By TROY ROWLING news@capeyorkweekly.com.au
FRIENDS and employees of Cape York beef industry icon D’Arcy Byrnes remember the pioneering cattleman as a generous gentleman of the bush. The Byrnes Quality Meats patriarch passed away peacefully last week on his 84th birthday. Beginning in 1960 with a small butcher shop at Atherton, Mr Byrnes built a millionacre beef empire that included three stations around Coen, two Cairns-based butcher shops, an abattoir at Tolga and cattle-fattening blocks on the Tablelands. Cattleman Matt Jorgensen, who spent more than a decade contract mustering across the Byrnes properties, said workers were amazed at Mr Byrnes’ workload and stamina well into his senior years. He said Mr Byrnes was still
The late D’Arcy Byrnes.
seen working at the properties, even after breaking his leg. “He was a good boss and he led by example,” Mr Jorgensen said. “He had his finger on the pulse of everything happening in the Cape and was up to date with all the latest developments in the beef industry. “He never lost his enthusiasm, never tired in his work and was a real inspiration for all the younger generations across the region.”
Former employee Louise Price grew up on nearby Southwell Station, which her family have operated for more than three decades. She said the Byrnes’ properties became a reliable source of employment for many families in the Cape, with her own employment for Mr Byrnes beginning when she was just out of high school. Ms Price said the kindness and encouragement towards young beef industry up-andcomers inspired strong loyalty among workers. She said she had such affection for Mr Byrnes’ management style that she convinced all four of her sisters to also work at his properties at various times. “He loved to see young people come into the beef industry,” she said. “He always took the time to ask them where they were from,
what their interests were and gave well-worn advice about cattle work that only an old hand can share. “He took a real joy in encouraging the next generation to work hard and appreciate the northern beef industry.” Ms Price said while Mr Byrnes was one of the hardest workers she had ever known, he always took some time out to look over his beloved herd of Grey Brahmans. “He would stand quietly and just watch the cattle with a look of real peace on his face,” she said. “He was a true gentleman. I am still thinking about him every day. It’s hard to put it into words, but he is going to be sorely missed. He left a huge mark on our region.” Mr Byrnes is survived by his wife Raylee, son Victor, daughter Darcia and six grandchildren.
What’s on at...
BOWLIES
WEIPA
Tributes flow for popular cattleman D’Arcy Byrnes
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT
Two draws from 6pm Members must be present to win $
500 MEMBER GIVEAWAY
CASH EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT Member must be present & have swiped card @ kiosk
VMR RAFFLES 5 to 7pm every Friday
• Great prizes! • Come and WEIPA support our local volunteers
Restaurant
NOW OPEN FOR DINE-IN ONLY PH: 4214 6503 FOR BOOKINGS
Noon – 2pm for lunch 6 – 9pm for dinner Wednesday to Sunday
(CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY)
WEIPA POKER TOURNAMENT EVERY SATURDAY FROM 5PM Registrations from 4pm TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
35 BUY IN $
THE BOTTLESHOP
OPEN 10AM – 9PM 7 DAYS
Come on in...
• Air conditioned • Big screens
SPRING RACING CARNIVAL GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
WEIPA BOWLS CLUB INC.
Oh what a feeling! Parkrun is returning DUST off your runners, dig out your barcode and get ready to hit the walking track this Saturday. Parkrun is making a comeback in 2020. Shut down across the globe due to COVID-19, parkrun has been given the green light to resume in Queensland. The Weipa committee is urging eager participants to jump on the Weipa Parkrun Facebook page to brush up on the new rules. Parkrun is on every Saturday from 7am at the Weipa walking track in Nanum and volunteers are needed each week.
WEIPA AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Operating the newest More comfort and most Best Service modern Best price taxi fleet $ $ * * 15 per person 35 per family on the * Pay cash or card to save Cape! ake
Mob: 0499 093 560
bookings@weipaairportshuttle.com.au
Members, guests & bona fide visitors welcome EMAIL: admin@weipabowlsclub.com.au PO BOX 181 WEIPA QLD 4874
PH: 07 4214 6500
1310 Weipa Taxi Service
More space
Contact us to m a booking today!
Your club, our community!
Come and join th
e team...
WE’RE HIRING! See ad page 17 fo
r full details
Monday, November 23, 2020 – Cape York Weekly – Page 3