Gary is Father of the Year
IT'S official, Gary Prior is no longer just the central and norther Queensland Father of the Year - he's now the 2016 Father of the Year for the entire state.
"I wasn't expecting it - I'm still trying to get my head around it," he said.
"It's just a great honour to be recognised by Queensland and receive the award."
The Juru man from Bowen was awarded the title at a ceremony in Brisbane yesterday morning.
As humbled as he was by the award, Mr Prior said he couldn't ignore the four other father's nominated.
"The other four nominees were good dad's," he said.
"It would have been a close decision."
A father of seven, foster dad of four more, a role model, artist and mentor, Mr Prior is recognised for his tireless effort and contribution to the community, and particularly the time he dedicates to educating young people about indigenous culture and helping those in need.
Mr Prior received a five night holiday on the Gold Coast where he and his family will visit some of the major theme parks.
"I'm taking my five young ones and my wife and the girls really want to go to Sea World and Movie World," he said.
