A state of joy as Qld parties

A SUNNY day, large cake and smiling faces made a fitting birthday tribute to Queensland at Gympie Library, as our state celebrated its 153rd Queensland Day.

Cutting the cake with Mayor Ron Dyne were Sophia Mansfield, Amity Smith, Izabel Butterfield, Thomas Butterfield, Katelyn Davies, Noah Davies, Charlton Reeves, Khale Reeves, Koen Auer, Nellie Hextall, Lucas Keating, Lathan McMeeken, Tyler Lilwall-Murray, Lyla Birt and Samara Olsen. Picture: Contributed

A SUNNY day, large cake and smiling faces made a fitting birthday tribute to Queensland at Gympie Library yesterday, as our state celebrated its 153rd Queensland Day.

Gympie Mayor Ron Dyne and children from the library's weekly story telling group Storytime, cut the cake while library patrons and gathered public sang happy birthday to celebrate.

The day marks Queensland's separation from New South Wales, when Queen Victoria approved Queensland as a self-governing body in 1859. Mayor, Ron Dyne, believes the day signifies Queensland's achievement over 153 years.

"We have progressed substantially since our start," he said. "It's an opportunity to recognise our development and what a good life we have in Queensland."

Gympie resident Alf Blake, who attended the ceremony, said the day is "about being proud".

"I'm a proud Queenslander, I've travelled a lot and my ambition is always to come back. I love being surrounded by Queensland."

Originally published as A state of joy as Qld parties