COHUNA received national recognition this week, with two radio presenters giving the area significant promotion.
Triple J afternoon hosts, Veronica Milsom and Lewis Hobba spent two days in the area completing tasks in a stunt to receive the keys to Cohuna.
Accompanied by Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson and Gannawarra Shire Council staff, the pair experienced a number of the town’s attractions.
Tasks included jumping into Gunbower Creek in the early hours, visiting local farms, meeting sportspeople and learning about the dairy industry.
Each task received extensive coverage on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s youth network via live crosses, tweets and Facebook updates.
“For us to have a nationally recognised radio duo come to the area with very minimal cost to council is just fantastic,” Cr Gibson said.
“The program targets a younger age group – the 15 to 25-year-olds – and although a lot of people say this age category may not have much to say, we’ve got to give them a chance.
“The program goes out to 1.8 million people, and even if we attract one per cent of that figure to the area, it is a good thing.”
Former Cohuna resident, Tahlia Ellery – the daughter of Yarran Ward representative, Cr Sonia Wright – began the campaign for Cohuna to feature in the initiative after Mr Hobba and Ms Milsom developed the idea to gain the keys to a town.
“I was listening to the radio when they mentioned they were willing to do anything to be given the ‘keys to a city’, with Mum on local council I figured it was the perfect opportunity for us to try to make something happen that would bring a lot of exposure to the Cohuna region,” Ms Ellery said.
“I sent a quick text and next thing I know they are ringing me to have a chat.”
Cr Gibson and the mayor of North Burnett, Cr Rachel Chambers, were interviewed on air on Monday afternoon, leading to Cohuna being selected.
Council’s pitch included an early morning jump into Gunbower Creek and four cryptic tasks – a ride on Elliot’s bus, inspire the local ‘Roos, be our love doctor, and perform a miracle.
After Mr Hobba jumped into Gunbower Creek on Tuesday morning, the presenters visited Elliot Fehring’s egg farm, where they saw chooks housed in an old bus.
The evening task involved meeting with the Cohuna Kangas footballers and netballers, before a busy Wednesday morning.
The duo spent time at a dairy farm, where Ms Milsom had to obtain semen from a bull, before Mr Hobba received waterskiing lessons from local national competitors, Taylah Henderson and Tayla Stent.
The final stunt occurred at Lake Charm due to concerns regarding the water levels of Gunbower Creek.
“The district is incredibly beautiful. I had no idea how lush and green the place is,” Ms Milsom said.
“I am amazed at how friendly the locals are. We had a meal at the local pub and one man had a chat to me about Farnsy (John Farnham) and his links to Cohuna.”
