The cattle crash of the seventies. “It wasn’t a real good time” remembered Bernie Frawley.
In his story, Bernie candidly talks about his time with QPP and Primac during the 1970’s through to the 1990’s. Contributed by Bernie Frawley.
It started in Townsville
I started in Townsville in approximately 1972 . Jim McIntosh was the Livestock Manager and good person to learn under.
First stint at Mackay
Ken Hinton was the manager and a gentleman. After the cattle crash when QPP put staff off, Ken rang me in Western Australia, where I was working for Coopers and asked me to come back to Mackay .
There was some friction as we joined the QPP / Mactaggarts clients.
I had two stints in Mackay. I was sent in after QPP and Mactaggarts joined. Allan Cook had been the QPP, Manager, and Graham Jenkinson was the Manager for Mactaggarts. The old QPP clients wanted a QPP staffer. Bulley Russell was the Merchandise Officer. The Accounts lady was a very nice person, but can’t remember her name though. It wasn’t a real good time. There were regular cattle sales in Nebo and Bakers Creek.
Bluey Walker, the boss of Borthwicks had a daughter who worked for Primaries Mactaggarts in Brisbane.
Springsure
I was transferred to Springsure.
Richmond
I was transferred to Richmond in 1985. Bette Grant ran the office, as she did for many years. I had a long list of Livestock/Merchandise helpers. Tony Harris , (father ran Barcaldine Branch . Chris Lock, Andrew Littleton, Grant McLaughlin, Maloney (first name ?, he was a nephew to Leo and Bernie). Jo Green took over from Bette Grant. I was offered Mareeba in 1991, but went to Mackay as Livestock Manager.
Back to Mackay and then Julia Creek
My second term at Mackay was in 1991. Dennis Cotter was the Branch Manager, and I was Livestock Manager. Dennis Cotter transferred to Mareeba, Alistair Stewart transferred in to Mackay, and I transferred to Julia Creek within twelve months.
Julia Creek
I was offered the opportunity to transfer to Julia Creek, and returned as branch manager. I took over from Steve Fleming in 1991. Steve was transferred to Winton, and Tim Clifford transferred to Roma I held the Managers job at Mt Isa, as well.
No red shirt for me!
I was not offered a red shirt in the take over by Elders, even though I could have had David Stephenson position in Townsville. I left the company and joined up with Ken Glasheen, Roy Paine and Alistair Stewart as NQ Livestock.
