A woman who devotes hours to taking older residents on drives in the country and making sure they are nourished, through Meals on Wheels – this was the selfless community service recognised in Blackall on Australia Day this year, when Frances Blacker received the Citizen of the Year award.
She was one of many applauded by communities across the west in a number of ceremonies.
The Great Australian Bites festival, first held in Brisbane in 2013, debuted in Longreach with a showcase of local produce and musical talent.
Longreach is the first outback town to be invited to participate, which mayor Ed Warren described as worthy recognition of the region’s lifestyle.
“It’s a great fit because we have a unique lifestyle out here – it’s different to elsewhere in the state but still authentically Queensland,” he said.
“It’s important to celebrate that.
“A lot of locals leave town over the Australia Day holiday but we’re keen for them to stay and celebrate our great Aussie lifestyle here at home.”
Barramundi and Crocodile sliders, lamb Kofta kebabs, and a selection of curries were offered after a citizenship ceremony that welcomed new citizens from India, Iraq and Russia to the community.
Tireless community advocate Rosemary Champion was named as Longreach’s Citizen of the Year.
Australia Day awards announced include:
Tambo
- Young Sports Award of the Year – Hugo Hobbs
- Citizen of the Year – Jan Ross
- Community Event of the Year – The Amazing Race
- Sports Award – Tambo District Cricket Club
- Cultural Award – Barry Mayne
Blackall
- Sports Award – Jim Taylor
- Community Event of the Year – Blackall Heartland Festival
- Citizen of the Year – Frances Blacker
- Young Citizen of the Year – Zach Frost
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
