hearts of Queenslanders,” she said.

Through the Q150 Icons program - presented by Oz Minerals - all Queenslanders have an opportunity to have their say on this topic.

Andrew Michelmore, OZ Minerals Chief Executive Officer said OZ Minerals is proud to join in this celebration of Queensland's people, places and stories.

"We hope that Q150 Icons will help everyone embrace the history and cultural diversity that make Queensland great," he said.

The Premier said that there are 10 categories that Queenslanders will have the opportunity to vote on in March next year with an outcome announced later in the year.

“Each of the topics align with the Q150 theme of our people, our places, our stories.

“From state shapers, to sports legends, influencing artists, natural attractions, locations, engineering feats, defining moments, inventions and innovations, there’s a category to capture through icons, the essence of what it means to be a Queenslander.

“There will also be a ‘typically Queensland’ category to capture the more quirky fun-loving side that Queenslanders are famous for.

“The process is step-by-step and designed to provoke thought and debate.

“First there will be a period of debate which will be encouraged by Q150 media partners from early next year.

“We have asked all Queensland State Members to take part in this project and invited them to submit 10 nominations from their constituents across the 10 categories.

“This will be followed by the voting period 1 March 2009 to 30 April 2009 and an announcement on Queensland’s top 150 icons will be made later in the year.

“Next year is shaping up to be an exciting year for Queenslanders and now one in which we define our identity,” she said.

http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/

Category	Description
*Our people…*
1.State-shapers	People/organisations who/that have influenced/contributed significantly to Queensland i.e. politicians, businesses, Steve Irwin.
2.Influencing artists	Artists (musicians, authors, actors, painters, designers) or art works.
3.Sports legends	People who have made a contribution to sport in Queensland.
*Our places…*
4.Locations	Iconic locations in Queensland i.e. Big Pineapple, Australia Zoo, South Bank.
5.Natural attractions	Iconic locations that are naturally formed i.e. Great Barrier Reef, Carnarvon Gorge, Fraser Island.
6.Structures and engineering feats	Buildings, constructions, signs, museums i.e. Gabba, Bundaberg Rum Distillery, tilt train.
*Our stories…*
7.Defining moments	Memorable moments from our past, things we’ve overcome, moments that have bought Queenslanders together i.e. Brisbane floods, Expo, Mabo.
8.Inventions and innovations	Inventions or innovative concepts that Queensland has pioneered i.e. Royal Flying Doctor Service, cervical cancer vaccination.
9.Events and festivals	Iconic Queensland events or those that originated in Queensland i.e. Carnival of Flowers, Woodford Folk Festival, Ekka.
10.“Typically Queensland”	Anything that is reminiscent of Queensland e.g. food, animals, behaviours, fashion, traditions i.e. Moreton Bay bug, jacaranda trees, thongs, Queenslander houses

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500