Australian events fit for a Queen’s Jubilee

WHETHER you’re a monarchist, anarchist or a party opportunist, there will be no escaping celebrations marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee across Australia over the week.

While somewhat subdued compared to activities in the UK, there will be high tea events, church services, concerts and museum expos, enough perhaps to get a nod of approval from the Queen herself.

Officials will celebrate the milestone the formal way – Prime Minister Julia Gillard will light a beacon on Parliament House, as will South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill at Elizabeth, and both events coinciding with lightings of 2,012 beacons around the world.

Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott will join NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and the British Consul General Richard Morris at a Diamond Jubilee church service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney on June 3.

For Sydneysiders, a photo exhibition of the Queen’s various visits to Australia during her 60-year reign is on display at King’s Cross Library this weekend.

Queenslanders, meanwhile, will get a late Queen’s birthday public holiday on June 11, with the government encouraging communities and groups to hold their own events across the state.

And less conventionally, the lesbian and gay communities of Tasmania will also party with the Queen, albeit for different reasons, at a royal-themed dance party on June 10.

IMAGE: (AAP Image/Alex Coppel)