Thanks both of you. I will check with QF - might even try to book the first few sectors to specific dates (next June) with the rest as open (as more than 12 months out).

By the way, any advice on carrier/routing choice I am hoping to use (mileage comes in just under 35k at the moment)? Number_6 you were incredibly helpful with the last OW Award I booked (your suggestions such as BA LON-HKG then cx HKG-SYD rather than QF/BA LON-SYD went really well). Any more tips and tricks welcome.

Thanks again