SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA HAS BIG HEART FOR QUEENSLAND HOME

One of the world’s most successful airlines hasn’t forgotten that it still calls Longreach home, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech congratulated Qantas on its recent donation of $1 million to the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach.

“The generous donation is a wonderful investment in the preservation of Queensland’s outback history and its vibrant tourism industry,” Mrs Keech said.

“The outback is a magnet for families and older travellers who want to learn more and experience the past and explore beyond the city reaches.

“Longreach marks the birthplace of our heritage with its many stories of a young, pioneering country and its people, who were filled with the promise of new opportunity and the determination to make their dreams come true.

“The Qantas Founders Museum volunteers can also claim those characteristic values, working tirelessly to expand and improve the museum.

“With the financial assistance of Qantas they have created a wonderful and iconic tourism attraction.

“The spirit of Australia that Qantas so proudly promotes is certainly an enduring theme in contemporary Queensland and this investment in the Museum will see that it continues for many generations to come.

“I thank the volunteers and Qantas for their magnificent contributions.”

Mrs Keech said the Museum had also received a boost with the arrival of the perfectly restored vintage Boeing 707, City of Canberra, from Britain.

The City of Canberra is now on permanent display at the Qantas Founders Museum.

Media contact: Jo Crompton 3224 2007