A dedication to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee

Today marked the 70th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – officially the longest-reigning British monarch in history – with a new garden at Government House dedicated in her honour to mark the occasion.

The Governor and Ms Annus today welcomed guests to Government House for the unveiling of a plaque to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as well as the dedication of a rose garden featuring David Austin roses, one of the Queen’s favourites.

The garden area has been developed in three parts, the original David Austin rose garden, a further major extension with the addition of a glorious array of new David Austins, and also the creation of a garden room featuring a seating area and orange grove.

Today’s gathering was a wonderful occasion to acknowledge the start of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM delivering a Welcome to Country in which she recalled meeting the Queen in 2011 when she was here for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, and how the Queen was particularly interested in learning about the significance of the Welcome to Country ceremonies.

Government House was resplendent in floral arrangements featuring the colour purple – the official colour of the Jubilee celebrations – with guests also enjoying a beautiful classical performance by Flamingo Strings.

In his dedication speech, the Governor stated:

“On this land, may these roses flourish as a living tribute…

• Beautiful as she is,
• Bold like her adventurous nature, and
• Hardy like her resilient spirit.

Long may they thrive here at Government House, a place Her Majesty visited often, and of which she was so fond.”

The Queen ascended to the throne on 6th February 1952 when her father, King George VI passed. On 2nd June 1953, Her Majesty was crowned in a solemn ceremony conducted by Dr Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Read the Governor’s full speech here.

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