Port strikes gold in Heritage Awards
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) has struck gold at the Mackay Regional Council Heritage Awards for the Port of Mackay’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.
NQBP received the Heritage Media Gold Award in recognition of its community engagement in marking this significant milestone in Mackay’s history in August last year.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the anniversary celebrations would be long remembered for the community connection it created.
“It’s important to recognise the many partners of NQBP, and staff, who contributed to this fabulous event and the hard work which went into the organisation and planning,” Mr Fertin said.
“We commend the assistance of Queensland Museum, and key stakeholders such as Traditional Custodians, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, Mackay Museum and Historical Society, the Mackay Family History Society and local community members.
“What is humbling to NQBP, is the community connections and stories in the lead up to and following the event in terms of the nostalgia of the Port’s historic ties to the region.”
Mr Fertin paid thanks to Dr Melanie Piddocke, Museum Development Officer for Central Queensland (Queensland Museum), for her contribution to the historical exhibition and display of port memorabilia including a vast array of archive photos.
“More than 3,000 community members gathered at Old Mulherin Park for a Maritime Carnival as part of the anniversary celebrations,” he said.
In all, the media materials associated with the Port’s big day reached more than 100,000 people. These included historical feature articles, digital media, port tours, educational features and a public exhibition of artefacts.
Speaking at the awards, Cr Fran Mann, chair of council’s Character and Heritage Advisory Committee, said the judges felt that the scale and diversity of created media was of epic proportions and the depth of engagement with the community was outstanding.
“It was felt that this event has made a lasting contribution to the history of the port, being such an important part of Mackay’s economy,” Cr Mann said.
A full list of all winners can be found in the Book of Finalists at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/heritageawards
Related Articles
-
Port operations 19 Aug 2019
People behind the port – more than a century of service
THREE long-serving staff who have devoted a collective 118 years of service to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) reflect on their favourite memories and milestones in the port’s history.
-
Capital works 4 Jun 2020Annual dredging program at the Port of Weipa completed
NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has successfully completed annual maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa,
-
Community 16 Apr 2024Bowen community has its say on the future Jetty
The Bowen community has had its say on the future of the Bowen Jetty through a community survey, workshops and community pop-ups by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and Arup.