Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Community Barbecue With The Queen

Victor P Taffa

• Western Australians invited to meet The Queen
• State Reception in gardens of Government House
• The Queen to visit Clontarf Aboriginal College, Bentley

Thousands of Western Australians will be able to join Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at a big community barbecue on the Perth foreshore as part of their Royal Visit later this month.

Premier Colin Barnett said the ‘Big Aussie Barbecue’ would be a highlight of the Royal couple’s State Visit.

“The barbecue will be held on the morning of Saturday, October 29 at locations along the Perth foreshore and we want thousands of people to join the festivities and see The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.” Mr. Barnett said.

“Numerous barbecue stalls will be located throughout the area and volunteers will be cooking sausages which can be purchased via a gold coin donation. Funds raised will be distributed among various charities and community groups, still to be nominated.”

“This will be The Queen’s final public engagement during her Australian trip and we want to give the Royal couple an extraordinary send-off before they depart Perth.”

As Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Donna Faragher has played an integral role in planning for this visit.

To maximise viewing opportunities for the public, a slow motorcade procession will precede The Queen’s arrival to the event.

The Premier said free public transport on the Transperth network on both Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 would assist those wanting to be a part of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit.

“Given the State Visit coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the Big Aussie Barbecue won’t be the only opportunity to see the Royal couple.” Mr. Barnett said.

“On the morning of Friday, October 28 a slow motorcade procession will occur along St Georges Terrace after The Queen has officially opened CHOGM.”

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrive in Canberra on Wednesday, October 19 and travel to Perth on Wednesday, October 26. They leave Australia from Perth on Saturday, October 29.

Mr. Barnett said the Royal Party would arrive at the Perth International Airport on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 26.

“On Thursday, October 27, The Queen will visit Clontarf Aboriginal College in Bentley to view the programs undertaken there and later attend a State Reception with 1,800 invited guests.” Mr. Barnett said.

The State Reception, to be hosted by the Premier and Mrs Barnett, will be held in the gardens of Government House.

Guests include representatives of the arts, community and business sectors along with volunteers, members of parliament, community leaders, sports identities, military personnel and the judiciary.

“We have also invited senior students from about 70 schools throughout the State from the Kimberley in the north, to Albany in the south and Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the east.” the Premier said.

“This will be an opportunity for young people to be part of an event that will remain with them always.”
While the State Reception is a formal event, the intention is to keep official proceedings to a minimum.

“This is our opportunity to truly showcase Western Australia – our people, our food, our hospitality – to the Royal couple and the world through the eyes of the international media who will attend.” Mr. Barnett said.

Arrangements for the State Reception are still being finalised but will include performances from WA musicians. The menu will have a strong local produce focus.

The Queen will officially open the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Friday, October 28 at 10am.

Fact File

• The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh last visited Perth in 2000
• Newspaper advertisements will provide details of the Royal Visit
• For more information about CHOGM 2011 go to http://www.westernaustralia.com/chogm