Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron to play lead in Q150 Proclamation Day

by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on 8 Dec 2009 Thursday 10th December 2009 will mark 150 years since the historic reading in Brisbane of the Letters Patent. The Letters Patent was signed by Queen Victoria on 6 June 1859, proclaiming Queensland a separate colony to New South Wales.

Queensland’s first Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, accompanied by his wife Lady Diamantina Bowen, witnessed the reading of the Letters Patent from the balcony of Adelaide House, now the Deanery of St Johns Cathedral in Ann Street, Brisbane.

A flotilla of Watercraft with Governor Bowen and Lady Diamantina aboard (played by actors) will leave Colmsie Reserve headed for Brisbane City Botanic Gardens as they did 150 years ago when they first arrived in Brisbane. The day kick off with a free community breakfast, entertainment, face painting, and indigenous dancers. The flotilla departs at 7:30am.

Proclamation Day will culminate the year of celebrations across the state and recognize the contribution and support of all Queenslanders towards the Q150 celebrations.

Ian Trelfall – RQYS Powerboat Cruising Committee Chairman and Flotilla co-ordinator commented ' after seeing photo’s of the 1959 Centenary and all of the vessell’s flying Squadron Burgees, I felt it appropriate that RQYS again be involved so we can look back in another generation on our part in these celebrations. All organizations have been a pleasure to work with including Water Police, Maritime Safety Queensland and the Q150 Committee, and I am excited by the flotilla numbers so keen to be involved directly with over 30 Squadron entrants.

Peter Hardisty – RQYS Member and owner of Millkraft Marine, skipper of Miss Eve (Lead Boat, carrying Governor Bowen and Lady Diamantina for the re-enactment) commented 'that it is indeed a pleasure to be involved in such a significant and memorable event, and his pleasure to lead the boats up the river, and into a vibrant Brisbane CBD for this special day…'
(photo attached of Peter onboard Miss Eve)

Schedule:
0600am Q150 Organising Committee – Public BBQ Breakfast, Colmslie Reserve, Lytton Road Morningside,

0730am Flotilla departs for City, 0900am Flotilla arrives City Gardens Pontoon for a special commemoration of Governor Bowen and Lady Dimantina’s arrival.

There will be a flag-raising ceremony, 21 gun salute (from Kangaroo Point) and a special F111 fly past.

Following will be a parade and a typical Queensland inspired morning tea – a lamington, don’t leave without getting one.

0900-1030am Proclamation Day ceremony – Royal Palms Lawn, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens,

1030-1130am Proclamation Day Parade to St John’s Cathedral, Alice Street, Queen Street, Ann Street – The official party will make their way from Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to St John’s Cathedral.

See the parade as it passes through the streets of Brisbane.

www.rqys.com.au