The determination of volunteers has been praised as the search for a missing Blackall woman ended tragically on Saturday evening.

A HOMETOWN win in the bull ride has capped a successful Ernest Henry Mining Curry Merry Muster Festival with more than 7000 people attending the 60th edition of the event.

The sale of Etta Plains at Julia Creek for just under $25 million has been hailed as the much-needed agenda setter north west Queensland's embryonic irrigated agriculture industry needs.