NSW Parliament lit purple for Queen's reign

The Parliament of NSW will be illuminated in purple from 8:30pm until midnight on Sunday 6 February to acknowledge Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of dedicated service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

President of the Legislative Council Matthew Mason-Cox said that lighting up Australia’s oldest Parliament was a fitting way to mark the historic occasion.
“Her Majesty will become the first monarch of Australia to serve for 70 years and her memorable visit to Australia in 1954 was the first time a reigning monarch had visited the country,” said Mr Mason-Cox.

“The Platinum Jubilee represents an opportunity to remember her wonderful visits to Australia, including that initial one, where during her time in NSW she became the first sovereign to open an Australian parliament.”

The colour purple is synonymous with royalty and is an official colour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

In addition to the lighting of NSW Parliament House, a collection of photographs, newspaper coverage and commemorative memorabilia will be on public display at the Parliament from Tuesday 8 February. It includes a dinner set commissioned by the NSW Parliament in preparation for the intended visit of Her Majesty's father, King George VI, before his death in 1952.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jonathan O’Dea said the collection reflects the enduring connection between Britain and Australia.

“The Queen’s visit to the Parliament 68 years ago was a significant moment in NSW history,” Mr O’Dea said. 

“A recording of Her Majesty opening the third session of the 37th NSW Parliament has now been remastered, taking listeners back in time.”

Visitors can listen to the recording via a QR Code at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Display, and it will also be available on the NSW Parliament’s website. 

The NSW Parliament is among many Australian institutions that will acknowledge the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, with the Sydney Opera House sails to be lit up on Sunday night.

As part of the celebrations, the Presiding Officers of the NSW Parliament will also attend a ceremonial tree planting at Government House on Saturday 5 February.

For those keen to get into the Jubilee spirit, a gallery of images from a photo album of Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to the NSW Parliament in 1954 is available here.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Display is open to the public from Tuesday, 8 February 2022 until 4 March 2022, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and is free. Please check the Parliament website for details on how to visit including COVID-19 arrangements.