Times WET TROPIC
Friday, July 22, 2022 INSIDE
REMEMBERING KOKODA 80 YEARS ON
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Local People - Local News
The Eulogy of a Tully Pioneer: Mario had a zest for life!! GIVING everything 110%
PA G E 5 ST RITA’S SCHOOL, SOUTH JOHNSTONE STUDENTS MOVE FORWARD WITH LEARNING IN 2022
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HERBERT RIVER FARMERS LEAGUE PRESENTATION DINNER
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PERHAPS this is where the term ‘big arse’ came from: he did nothing in small measures; big arse trailer, big arse shed, big arse ute & caravan… He was living his dream, retirement, meaning developing his new home and lifestyle. This was where his heart was- in the green hills with a view. Farming life began when Mario’s family moved from the Hotel Kincora, Lower Tully, to the Riversdale property when he was 5. Riding horses, helping with the cattle, and learning to drive as soon as he could reach the pedals all came naturally to him. When his parents, Mario & Atte, started in bananas in the early ’70s, he was there after school and on weekends. Boarding school at Abergowrie Agricultural College lasted till the start of Year 11. Despite his mum wanting him to finish his senior year, he knew he wanted to be on the farm. So she gave in and let him come home. The family always said Mario could taste dirt to tell you how good it was. He was a natural and applied himself to all aspects the family took on. Lot feeding cattle, growing grain for the cattle feed, using the manure for fertiliser on the bananas. In 1984 at the Feast of the 3 Saints, Mario fell head over heels for a petite Dimbulah girl. He travelled the miles and wooed Franca; they married in 1985. Mario & Franca worked hard to start a great life together. He drove interstate trucks, a harvester and then began a cane haulage business in Ayr.
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