CYRIL, NOW THERE'S AN ICON

11th October 2008

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Cyril Golding

IF you were to ask around Gladstone what person could be regarded as an icon in the community, it's a sure bet the name of Cyril Golding will feature prominently.

Mr Cyril Golding may not be altogether happy to be described as an icon, but there is no doubt he commands much respect in the community for what he has achieved in the business world, but mostly for his open-handed generosity.

The Premier Anna Bligh has called on Queenslanders to think about who and what they might vote for as icons as part of Queensland's 150th anniversary.

Other possible candidates as icons might be the distinctive landmark Mt Larcom, the Town of 1770 and even Gladstone's "can do attitude".

We want to know what you think.

QUEENSLAND Premier Anna Bligh is calling for the nomination of 150 icons to celebrate 150 years of statehood.

Gladstone, I am sure will do its part.

We have plenty to offer.

The premier's call was made from the capital of this state, Brisbane.

The irony is that if history had taken a different course, this state's 150th anniversary would have occurred 11 years ago with Gladstone, not Brisbane, as the capital city.

Although Brisbane had been settled first, the authorities in Sydney had hoped to establish a more northern site as the administrative centre and eventually an attempt was made to set up a settlement here.

It was a short-lived attempt and the settlement was abandoned and the pride of place went to Brisbane.

The main categories in the icon vote are - Our people; Our places, and Our stories with a total of 10 sub-categories including: natural attractions, structures and engineering feats, events and festivals, things "typically Queensland", influencing artists, and sports legends.

Where can we stake our claim?

Natural attractions: The Great Barrier Reef - after all don't we claim that Gladstone is the gateway to it?

Structures and engineering feats: QAL the largest alumina refinery in the world;

Events and festivals: 1770 Festival that celebrates Cook's landing on our shores and the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race;

Things "Typically Queensland": isn't the Gladstone mudcrab a famed delicacy?

Influencing artists: poet and Professor Val Vallis; and Sports legends; Gary Larson.

If you have a favourite icon candidate send your suggestions to newsroom@gladstoneobserver.com.au or phone Shari on 4970 3085.