COMMUNITIES GO ALL OUT TO CELEBRATE QLD’S 150TH

Queensland communities have pulled out all stops to celebrate next year’s Queensland’s 150^th Anniversary and that includes the Goondiwindi and District Family Historical Society, and the Goondiwindi and District Historical Society Inc at Goondiwindi, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

“There is outstanding interest for the remaining $2.4 million for the third and final round of the $4 million Q150 Community Funding Program,” she said.

The program, initiated by the Government, helps communities stage their own 2009 celebrations.

“Once again creative events, publications and activities dominate the line-up.

“The Goondiwindi and District Family Historical Society are receiving $7200 to publish a pictorial history book about the Goondiwindi region.

“A large number of historical photographs have been donated to the society which really goes to show how much the local community supports the book.

The Goondiwindi and District Historical Society Inc will receive $10,000 for the Goondiwindi River Festival project and will conduct an exhibition Goondiwindi 1859 to 2009.

Members of the community will be invited to loan their own historical photos to the exhibition, and local children will be invited to draw, paint their vision of Goondiwindi which will also be displayed at the exhibition.

“It’s great to see communities so excited about celebrating our 150^th anniversary of separation from New South Wales.

“We’ve come a long way since 1859 and we have plenty to celebrate.

“Today’s Proclamation Day and 21 sleeps until we start our biggest birthday year yet.

“We’ve added more than 300 successful community commemorative projects to the Q150 groundswell of activity that’s building up for next year.

“Queenslanders now have almost 500 Queensland Government-funded community activities they can enjoy or participate in around the State.

“This is on top of the major touring events like the Q150 steam train, Q150 shed and Q150 Film Festival.

“Queensland turns 150 only once and we’re doing everything we can to make sure celebrations touch as many Queenslanders as possible.

“From Weipa and the Torres Strait Islands in the North to Bedourie in the Far West and the Gold Coast in the South, there’s a Q150 activity for everyone.

“2009 is our year! Get ready to enjoy the events, the commemorations and the many creative ways you’ve come up with to mark this milestone in your own communities.”

Q150 program of events is available online at www.q150.qld.gov.au. More events are uploaded weekly. Printed programs will be available in local newspapers week commencing 25 January 2008 with a second printed program planned mid-year.

Media inquiries: 3224 4500

Diane Cairns, Treasurer, Goondiwindi and District Historical Society, Inc, 4671 2005.

David McMahon, President, Goondiwindi and District Historical Society, 0409 820 013 mcmahond@bigpond.net.au