About Queensland Week
Across the state, Queensland Week is a time to showcase our people, places and achievements. The festive week originated from Queensland Day on 6 June, which marks the day Queensland separated from New South Wales.
Queensland Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate everything that is great about our state.
Each year, a range of diverse activities are held all over Queensland, from the bush to the beach and the city, involving families, organisations and a range of community and social groups.
The Queensland Greats and Suncorp Queenslanders of the Year awards are also announced during Queensland Week.
Queensland Day
Queensland Day commemorates the day that Queen Victoria signed Letters Patent separating Queensland from the colony of New South Wales.
A public meeting in 1851 was called to consider Queensland’s separation from New South Wales. As the push for separation gained more support, Queen Victoria was approached to consider establishing a separate colony based at Moreton Bay. The Queen gave her approval and signed the Letters Patent on 6 June 1859.
On the same day an Order-in-Council gave Queensland its own Constitution. Queensland then became a self-governing colony with its own Governor, a nominated Legislative Council and an elected Legislative.
With the word 'Separation' painted on its body, the ship 'Clarence' sailed into Brisbane on 10 July 1859 and was greeted by a jubilant crowd eagerly awaiting the news of separation. 'Clarence' was welcomed with a 14-gun salute, a 'blue light' display and fireworks.
On 20 July 1859, Sir George Ferguson Bowen was named the state's first Governor. Celebrations resumed with fireworks, cannon fire, flag raisings and the sound of gun shots.
On 10 December 1859, Governor Bowen arrived in Brisbane to a civic reception in the Botanic Gardens. He officially marked the historic occasion of statehood by reading a proclamation from the veranda of the Deanery of St John's Cathedral.
Last reviewed: 19 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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