Previous Years
History
The Queen of the Outback Quest commenced in 1973 with 21 entrants. Those eligible to enter had to be females over 17 years of age, and had to live in inland Queensland in an area served by the RFDS radio network.
There were prizes for:
- Queen of the Outback
- Princess of the Outback
- Charity Queen
- Charity Princess
As well, an entrant was chosen as a State Finalist in the Quest of Quests.
Prizes:
Queen and companion – New Zealand holiday flying QANTAS, plus $200 spending money donate.htmld by the ANZ Bank.
Charity Queen – 2 weeks holiday on a Barrier Reef Island flying with TAA, plus $100 spending money donate.htmld by the ANZ Bank.
There were other prizes.
It was hoped to raise $10,000 towards aircraft replacement. These 21 entrants raised $35,000 net.
The RFDS made a commitment to be part of the Winton Outback Festival which was held every second year. This tradition continued well into the 1990s.
In 1976 eligibility was expanding to include females living outside the network area, but only those with a strong Outback affiliation.
In 1997 the name was changed to Outback Quest and eligibility was expanded to all permanent residents of Queensland over 18 years of age.
As well as the RFDS Outback Quest winner, there were prizes for:
- RFDS Outback Quest Charity Winner
- RFDS Outback Quest Corporate Charity winner
- RFDS Outback Quest Consolation Winner
1997 was the first year males entered, and was the first year there was a consolation winner – for achieving something truly outstanding.
The RFDS Spirit of Queensland Awards commenced in 2001.