Governor makes tracks into the west
THE Queensland Governor will ride the rails back to his former home town of Longreach next week, on a unique Spirit of the Outback service bringing Queensland Rail's historic 'Vice-Regal' carriage to Western Queensland.
The whistle-stop tour on Wednesday June 8, will include community events at Emerald, Barcaldine and Longreach, as part of an initiative with Queensland Rail to connect with rural Queenslanders and lift the spirits of the drought-stricken area.
His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC spent a happy few years in Longreach in the 1950s as a child, where the Governor's father was a school teacher and principal.
This is the Governor's 79th visit to a regional centre since being sworn-in in July 2014, when His Excellency made the commitment to visit all Queensland communities, lending support to those endeavours and contributions which bind and uplift our communities.
The Vice-Regal carriage was built in 1903 and has a proud history transporting Governors, and the occasional Royal visitor, around Queensland. School students and members of the community will be invited into the Carriage along the journey.
Queensland Rail Chief Operating Officer Kevin Wright said the event was part of the lead up to the 100th anniversary of the current Longreach Station, which will be celebrated in October.
"For 150 years, Queensland Rail has connected communities and helped grow outback economies. Longreach and Emerald today rely on the rail industry for both freight importation and tourism," Mr Wright said.
"We're proud of the role we play in outback Queensland and want to do what we can to support it, including partnering with local organisations to use our Spirit of the Outback service to boost tourism in the region.
"I'm thrilled the Governor has joined us for this special journey and that we can continue the tradition of sharing the Vice-Regal carriage, a piece of railway history, with Western Queensland communities.
"Whether you live in Emerald, Barcaldine or Longreach, we're inviting you to come along to the station and join in the fun. We'll be using local suppliers for all our refreshments to showcase the fantastic food and drink on offer."
The Governor will travel with Mrs Kaye de Jersey, Queensland Rail Chairman Michael Klug and CEO Helen Gluer.
The Vice-Regal carriage, known as Special Car 445 was built at the Ipswich Railway Workshops in 1903 using Queensland timbers and original artworks.
The carriage includes two state rooms with a bathroom, an observation room with lounge chairs and a dining room for six.
Upholstered in cream and old gold, it was used by the Governor and visiting royalty, including the Prince of Wales in 1920, when it was lauded for its modern 'electric lighting'.
The carriage was also used as part of the Royal trains for the visits of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1927, the Duke of Gloucester in 1934 and Princess Alexandra in 1959.
