Aspen Island, soon to be known as Queen Elizabeth II Island, in honour of the long-serving monarch. Photo: Glynis Quinlan.
Aspen Island, the home of the Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today (1 January).
Mr Morrison said the name change is to honour the Queen in her platinum jubilee year, which marks 70 years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth.
“Seventy years of service is a truly immense achievement and we are proud to join with other Commonwealth nations to celebrate this milestone,” Mr Morrison said.
“We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with the key events throughout 2022 to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service.”
Mr Morrison said renaming Aspen Island would be one of the major celebrations.
“Aspen Island, in Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022,” he said.
“Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.”
“This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.”
Both the island and the water gardens will display the Commonwealth flags.
The Carillon, which recently celebrated its 50th birthday, is one of Canberra’s most iconic landmarks and stands testament to the longstanding relationship between Australia and Britain. As a showcase for the relationship between music and architecture, it draws large crowds of tourists and locals.
The name Aspen Island was gazetted on 21 November 1963 after the Aspen tree of the poplar genus. It is the largest of three islands on the lake, located on the south-eastern side of Central Basin.
More events to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be announced during the year, including an invitation to submit a personal message of thanks. The first event is scheduled for 6 February, which marks the 70th anniversary of the accession of the Queen, followed by Commonwealth Day on 14 March, the Queen’s Coronation Day on 2 June and the Queen’s Birthday holiday on 15 June.
Information about celebrations, events and activities is available at Platinum Jubilee.
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