Burketown’s most prestigious award, the Order of the Outback, was presented to Johnathan Thurston on Saturday 30 June commemorating the 150th anniversary of Burketown’s Gazettal.
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Although JT was unable to attend on the night he relayed a video speech to thank all the voters and the people who nominated him for this award.
Burke Shire Council present the award to individuals or organisations that enrich the lives of people in the Outback.
The criteria for the award is for Australian individuals or organisations that contribute significantly to enhance the lives of people in the Outback in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
JT was nominated, not only for his sportsmanship, but also for his loyalty and humility and mateship.
He serves as an ambassador for an anti-ice campaign run by the Apunipima Cape York Health Council as well as being involved in the Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education Academy (ARTIE) which assist in closing the gap in educational outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their non- indigenous peers.
Tania Kernaghan was marvellous as the MC greeting 167 people in attendance.
Mount Isa’s Bulldust band entertained into the late hours of the night and an impromptu performance by State Member Robbie Katter took some by surprise.
He sang his rendition of the Johnny Cash song I’m going to Jackson.
Six other awards were presented by Mayor Ernie Camp and the recipients received prizes donated from Floraville Station – Mayor Ernie and Kylie Camp. The award for Matron went to Leonie Florence.
The Belle and Bull of the Ball went to Trudy Hancock and Garry Jeffries.
Hugh Russell was awarded the Beau award and Hahli Murray, the Princess award.
The Prince award went to Phillip Booth.
The lucky door prize which was sponsored by Rex went to David Booth.
Deputy Mayor Paul Poole said the ball was a credit to the staff and volunteers who organised a fantastic function.
“It brought together the community, businesses and local government from surrounding shires,” Cr Poole said.
The event was sponsored by Rex, Qld Rural, RM Williams, Floraville Downs, Aeon Metals, Erscon, Graham Bailey Earthmoving,D&D Concreting, Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Telstra, George Bourne and Associates, Ergon,Preston Law, Hastings Deering.
The Order of the Outback is a biennial award dating back to the 1980s.
BlazeAid were the recipients of the 2016 Order of the Outback award.
