It was his first visit in 16 years.

He was in the city to accept a donation of 35 quilts, made by local volunteers, for those affected by the Victorian Bushfires.

“It’s just wonderful. It shows a big contribution and a generosity of spirit that had always existing in Mount Isa,” he said.

“I find it extraordinary that a place as remote as Mount Isa, that has already had its own difficulty with the floods, can open its heart and take the time to help the people in Victoria.”

He said it was wonderful to see the city again.

“Parts of town have change and some haven’t, but the generosity of the people has been a constant,” he said.

MP Hulls has organised transport for the quilts which will be distributed by the Bushfire Reconstruction Authority.

The quilts were made and donated by a group of about 20 volunteers in Mount Isa.

In total it took close to 1000 hours to make the quilts.

Before he arrived in Mount Isa Mr Hulls visited North Queensland Indigenous groups which had successfully implemented programs that boost economic development opportunities and create jobs.

On Saturday he unveiled of the Tree of Knowledge Memorial in Barcaldine.