The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame Paperback – Large Print, November 23, 2023

The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame Landsborough Highway Longreach, Queensland 4730 This vibrant archive of human endeavour promotes recognition of 'The Unsung Heroes' of the Australian bush. Through this exclusive book of bush poetry, edge to edge, colourful photos., and 'Poet's Notes', the 'tales' of the Australian Bush are presented in an entertaining and educational format. A better understanding of this concept can be achieved through reading the 'Foreword' in the book itself.Foreword It may be that people will ask why I created a book honouring men and women I have never met – the ‘Unsung Heroes’. I ask myself the same question, and I also find the deliberations to be somewhat complex and confusing. A large part of it is because it grieves me to see our children and grandchildren, mine and yours, miss out on something of value that is freely available to us all. Some will say I cause further confusion by attempting to offer answers in the form of Bush Poetry. They would be partly correct; but I will attend to that criticism by calling on a well-known Australian who does not fit into the category of ‘Unsung’ to help me out. I refer to Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson, CBE. It would seem any further effort by myself is superfluous. I hope you enjoy this publication, and gain some further insight into the life and times of an ‘Unsung Hero’ of the past, the present and, hopefully, of the future.PioneersThey came of bold and roving stock that would not fixed abide;They were the sons of field and flock since e'er they learnt to ride,We may not hope to see such men in these degenerate yearsAs those explorers of the bush -- the brave old pioneers.'Twas they who rode the trackless bush in heat and storm and drought;'Twas they who heard the master-word that called them farther out;'Twas they who followed up the trail the mountain cattle made,And pressed across the mighty range where now their bones are laid.But now the times are dull and slow, the brave old days are deadWhen hardy bushmen started out, and forced their way aheadBy tangled scrub and forests grim towards the unknown west,And spied the far-off promised land from off the range's crest.Oh! ye that sleep in lonely graves by far-off ridge and plain,We drink to you in silence now as Christmas comes again,To you who fought the wilderness through rough unsettled years --The founders of our nation's life, the brave old pioneers.A.B. (Banjo) Paterson Read more