Community & Business
27 October, 2025
Millmerran icon Ned Winter dies
Public figures are among many paying tribute to Australian Camp Oven Legend Ned Winter who died last week, aged 90.
Along with fellow bush poet Gary Fogarty, Ned helped the Millmerran Progress Association found the Australian Camp Oven Festival in 1999.
Ned's daughter Gaylea released the news in a statement on social media.
"My darling daddy (Ned Winter) stepped into heaven Tuesday night (October 14th)," she said.
"(He was) 90 years young with a life full of adventures, stories and people he met.
"He passed away peacefully with mum singing to him and words of love from loved ones.
"Thank you to staff at Beauaraba who were so caring.
"Also thanks to Anglicare, Blue Care RNR, Dr Webb and Dr Kate and the fabulous ambo's who took care of dad in this final stage.
"He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
"Till we meet again Daddy ~ say hello to Jesus!
"Show Him how to cook a damper!"
MP for Southern Downs James Lister said Mr Winter was a local treasure.
"You don't think Ned Winter's going to die - he's like the Queen - he's there forever," Mr Lister said.
"His legacy is the Camp Oven Festival.
"Last year, I was told there were over 2000 caravans on site in a town of just over 1000, which is incredible."
Former Millmerran Shire Mayor Paul Antonio, said without the initiative of Ned Winter, the concept of Camp Oven Festival might well have found its home elsewhere in Australia.
"Ned Winter is an iconic figure.
"He and the team made Millmerran the Camp Oven Capital of Australia," he said.
"It would be wonderful to have a Camp Oven Museum in Millmerran named in his honour."
