Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and her husband Professor Graeme Nimmo were presented with flowers when they visited the Kingaroy Showgrounds on Friday afternoon for the Young Judges’ competitions … from left, Mayor Kathy Duff, 2026 Kingaroy Show Rural Ambassador Breize Kelly, Showgirl Lillian Davey, Showgirl & Regional Ambassador co-ordinator Veronica May, Dr Young, Junior Rural Ambassador Ethan Clegg, Prof Nimmo, Kingaroy Show Society secretary Tamera Clegg, Acting Show Society president Ricky Barron,  Junior Showgirl runner-up Sarah Clegg, Qld Ag Shows Next Gen secretary Justin Rosenberg, Junior Showgirl Ella Langley and Show Society vice-president Larissa Greensill

May 4, 2026

Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM met hundreds of South Burnett residents during her Vice-Regal visit last week … everyone from Kingaroy schoolchildren to the volunteer team at Nanango’s Ringsfield House.

But she had one very special job to do during her three-day stay: visit Orana Aged Care in Kingaroy and present resident Vernon Clark with his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Mr Clark was recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Awards (see below) but could not attend Government House in Brisbane for his investiture, so Governor Young came to him.

Local MP, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington also attended the very special award ceremony on Friday morning.

This was Dr Young’s third official visit to the South Burnett as Queensland’s 27th Governor.

After she was sworn in, Dr Young promised to visit as many Queensland communities as she could during her term.

And, reflecting her former role as Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, she also vowed to visit as many Queensland hospitals as possible.

On Thursday, Her Excellency visited Nanango Hospital and chatted with staff before dropping into Kingaroy Hospital on Friday morning.

Her busy schedule also included:

  • A visit to Kingaroy State School
  • A community event at the Kingaroy Men’s Shed where she met South Burnett Australia Day Award winners, councillors, South Burnett Youth Council members and other local residents
  • A meeting with business leaders at the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Hub building
  • A visit to the Kingaroy Heritage Museum, Visitor Information Centre and Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery
  • Sashing the winners of the Prime Beef and Stud Beef Young Judges’ competitions at the Kingaroy Show (NB. Watch for the winners’ photos in our Kingaroy Show wrap-up)
  • Enjoying morning tea at Nanango’s historic Ringsfield House

Dr Young, who was accompanied on her visit by her husband Professor Graeme Nimmo, also attended several working dinners with South Burnett councillors during her short stay.

* * *

Vernon Clark OAM

Her Excellency Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM with Vernon Clark OAM and Professor Graeme Nimmo at Orana on Friday morning (Photo: Supplied)

Mr Clark received his Order of Australia Medal for services to engineering.

His citation stated that he has been owner and director of the Kingaroy Engineering Works since 1956, as well as a consultant – engineering and research – in the Australian peanut industry.

In 2025, Mr Clark was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South Burnett Regional Council Australia Day Awards.

He is a pioneer in manufacturing machinery for the peanut industry.

Mr Clark set up the Kingaroy Engineering Works in 1956 and began making harvesting equipment for the agriculture industry.

His equipment was used in the local industry as well as being exported to the United States, Fiji and New Zealand.

Over the years, KEW has manufactured more than 200 commercial peanut threshers and self-propelled headers, 250 commercial maize fronts and various other pieces of specialised agriculture machinery and equipment.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington with Mr Vernon Clark OAM (Photo: Supplied)

* * *

Governor’s Visit

Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with Kingaroy Men’s Shed president Eric Ford and Men’s Shed members on Friday morning
Kingaroy Men’s Shed member Ken Bradley shows Dr Young and Eric Ford one of the wooden toys he makes at the Men’s Shed … the Governor toured the Men’s Shed and spoke to members
Dr Young, Professor Nimmo, Cr Jane Erkens and hospital staff at Nanango Hospital on Thursday (Photo: Supplied)
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with staff at Kingaroy Hospital on Friday (Photo: Supplied)
Dr Young, Professor Nimmo and Mayor Kathy Duff with Council staff and volunteers at the Kingaroy Heritage Museum on Friday (Photo: Supplied)
Dr Young, Professor Nimmo and Mayor Kathy Duff with Council staff and volunteers at the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery on Friday (Photo: Supplied)
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with Cr Jane Erkens, former Kingaroy Shire councillor Marie Shaw, Cr Danita Potter, Cr Deb Dennien and Mayor Kathy Duff at Ringsfield House on Saturday morning (Photo: Supplied)
Dr Young, Cr Jane Erkens and Mayor Kathy Duff with volunteers at Ringsfield House on Saturday (Photo: Supplied)
Professor Nimmo and Dr Young reading to students at Kingaroy State School (Photo: Supplied)
Cr Young and Professor Nimmo with former South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell and Cr Ros Heit who will both be travelling to Government House soon to receive their own Order of Australia Medals
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with members of the South Burnett Youth Council
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with South Burnett councillors, from left, Cr Ros Heit (Division 6), Cr Heath Sander (Division 5), Cr Deb Dennien (Division 4), Mayor Kathy Duff, Cr Danita Potter (Division 3), Cr Jane Erkens (Division 1) and Cr Linda Little (Division 2)
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with members of the Kingaroy Lions Club
Dr Young and Professor Nimmo with the various South Burnett residents who were recognised in this year’s South Burnett Regional Council Australia Day Awards

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