January 18, 2016
Following the success of the 2015 South Burnett Christmas Lights Competition – which drew a record number of entries – Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd will be offering big prizes this year as well.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann made the announcement at a special presentation ceremony for the 2015 winners held at Kingaroy Town Hall last Wednesday.
First prize winner Frank Honey, from Nanango, won a $15,000 trip to Singapore for two adults and two children in the competition.
And second prize winner Christine Collett, from Proston, won a $10,000 trip to Singapore.
All other urban and rural category winners and runners-up received certificates and cash prizes of between $300 and $500.
Mayor Kratzmann said Mrs Rinehart’s company had originally offered to sponsor the Christmas Lights competition to help build connections between her company and the community.
Last year Hancock Prospecting purchased a number of South Burnett farming properties as a first step towards building a large dairying project.
But when a change of market circumstances led the company to defer its dairying proposal, it decided to use the properties to raise Wagyu beef cattle instead.
The Mayor said Christmas Lights Competition judging had been carried out by independent assessors, but Mrs Hancock had come to the South Burnett to view the Christmas Lights entries herself.
She was so impressed by what she saw that her company has offered a similar sponsorship for the 2016 competition.
However, the Mayor warned there was one caveat to the sponsorship, which is that this year’s major prize-winners will be ineligible to win again in 2016.
The Mayor also paid special tribute to first prize winner Frank Honey.
When a wild storm struck Nanango a few days before last year’s judging, many entrants were left without power and some – including one of Frank’s neighbours – had their displays blown over.
The Council deferred final judging for a few days to allow power to be restored and displays to be reassembled.
“One of Frank’s neighbours who also had a great Christmas lights display got really knocked around by the storm,” the Mayor said.
“Frank was the first to put up his hand and offer to help him get his display back together.
“I think his community-minded attitude deserves special mention.”
- Related article: Lesley And Frank Win Singapore Trip
