June 7, 2023
Seven outstanding Queenslanders were added to the list of Queensland Greats this week, and two are from the South Burnett!
The late Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM grew up in Cherbourg, and rugby league’s “The Pearl”, ie. Steve “Bucko” Renouf, came from Murgon.
During her long life, Aunty Honor earned many awards, including a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000 for services to the Aboriginal communities of Cherbourg and Brisbane and a Centenary Medal in 2001 for services to the Aboriginal community, particularly at Pine Rivers.
In 2013, she was recognised for her contributions to early childhood education and the wider society by the Central Queensland University which conferred upon her an honorary degree of Doctor of the University.
Dr Cleary’s plaque was accepted at the awards ceremony on her behalf by her sisters, Aunty Lesley Williams and Aunty Jeanette Brown.
Steve Renouf needs little introduction … after playing for the Murgon Mustangs and South Burnett, he went on to play in the NRL for the Broncos, Wigan in the UK and represent Queensland and Australia.
The Queensland Greats announcements were a highlight of Queensland Day celebrations on Tuesday.
Including this year’s recipients, 120 individuals, 19 institutions and 10 posthumous recipients have been recognised as Queensland Greats since the program began in 2001.
The 2023 Queensland Greats are:
- First Nations musician and composer, William Barton
- Creator of Bluey, Joe Brumm
- Champion of anti-corruption and accountability, Gerald (Tony) Fitzgerald AC KC
- ‘The Pearl’ of rugby league, Steve Renouf
- Educator and refugee advocate, Adele Rice AM
- Queensland’s Rural Fire Service
- Queensland Elder and early childhood pioneer, Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM (posthumous)
- Stem cell research pioneer, Alan Mackay-Sim AM (posthumous)
They will be honoured with bronze plaques to be installed at the Roma Street Parkland alongside the plaques of previous Queensland Greats.
“These inspirational Queenslanders have each left their mark,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“They join people like Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Steve Irwin and Professor Ian Frazer as true Greats of our State.
“Some are names you know and some are not, but each one has made an outstanding contribution to our community.
“I thank all our 2023 Queensland Greats and encourage people to think about those individuals or organisations in their lives who deserve to be nominated for next year’s awards.”
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Queensland Great Awards.
Nominations can be made online until Friday, February 16, 2024.
[UPDATED]
Congratulations 👏🎊♥️🎉♥️🎉♥️