June 29, 2022
Former Cherbourg Shire chairman – and later mayor – Ken “Burra” Bone is being remembered for his many years of long service to local government.
The Wakka Wakka Elder died at the Ny-Ku Byun Elders Village in Cherbourg on Wednesday morning after a short illness.
He was aged 75.
Uncle Ken first joined Council in 1991 and served two terms as chairman, in 1994 and 1997.
He was then elected mayor in 2000, 2004 and again in 2012.
On January 1, 2001, he was awarded a Centenary Medal for distinguished service through the Cherbourg Aboriginal Council.
Uncle Ken’s wife Marlene, whom he married in 2008, told southburnett.com.au he was particularly proud of the new houses that had been built in the community during his time on Council as well as the establishment of the Cherbourg radio station in the late 1990s.
He served as president of the radio station’s Board.
Uncle Ken was born in Cherbourg and was a fan of the Cherbourg Hornets and Brisbane Broncos.
He also had a passion for golf in his later years, which he played at the Murgon golf course.
Aunty Marlene said funeral arrangements were still being organised.
Uncle Ken is survived by his wife Marlene, nine children and six stepchildren.
A great man and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our condolences to family and Ken’s extended family.
Condolences to all his family.
It was so great to see him able to attend the community celebration a few months ago recognising that his community and surrounds was always Wakka Wakka land.