A Community Garden Party organised by Friends of Newstead Inc in Newstead House and the surrounding Newstead Park was a major contribution to the acknowledgement of the Sesquicentenaries of Queensland and the municipality of Brisbane.

This event, which attracted an estimated 2,000+ visitors, reflected on news brought by the paddle-steamer Clarence on 10 July 1859 that a new colony called Queensland had been formed. On that occasion, 150 years ago, crowds gathered at the wharf, the word ‘SEPARATION’ was emblazoned along the hull of the Clarence; there was a 14 gun salute, fireworks and a display of ‘blue light’.

Click below for a slide-show incorporating all the elements of this Moment in History.