Queensland’s rich founding history is a story celebrated, commemorated and enjoyed, especially in the towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy where the title ‘the birthplace of Queensland’ has been rightfully coined. For 17 years, the Captain Cook 1770 Festival has commemorated Lieutenant Cook’s visit to Seventeen Seventy aboard the Endeavour which signaled the dawn of Queensland, a state that rightly proud of it’s achievements, growth and diversity.

The weekend-long Festival will consist of market stalls, historical reenactments, art exhibitions, great food and entertainment – all showcasing myriad dynamic local and regional artists and performers. One of this Government’s Toward Q2 ambitions is to protect our lifestyle and environment.

That’s why we support events like the 1770 Festival through the Queensland Events Regional Development Program. This program has provided more than $13.6 million to 645 regional events since it started as a world-first initiative in 2001. These events create jobs, attract tourists, fuel growth and prosperity and give a tremendous sense of pride for the local host communities.

Across the State, thousands of individuals, community groups, local councils and in some cases entire towns, put countless hours into ensuring their events are a success.

Enjoy the 1770 Festival, and I hope you will have an opportunity to discover more of Queensland’s great events in the coming year.