HERBERT RIVER 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 including those at Herbert River, 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 and activities dominate the line-up.

“Three community applications from the Herbert River area have successfully applied for $22,310 in the third and final round of Q150 Community Funding.

“They are Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s history book on Hinchinbrook area, Forrest Beach Progress Association’s community mural and the Ingham Maraka Festival’s booklet commemorating 50 years of the Ingham Festival.

“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.”

Herbert River Q150 Community Funding projects in Round 3:

Forrest Beach Progress Association, Ingham, $3200. A community mural that celebrates and commemorates the surf lifesavers of the region since 1924.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Ingham, $10,000. A comprehensive written history book of the Hinchinbrook area. It will be a compilation of available historical resources recording the Shire's character, achievements and challenges. The launch of the Shire History will form a significant part of the community's Q150 Celebration that will take place in and around the LIP funded Tyto Precinct in Ingham.

Ingham Maraka Festival Inc., Ingham, $9110, A booklet commemorating 50 years of the Ingham Festival.

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

Leola Coyne, Secretary, Forrest Beach Progress Association, 4777 8942 kevinawalker@bigpond.com

Frances Moroney, Library Manager, 07 4776 4683, fmoroney@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Darrin Hoffensetz, Ingham Maraka Festival, Secretary (04) 1887 1626 secretary@maraka.org.au