Well they call it the friendly heart of the North West and now Cloncurry has proved it yet again by being named the friendliest town in Queensland for 2018.
Environmental movement Keep Queensland Beautiful gave Cloncurry the honour in the Tidy Towns 2018 competition.
The Curry out-performed 39 other communities across the state to claim the coveted title, having only just put away the trophy from their 2013 win – and along with Bowen is the only town to win the honour twice.
Cloncurry - birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and destination of the first Qantas flight, it is a community that celebrates outback life, the true Australian way.
“The Friendly Heart” is even the town’s anthem and you only need to spend a short amount of time in the Curry to realise that it really is friendly from the knowledgeable staff and volunteers at the Cloncurry Unearthed Information Centre and Museum, to the passing wave or a warm welcome from a local.
But Keep Queensland Beautiful chief executive David Curtin said being awarded the ‘friendly town’ requires more than just being amiable to visitors, it requires the full experience - lifestyle and amenities, treasures and opportunities, history and recreation.
“Cloncurry offers the traveller vast experiences to enjoy; camping under the stars at Clem Walton Park and Corella Dam, fossicking for amethysts, bushwalking and other recreational fun at Chinaman Creek dam, or picturesque sunsets and scenic views from the lookout,” Mr Curtin said.
“Spend an afternoon strolling around town on the heritage walk, and imagine how life was at the turn of the century or picnic at one of the many parks in and around town, relax and drift away in the serenity of the region.”
Mayor Greg Campbell said Cloncurry was proud of this award and it reinforced they were not only the friendly heart of the North West Queensland but also the friendliest town in the State.
“I think it’s because we treat people like they themselves wanted to be treated,” Cr Campbell said.
“As an example it was great the way the community rallied around the family in the house fire this week, it was great support in what was a massive life-changing event for those involved.”
Other award winners:
1. Queensland’s Tidiest Town (Wondai)
2. Environmental Protection Award (Julia Creek)
3. Heritage and Culture Award (Mitchell)
4. Litter Legend Award (Warwick and Landsborough Councillor Rick Baberowski)
5. Waste Warriors Award (Edison’s Burger Bar, Emerald)
6. Community Spirit Award (Landsborough)
7. Community Champion Award (Frank Deshon, Dirranbandi)
8. Energy Innovation Award (Emerald)
9. Destination Award (Springsure)
10. Cleaner Greener School Award (Wondai)
11. Friendliest Town Award (Cloncurry)
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
