Discovered on a property in the New South Wales Northern Rivers region, is a 1974 Hino Freighter, otherwise known as "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".
Priscilla is an icon from one of Australia's most celebrated and successful films, The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert which went on to become internationally renowned and a symbol of freedom, love and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
After filming had ended, the whereabouts of Priscilla was unknown. Priscilla had been left to the elements for approximately 16 years and was exposed to bushfires in late 2019/early 2020. In what can only be described as a miracle, Priscilla avoided extensive fire damage.
She was meant to survive.
The History Trust of South Australia, with the support of the South Australian Government, as well as the film's director, Stephan Elliott, will restore Priscilla to her former glory.
Help us bring Priscilla back to fabulous!
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Road to Restoration
The History Trust of South Australia was contacted by the property owner and the vehicle underwent extensive examination by HTSA curators to determine the authenticity. Director of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Stephan Elliott has confirmed the authenticity of the vehicle by identifying the remnants of the interior decor.
A scope of works is being finalised by a specialist coachwork repairer in Brisbane, with the restoration and repair of Priscilla expected to take 12-18 months. After surviving bushfires, floods and exposure of the elements in rural NSW, Priscilla requires an extensive restoration effort to return it to running order and in a condition similar to that when she appeared in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
The South Australian State Government have pledged $100,000 to the project for the 2024/2025 financial year. The remainder will be raised via the generous support of corporate sponsors, partners and donations to reach the target of $2.2 million.
After the repair and restoration, Priscilla will be the centrepiece of an immersive exhibition and interactive experience at the National Motor Museum, Birdwood.
Bring Priscilla back to Fabulous!
A message from the writer and director of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Stephan Elliott
"When I put pen to paper to write The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert 30 years ago, I never dreamed it would come to mean so much, to so many people. But the film resonates because under all the sequins, gags and music, it’s a story about togetherness and unconditional love.
I hope everyone gets involved in supporting this fabulous project. I can’t wait to for Priscilla’s next chapter to begin."
- Stephan Elliott
Writer and Director, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Save the Queen. Donate Today.
Driving Change
Priscilla, the bus and the movie, is about driving change – a driving force on a journey towards a more inclusive, accepting society.
It is more than the restoration of a bus, it’s about the powerful personal journeys ‘Priscilla’ has inspired; it is an opportunity to hold space for the LGBTQIA+ community’s journey from the past to the present and future; it is an opportunity to create a fabulous tourism experience at the National Motor Museum; and it is a chance to create inclusive programming so that more South Australians can see themselves represented in our major cultural institutions.
#SaveTheQueen #PriscillaQueenoftheDesert #PriscillaBus #HistoryTrustSA
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