Winton 150 Year Gala Ball

Senator for Queensland, Senator Susan McDonald; Winton Shire Council, Mayor, Councillor Cathy White, former Mayors, Councillors and staff; Master of Ceremonies and celebrated Australian poet, Mr Rupert McCall; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here tonight.

Graeme and I are so pleased to be back in Winton, and share with you all the excitement and pride that comes with celebrating this town’s incredible 150^th anniversary.

In the wake of the record-breaking floods that have swept through our state—cutting off communities, leaving roads impassable, and bringing heartache and hardship to so many—the people of Winton have shown remarkable strength.

The flooding has compounded the already significant challenges of life in regional and remote Queensland, yet your steadfast commitment to this resilient town, which has contributed so much to our state over the past 150 years, is nothing short of extraordinary.

And it’s no wonder that spirit endures—because what a remarkable place this is, with its rich and vibrant Indigenous and European history, its spectacular outback scenery, its many amazing attractions, and its determined and passionate people.

Winton’s beginnings as a municipal centre might have been modest, yet over the years, as the population and facilities have grown, and transport and communication channels have developed, the sheep and cattle raising that underpins this region has yielded riches that have benefitted our entire state.

Additionally, this area’s fame for its precious boulder opals, its global reputation for unearthing and showcasing Australia’s fascinating dinosaurs, its link to the beginnings of QANTAS, and its support for innovative cultural events such as the Outback Festival, have ensured that Winton has made its mark—disproportionate to its relatively small numbers of residents.

Of course, Winton is also the birthplace of the national treasure, “Waltzing Matilda”, with lyrics by Banjo Patterson, and the melody attributed to local girl, Christina Macpherson, whose family owned Dagworth Station.

And there is an early Vice-Regal connection here.

In September 1900—five years after the poem was written, and during the catastrophic Federation Drought, the then Governor, Lord Lamington arrived via the newly completed rail-line, and as part of the evening’s entertainment, at the Post Office Hotel, he specifically requested a rendition of the song, which became the first performance of “Waltzing Matilda”, under “Vice-Regal patronage”.

 Lord Lamington also allegedly joined in singing the chorus, but I promise to spare you from that tonight!

Through floods, droughts, fires, and wars—through times of good fortune and times of difficulty—Winton has not only endured, but thrived, demonstrating how hard work, a tough mindset, and a great sense of humour can shape a community’s character.

I saw this enthusiasm in force during today’s Grand Parade, and while the official sesquicentennial program concludes tomorrow with a Sunset Concert, I know that this deep and enduring respect for Winton’s past—from locals and tourists alike—will continue to favour its future.

I congratulate the Winton Shire Council and everyone involved in planning these special events, and hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities in this historic hall.

Happy 150^th birthday, Winton!