With his surname, John Walton has a high pedigree when it comes to mining around Cloncurry.
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He is a fourth generation mineral explorer – His grandfather Clem was one of the founders of Mary Kathleen and has a park named after him at Corella Dam.
John has followed in the family footsteps and is the president of Cloncurry and District Historical Society and chair of the Rockhana organising committee.
Rockhana at Mary Kathleen Park is the north west’s premier mining and gem festival now 13 years strong.
“Cloncurry is a unique town and has cattle, transport, tourism but the big event is mining, it started as a mining town, it’s still going as a mining town,” John said.
“Rocks and minerals of the district are the wealth of the district and Rockhana celebrates that.” It’s an event loved by locals, tourists and exhibitors alike. David Hutchins from Wide Bay Valuation Laboratories in Bundaberg said he and wife Pam have been to the last seven Rockanas.
“We love it and keep coming back,” he said.
“We usually drive around the region, go fossicking and look at places like Kuridala.”
At the Ernest Henry tent Mr Walton challenged Glencore geologist Emma Beattie to an on-the-spot quiz on local geology which she passed with flying colours. “10/10 effort.” said John.