Winton Shire Council announced their Aussie Heroes program this week, recognising those who have gone above and beyond for their communities throughout the Queensland flood crisis.
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The council expanded the capacity for the community-owned event Winton's Way Out West Fest held across the ANZAC Day weekend and will work with local councils across Northern Queensland to find, recognise and honour Aussie heroes.
Those who will be recognised will receive free tickets, camping options at the event and a special main stage presentation where the community can come together to say 'thank you' for their efforts over that trying time.
The public are also invited to share their stories and nominate their own Aussie Heroes for the program.
The Winton community are pulling together to provide mateship for their surrounding districts across northern Queensland and offering up the festival as a meeting-place to heal.
Winton Mayor Gavin Baskett said the last few weeks have been a very trying time for Queensland and there's so many weeks, months and even years ahead of cleaning up properties and getting people back on their feet.
"The mental scars will take longer to heal and graziers will need the support.
"We want Winton's Way Out West Festival to be the place where they can come together, share their stories, honour those that have gone above and beyond," he said.
To submit a nomination for Aussie Heroes, from which local councils will make the final decision on the allocation of tickets.
The 5th Aviation Regiment of the Australian army helped deliver over 43 tonnes of livestock feed around North Western Queensland over the last month and have been enlisted to welcome festival patrons in a special ANZAC Day commemoration.
A spokesperson from the Regiment said they were both privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to work alongside local community leaders in order to ensure the delivery of critical provisions to our fellow Australians in need.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated Winton Shire Council for this initiative.
"When I announced 2019 Year of Outback Tourism back in December, it was to encourage people to visit our Outback communities doing it tough through drought," she said.
"No one could have ever imagined the devastating impact of the floods and the impact on families and their livelihoods. People often ask me how they can help. Back the bush and book your next trip west.
Winton's Way Out West Festival is a four-day event with music across more than eight venues including two flagship nights of internationally renowned music, including Aussie superstars, Amy Shark, Missy Higgins, John Williamson, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson and San Cisco, along with North American country royalty Brett Eldredge, Jon Pardi and The Road Hammers.
The Festival runs from April 25-28, 2019
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