Outback showcase at gala party

FROM performers on the wings of the jumbo jet to bagpipers belting out Waltzing Matilda, the 2006 Outback Tourism Awards strived to be more than just another awards
ceremony.

It was an opportunity to showcase the Outback, and award co-ordinators the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA) took pride in rising to the occasion.

Saturday evening kicked off with drinks under the 747 and entertainment by local musicians Fruit and Nut, and Grant and Lee Millar, and then progressed to the official ceremony on the steps of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

On their arrival over 200 guests were treated to the skilful horsemanship of Australian Agricultural College Students and their tutor John Arnold.

The Longreach Community Choir graced the stage, as did local bagpipe players, before Dean Miller from Channel Seven’s Queensland Weekender took control of the evening’s proceedings.

Mr Miller’s enthusiasm was infectious and soon the Outback Queensland crowd was cheering on their respective nominees.

One after the other, tourism operators, staff and enthusiasts took to the stage to be recognised for their outstanding accomplishments during the past year.

OQTA CEO Barry Duncan congratulated local businesses for once again rising to the occasion and announced that the 2007 tourism awards would be bigger than ever, incorporating a weeklong conference.

The entertainment continued after the awards were handed out with the tin whistle, harmonica and banjo touting Ned and The Kellys from Charleville.

With Murweh Shire Council mayor Mark O’Brien as lead vocalist, the irreverent bush balladers kept the party-goers on the dance floor well past their scheduled midnight curfew.