Governor hands out athlete awards

students that I teach and I strive to be a positive role model through my achievements.”

Recipients were congratulated by Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey AC, who presented certificates at a special ceremony held at Innisfail Shire Hall.

The ceremony was part of the Governor’s three-day “Bruce Highway Blitz”, which included stops at multiple Cassowary Coast towns including El Arish on Saturday.

Federal, state and local dignitaries joined the community of El Arish at the town’s cenotaph to mark the 100-year anniversary since settlement.

Hundreds braved the wet weather to see students of El Arish State School open proceedings by singing Waltzing Matilda, which the Governor declared to be the most “beguiling” rendition he’d ever heard.

He then revealed the inscription on the plaque which read: “On this centenary recognition of the establishment of the El Arish (originally Maria Creek) soldiers settlement, we acknowledge the determination and dedication of 3576 LCPL Francis Paxton Martin, 6th Light Horse, appointed Superintendent of the settlement on 29 July 1920, who by his efforts contributed significantly to the success of this government venture. The Martin Family.”

Several guest speakers were invited to address the ceremony, including Paul Martin, the son of Francis Paxton Martin.

“As a young child it was impressive to know my father had named and started a town,” Mr Martin said.

“El Arish has taken on more special significance now with a street being named in his honour.

“It makes me feel very special and very proud.”

The ceremony was wrapped up with Kennedy MP Bob Katter and Hill MP Shane Knuth unveiling a rising sun sculpture forged by local blacksmith Brent Cook.