FNQ THANKS A GIFTED MUSICAL LEADER

Cairns punches well above its weight in terms of cultural and artistic endeavours. The professionalism and level of all aspects of culture and the arts belie the size of the population and its relative remoteness from the rest of Australia and the world.

The many productions staged every year are costly and rely heavily on the generosity of sponsors, local, state and federal government.

But, in particular, they also are dependent upon a small group of dedicated and hardworking volunteers.

Among those and perhaps the leader of the local pack is the late John O’Donnell.

He was a giant in theatre with his wife, Jan, and family members such as daughter Joanne Wright.

The former Cairns Choral Society president died on Wednesday, aged 89, after a two-year battle with cancer and a life spent entertaining and serving the community.

He was instrumental in the opening of the Cairns Civic Theatre in 1974 and presided over more than 60 shows before it was knocked down to make way for the new entertainment precinct.

Mr O’Donnell received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community and was also a longstanding president of the North Queensland Eisteddfod Association.

He would never refuse to produce a show, was behind some of the biggest and major hits for this town and had a commanding presence on stage.

Mr O’Donnell was still performing five years ago and he took several tours overseas to America, Europe and New Zealand.

His legacy will live on through his family and the choral society.

The Far North can thank Mr O’Donnell for its strong and talented musical community.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor