The Naming of Roma - The Lady Roma Bowen Connection

Lady Bowen, formerly Contessa Diamantina Roma, was the wife of Queensland’s inaugural Governor, Sir George Bowen. She was a compassionate and conscientious figure, whose elegance, serenity and charm endeared her to all Queenslanders.

Born in 1833 on Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands off Greece, Diamantina was the tenth of 11 children for Count Giorgio-Candiano Roma and his wife. Given the family’s privilege and influence, she enjoyed a happy and comfortable early life with access to education and high culture.

Diamantina married English scholar Sir George Bowen at Corfu in 1856, just two years before he was appointed as Queensland’s first Governor. After a long voyage from Greece, the Bowens arrived in Queensland in 1859 on a hot and dusty December day. Upon arrival, Sir George declared Queensland a separate State to the many joyous Queenslanders lining the banks of the Brisbane River, thus commencing his popular tenure as Governor.

Lady Bowen devoted herself to working tirelessly for those in the community. Despite her background of aristocracy and great wealth, she was a gracious and natural advocate for the under privileged, the injured and the infirm.

After her family and community work, Lady Bowen’s great love was gardening. In her honour a brilliantly-hued creeper that she lovingly cultivated in the grounds of Government House during her husband’s term, is now commonly known as ‘Lady Bowen’s Creeper’. Fittingly, the shrub’s Latin name bignonia venusta translates to mean charming, lovely and graceful. This dramatic and vigorous evergreen climber has South American origins and thrives in full sun with little water - perfect for the Queensland climate.

Many places and landmarks across Australia bear testament to Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen: Roma Parklands (Brisbane); Roma Street (Brisbane); Town of Roma; Diamantina River (Northern Qld); Diamantina Shire (Qld); Diamantina Falls (VIC); Diamantina Street (ACT); Diamantina Hospital; Lady Bowen Park (Brisbane); HMAS Diamantina (Riverclass frigate); the Diamantina Trench (a deep ocean cleft off WA); Lady Bowen’s Wreck (off Mission Beach in far north Queensland).

www.ladybowentrust.org.au

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