“Bruce Vidgen was part of a group of young men including John Deane and Stan Cook whom Doug Mactaggart relied very heavily on, as his quick fix, trouble shooters, in the fast growing Mactaggarts group during the the late 1950s and 1960s”
This is a very apt quote on Bruce Vidgen’s loyalty and dedication to Mactaggarts and later Primac, by another long term agent, Mr Jerry O’Sullivan , on his recent post to the Primac Gurus Facebook page, whilst commenting on Bruce’s career.
A True Company Man – Bruce Vidgen – 37 years as an agent for the one company
Bruce commenced employment with Mactaggarts PPCA Ltd, on the 12th December 1960, and enjoyed a career that spanned the next 37 years. Like most trainees during the early years, Bruce was introduced to a wide range of inter departmental and inter branch training.
He took the opportunity to further improve his career and life skills, by taking a leave of absence from Mactaggarts in 1972/73 to study in the United States, and Europe. Later in 1975, he also took the opportunity to act as Doug Mactaggart’s campaign manager, for Doug’s nomination for the federal election, for the seat of Ryan, representing the National Party.
This portfolio is just a sample of Bruce’s career. It has been extracted from his comprehensive collection of files and memorabilia gathered over a lifetime as an agent. Congratulations Bruce Vidgen on such a wonderful and diverse career.
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
December 1960 – August 1961 Office boy and Merchandise and Stock Departments
IPSWICH:
September 1961 – November 1961 Trainee Livestock Salesman
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
December 1961 – March 1962 Merchandise and Livestock Departments
MILES:
April 1962 Relieving duties – General
WANDOAN:
May 1962 Relieving duties – General
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
June 1962 – September 1962 Stock Department – stock clerk
SURAT:
September 1962 – January 1963 Livestock Salesman and all office bookwork
ROCKHAMPTON:
January 1963 – May 1964 Livestock Salesman (including Baralaba and Gin Gin)
EIDSVOLD:
May 1964 – August 1966 Livestock Salesman/Auctioneer (including Gin Gin sales)
BARALABA:
March 1966 Relieving Officer in Charge
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
August 1966 – April 1968 Assistant Auctioneer, Cannon Hill & Auctioneer, Produce Department
EISDSVOLD:
Nov 1967 Relieving duties, Stock Salesman and Auctioneer
TARA:
February 1968 Relieving Branch Manager
CLERMONT:
April 1968 – December 1971 Branch Manager and Auctioneer
Salary Increase Notification – 7th May 1968 Letter to confirm Managers Conference – 21st November 1968 Letter re travel arrangements for Managers Conference – 5th December 1968
ROCKHAMPTON:
December 1971 – June 1972 Livestock Manager – Central Queensland Division & Auctioneer
U.S.A:
June 1972 – June 1973 Leave of absence for industrial traineeship, Kansas City.
Letter of Reference from Douglas Mactaggart – 6th September 1971 Livestock Market Digest Article – Kansas City USA – 16th October 1972 Queensland Country Life Article – 21st January 1974
EUROPE:
June 1973 – December 1973 Study tour – Europe and Southern Asia
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
January 1974 – May 1974 Public Relations Officer & General Livestock Duties
LAE, P.N.G:
May 1974 – November 1975 General Manager – New Guinea Pastoral Supplies
BRISBANE:
November 1975 – December 1975 Campaign Manager for D.C. Mactaggart’s campaign for Election
BRISBANE HEAD OFFICE:
January 1976 – October 1977 Manager – Store Stock Department
January 1976 – June 1981 Manager Produce Department
July 1976 – February 1983 Manager – Aircraft Operations, Director -Archer Hangars Pty Ltd
July 1978 – February 1982 Supervisor – Premier Marine Pty Ltd
South Pine Rivers Dam – Feb 1980 South Pine Rivers Dam — Feb 1980 Bruce Vidgen and Nicole from Premier Marine “water testing” some of the stock items. Somebody had to do it!! Nov 1978
January 1976 – June 1985 Manager – Advertising and Promotion
September 1980 – June 1985 Manager – Property Department
September 1980 – November 1985 Secretary/Treasurer – Pioneer Crafts Guild of Australia Ltd
July 1981 – December 1992 Manager – Property Development “Carseldine Gardens” & “Belmont”
July 1985 – February 1997 Senior Auctioneer – Property Division
Bruce’s transfer to the Rural Property Department – Message from D.M. Swan – 12th June 1985 Bruce auctioned some of A.B. Patterson (Banjo) memorabillia – July 1989 – The Sun article