State Library is delighted to welcome into the collection several hundred photographs of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrating Fraser Island during their tour of Australia in October, 2018.
The photographs of the Queensland leg of the tour depict Their Royal Highnesses during 22-23 October 2018. They first landed in Hervey Bay and then toured Fraser Island or K’gari as it is known by traditional owners the Butchulla people. The visit celebrated the dedication of the site as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC). The QCC presents a unique opportunity to save the world’s forests in the Commonwealth while conserving Indigenous forests for future generations.
The Duke took part in a traditional Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony and unveiled a plaque for the dedication of the Forests of K’gari to the QCC. He then toured one of Fraser Island’s iconic lakes. He and The Duchess of Sussex met with local elders, national park rangers and members of the community to learn about the Island’s natural beauty, rich history, biodiversity and cultural significance.
These images were taken by AUSPIC photographer Penny Bradfield and donated to John Oxley Library from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s office with permission from the Australian Department of Parliamentary Services and the Australian Prime Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The photographs are currently being processed and will soon be available online in State Library’s catalogue One Search.
C. Cottle – Specialist Librarian, State Library of Queensland