Charters Towers has added another chapter to its proud story with the unveiling of bronze statues of Bob and Susie Katter, along with their loyal dog Bono. More than just striking new landmarks, these statues launch the Charters Towers walk of honour, a tribute to people who have made a lasting impact on the region.
Photo Credit: Sally Batt
This special unveiling took place during a celebratory dinner hosted by Goldtower, held to mark Bob Katter’s remarkable 50 years in state and federal politics. Guests travelled from far and wide to be part of the occasion, underlining just how deeply Bob’s dedication to North Queensland has resonated across communities and industries.
Goldtower’s Paul McIver was the driving force behind both the dinner and the creation of the statues. He spoke about how important it was to honour Bob and Susie’s decades of work for the region. Paul said they wanted to do something meaningful that would let visitors quite literally “meet Bob in person” while visiting or shopping at Goldtower Central.
The dinner brought together people from all walks of life, including Bob’s family, long-time political colleagues, councillors from the Kennedy Electorate, local leaders from agriculture, mining, and defence, and both current and former staff. It was a night full of laughter, stories and heartfelt moments. James Blundell, a friend of Bob’s, performed, while Frank Finger from Muster Dogs and well-known bush poet Gary Fogarty entertained the crowd. The evening was capped off by surprise video tributes from Lee Kernighan, Wally Lewis and the CEO of Akubra, each sending messages of congratulations on Bob’s milestone.
Photo Credit: Sally Batt
Now standing proudly at Goldtower Central, these statues are more than a nod to one political career. They are a lasting celebration of community spirit, family resilience and the power of people pulling together to shape their future. It’s a reminder that Charters Towers continues to grow, thanks to the vision and commitment of both its leaders and everyday locals who keep the town’s proud story moving forward.
