CHOGM 2011 update: Queen Elizabeth II to attend

Premier Colin Barnett has welcomed the announcement by Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will officially open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth on Friday, October 28.

CHOGM 2011 will be the biggest event to be held in Perth for almost 50 years, with the leaders of more than 50 Commonwealth nations set to participate. Detailed planning for The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s attendance at CHOGM 2011 would be stepped-up following the announcement. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh last visited WA in 2000.

CHOGM 2011 will be more than just a meeting of world leaders. A number of artistic, cultural and sporting events to be held in conjunction with CHOGM have been confirmed, including:

In addition, as part of an ambitious art project to coincide with the event, a State-wide search has been launched today to identify 53 everyday West Australians born in each of the Commonwealth countries attending CHOGM 2011. The portrait photographs, to be taken by Perth-born and internationally renowned photographer Russell James, will feature in a public art exhibition showcasing the immense cultural diversity within Western Australia.

Current estimates are that CHOGM 2011 will attract more than 4,000 people to WA and will result in a direct economic impact of $80million additional expenditure in the State from visitor spending and spending by the Federal Government on venues, accommodation, security, dinners and receptions.