News
QUT has now opened doors to Queensland's grand colonial past, heralding a bright, new future.
The restored Old Government House was reopened by the Hon. Anna Bligh, MP, Premier of Queensland on Sunday 7 June, 2009 in the presence of Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley to mark Queensland's 150th anniversary.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Peter Coaldrake said more than 400 people had been involved in the restoration of Old Government House, which had taken five years and cost $15 million.
Among the 300 guests present were 61 members of the Jeays family, representing their ancestor Joshua Jeays, who built The House between 1860 and 1862. The Jeays family has been in the building industry ever since, with descendent Charlie Jeays running the family hardware business at Sandgate.
The opening had a ‘High Tea’ theme featuring lamingtons made to the original recipe, celebrating their creation at Old Government House over 100 years ago by the French chef of the time, Armand Galland.
At the conclusion of the official proceedings, the sun came out from behind the clouds to herald the end of a rainy morning, and the guests were able to go out and see the grounds and explore the exquisitely restored House.