The people of Cloncurry sure know how to party, and after 150 years of existence, they definitely deserve it.
The little mining town was abuzz this weekend with a plethora of partying opportunities for locals and visitors celebrating the town’s 150 year anniversary.
A black tie ball at Cloncurry Shire Memorial Hall on Friday, September 22, was a classy way to begin the final weekend of C150 events.
Mayor Greg Campbell thanked the C150 committee and volunteers for their hard work in putting on two weeks of events to mark a huge milestone for the mining town, established in 1867.
Living up to the ‘friendly heart of the great North West’ claim, the local community grew this weekend to welcome visitors and returning residents from all over Australia.
State Treasurer Scott Morrison was the council’s special guest for the evening, attending East Leichhardt Hotel for beers beforehand.
Mr Morrison said it was a great pleasure to be able to visit Cloncurry, and congratulated the Shire Council on their anniversary.
Sponsor Cudeco’s CEO, Mark Gregory, gave a small speech and presented the award for Belle of the Ball, which went to Miss Rodeo Australia 2016, Cloncurry’s Katy Scott.
Outside the town hall, a couple of supplementary celebrations were taking place for those who missed out on some 500 tickets.
The Gidgee Inn Motel threw a well-placed ‘overflow ball’, which drew a black tie crowd and offered cocktails and soulful tunes by two popular Mount Isa performers.
Waifs and strays were also welcome at the trusty Cloncurry Bowls Club, for barefoot bowls in ballgowns and a drink or two.
The unofficial after party filled out the Post Office Hotel, where hundreds enjoyed a good old fashioned knees up, dancing to live country music and spilling an inordinate amount of alcohol.
The following day, more than a thousand showed up for the C150 six card race day at Cloncurry Equestrian Centre – (story and full fashion gallery coming soon!)
C150 Rodeo finished a full-on weekend of events for the town, which has a lot to celebrate in 2017.