Primac Gurus

“I first started this bio in January 2021 to acknowledge my first payslip anniversary of my Qld Primary Producers Co-op employment. I was in rehabilitation at Redcliffe after having bilateral knee replacement surgery with plenty of time at hand and completed it in three days, but because of my computer inability I packed it away

John M. Higgins born Rockhampton 23rd August 1938, Work colleague and good friend, Richard Handley remembers John well! Richard says, “I was fortunate enough to work with John in Roma in 1966 and follow him into Dalby in 1982, and over this period got to know John reasonably well! A lot of this story has

Kingaroy – The Early Days I was born and raised in Kingaroy in the 1950’s & 60’s, firstly living in town, and moving onto a farm when I was fourteen. Dad, had his own cabinet making business, his greatest claim to fame at the time was fitting a new kitchen into Sir Joh and Lady

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with Primac and felt it was like a family. The staff and friendships I made were amazing and I got to work and know some very talented people. What a great company to work for. I am thrilled to join Primac Gurus as the first member and first Treasurer. I am

When he was 19, he was called up for national service. This comprised six months training in the RAAF Station at Amberley. Aircraftsman Jenner was very proud of his ‘Nasho’ experience and in recent years marched on Anzac day with fellow national servicemen. Following his national service, he began his career as a stock and

My Grandfather, William Lewis had taken up 5 selections northeast of Dalby towards the Bunya Mountains in 1877, he named them “Moola” after Moola Creek.  He resided there for 51 years and raised a large family, many of his descendants still live on the Downs.  My father Arthur had the block known as “Rangemore” and

“Life in the Agency Game” – a biography by Ian Bruce Lovegrove A product of suburban Brisbane! Born Coorparoo in Brisbane in October, 1937. Moved to the suburb of Chelmer at age four. Primary school at Graceville state school. Secondary school at Brisbane Boys College  to year ten. My father passed away whilst I was

Catching the Bush Bug At 9 or 10, I went to a family friends’ property at Goondiwindi for the holidays and thought it was just the best place. From then on, I spent most school holidays on friends’ properties at Goondiwindi, and later, Roma. I had caught the Bush bug and made the decision that

Dan was then joined by his brother, John Mactaggart, in the business and they traded as Mactaggart Bros. Ltd. When Maryborough was linked by rail to Brisbane, Daniel Mactaggart and his brother opened a branch of Mactaggart Brothers Limited in the capital where the firm prospered. Photograph of a 17 year old Dan taken in

After school Walter spent several years working in a bank before entering the stock department of the growing Mactaggart’s business. Military Service His was a very early enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force on 21 August 1914. With regimental number 6, he joined 9th Infantry Battalion, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant a week

Upon returning to Queensland he took up a job as a jackeroo on ‘Bundooma’ station, on the Burnett River. Military Service On the 4th August 1916, aged 20 Dan enlisted with the AIF with rank of Gunner. His occupation was listed as “stockman’. His mother Mrs F R Mactaggart was listed as his next of

Doug Mactaggart was a well respected identity within the Queensland, and indeed Australian pastoral industry. Through his long 43 year association with his family company, he was well regarded by his family, friends, his staff and clients alike. A quote from Doug Mactaggart’s biography, as written by his sister Elaine Hart, sums up much of

Then joined Mactaggarts, which was a short stay, but incredible experience and rubbed shoulders with some of the best in the industry. Started at HQ in Creek Street, Brisbane and spent a fair bit of time at Cannon Hill. Pig and sheep days with Bill Webb, and cattle days with Vic Barwick. After some time

In his Primac days, David Morgan was better known as Fred to most of his colleagues and clients alike. David represented Primac in numerous branches during his time from the late 1970’s through to February of 1989. My life before Primac, as told by David (Fred) Morgan I am the son of an accountant who

I was lucky to obtain a position with Mactaggarts after an interview with the Branch Manager of Mitchell, Ross Tucker in late 1966. I started with Mactaggarts Stock Department on the 3/1/1967 when I was 21 years old. I had the usual crash course at Cannon Hill pig and calf and cattle sales. Baralaba Branch

Despite this I loved the work and the people involved and as I never achieved my dream of one day being able to afford my own place presumably like many other agents I wouldn’t have swapped my time as an agent with any other profession. Some of the dates are now a bit hazy but

I joined Goldsborough Mort in Gympie in 1962 just as they were amalgamating with Elder Smith. After stints in Gympie, Emerald, Biggenden, Beaudesert and back to Gympie. I accepted an invitation to join Thos Borthwicks Brisbane as senior livestock buyer and later Livestock Manager. My next move was to Primac Gympie auctioneering with Hendy and

Primac Roma merchandise manager Ian Philp, master salesman at the Maranoa Wether Trial, securing a sale of the first Gun Crutcha. 1981: Ian commenced employment with Primac Limited in Head Office. Like many gurus before him, Ian worked in the mail room, under the guidance of Bert Wotherspoon. 1982 – 1985: Transferred to Roma as