BELLS PEEL AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL FOR PROCLAMATION DAY 2008 AND PREVIEW OF WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2009

Premier Anna Bligh today climbed the 75 steps to the bell tower of St John’s Cathedral in Ann Street to ring the bells on Proclamation Day 2008.

The Premier was heralding what’s in store for 2009 when church and town hall bells will ring across the State on 10 December 2009 to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Queensland’s proclamation as a separate colony.

Queensland’s first proclamation on 10 December 1859 was declared from the balcony of the then Adelaide House, which is now the Deanery of the Cathedral.

Ms Bligh rang the bells after previewing the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations (150) program of events for 2009 on the steps of the Cathedral on a site which has historical significance for Queensland.

“The ringing of bells has long been associated with important occasions,” Ms Bligh said.

“What could be more important an occasion for Queenslanders than our 150^th anniversary as a separate colony from New South Wales.

“For next year we are calling on all churches of all denominations and all town halls to chime in and ring their bells on Proclamation Day 2009 (10 December 2009) at 10am.

“It’s one of the most significant dates on our birthday calendar and we want everyone to know and hear about it. “

She said the program of events for next year was packed with plenty to do and plenty of ways to mark 2009.

“Hundreds of events are scheduled so far around the state and this is but a snapshot of what’s to come with more events being uploaded to www.q150.qld.gov.au every week,” she said.

“There’s something for everyone with community events like the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival, the Apology Anniversary, the Queensland Pipe Band Championships, the Queensland Police Spectacular, the Laura Dance Festival, the Outback Festival and even a Mary Poppins Festival, to name a few.

“Everyone’s invited to be part of Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations. This program will help everyone get ready to celebrate our great State.”

She said a printed version of the Q150 program would be available through local papers in week commencing 25 January with a second program out midyear. For the very latest updates, visit www.q150.qld.gov.au.

St John’s Cathedral currently has 10 bells, named after nine Deans and one Administrator of the Cathedral between 1925 and 1988.

The bells are named Francis, Horace, Williams, Denis, William Pye, Cecil, Ian, Ralph, Robert and Arthur. Francis is the lightest, weighing in at 268 kg and Arthur the heaviest at 835 kg.

Next year on 10 December the church will have it’s full complement of 12 bells to complete the peel.

Q150 is proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, Santos, The University of Queensland, Warner Bro. Movie World, OZ Minerals, Qantas, Clovely Estate, Coca-Cola Amatil, Bundaberg Rum, APN News and Media, Austereo, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, Network 10, Nova 106.9FM and Quest Community Newspapers.

Media inquiries: (07) 32244500