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29 May, 2024

North West royalty recognised by Governor at investiture ceremony

John Moran OAM has dedicated his life to two communities in North West Queensland.

By Matt Nicholls

John Moran OAM beams with pride at the investiture ceremony.
John Moran OAM beams with pride at the investiture ceremony.

A man who has dedicated his life to improving two communities in our region was last week presented with his Order of Australia Medal by the Governor of Queensland.

Legendary Mount Isa racecaller and broadcaster John Moran, who has spent the last 32 years living in Karumba, was recognised by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young at an investiture ceremony in Cairns.

Mr Moran was named as an Order of Australia Medal recipient on Australia Day this year, but didn’t receive his medallion until last Thursday.

The 88-year-old said it was an honour to receive an OAM from the King’s representative to Queensland, even if he’s more of a republican than a monarchist.

“I think Australia is old enough and big enough to stand on its own feet,” Mr Moran said.

The man who worked at Mount Isa Mines for 40 years nearly brushed shoulders with Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Mount Isa in 1970.

“I got within a metre of her,” he recalled.

While downplaying his own achievements that saw him recognised with one of Australia’s highest honours for community service, Mr Moran hoped his recognition could inspire others to do their bit to make the North West a better place.

“We need more volunteers and more people willing to help out,” he said.

A legendary broadcaster in North West Queensland, John Moran called the races every Saturday at Buchanan Park.
A legendary broadcaster in North West Queensland, John Moran called the races every Saturday at Buchanan Park.

Known best for his racecalling and rugby league broadcasts, Mr Moran became a legendary figure in the North West.

“I called every Foley Shield game that Mount Isa played in,” he said.

“I went away and covered all of the matches ... they won it in 1969, 72 77, 78 and 79 – no one has won three in a row before.

“We only had four teams in Mount Isa but everyone wanted to play for Mount Isa. They’d bash each other on a Saturday but when they’d pick the Foley Shield team they would come together and train on a Tuesday and Thursday night and then play on the Saturday.”

Mr Moran arrived in Mount Isa in 1949 as a 13-year-old and hated the place on arrival.

“I think I cried for the first two weeks I was here, but it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” he said.

He retired in 1991 after 40 years of service for MIM and moved to Karumba a year later.

Mr Moran was awarded his OAM for his contributions to both the Mount Isa and Karumba communities.

And both places are dear to him.

“I’m going to have my funeral service in Mount Isa and be buried in Karumba,” he insisted.

 “I remember one day we raised nearly $50,000 for the Cancer Council at one of our Biggest Morning Teas. The Karumba community are very generous when it comes to fundraisers,” he said.

“That was the year I got the Melbourne Cup here to visit.”

Mr Moran was also a Mount Isa City councillor and is a member of the Miner’s Memorial committee which is pushing to have a permanent legacy in Mount Isa.

“There have been 151 fatalities at Mount Isa Mines over the years and we’ve got to get that memorial finished,” he said.

“I want to see it built before I leave the planet.”

The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Jeannette Young, presents John Moran with his Order of Australia Medal in Cairns.
The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Jeannette Young, presents John Moran with his Order of Australia Medal in Cairns.
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