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Meet the Lloyds South of Blackall you’ll find Lorne, a 40,000 acre cattle property and home to Kerry and Martin (1974-1977) Lloyd. The family has a long-standing connection with BBC with Kerry and Martin’s youngest son Nathan, joining the boarding house this year, following in the footsteps of his brothers, Alastair (2002), Adam (2006) and Craig (2006). Prior to attending BBC, all four boys were educated through Longreach School of Distance Education - a service Kerry continues to be actively involved with today as the VISE coordinator, a role that sees her organise retired teachers to visit various properties to provide mum with a break from the classroom. Adam started his electrical service apprenticeship and is now an autoelectrician with Volvo at their pre-delivery plant in Brisbane. With the help of School Counsellor, David Ogilvie, Craig started a school-based apprenticeship with Drake Trailers where he continues to work today. Chef of the family, Alastair also performed a school-based apprenticeship while at BBC, working in the boarding house kitchen under Catering Manager, Michael Smith. Lorne was originally run by Martin’s father Trevor (1943-1948), who now lives ‘up the range’ with his wife Eunice in Toowoomba. Martin’s brother Jeff (1980) lives what locals would consider just down the road at Jedburgh - their 170,000 acre property south west of Yaraka - with wife Anne-Maree. Their son Jake, who after graduating from BBC in 2014, continues to work on the family property. Jeff grew up in the Blackall district, working on the family property Cootabinya (100km south of town) alongside his father and BBC Old Collegian Don (19441948), who at the young age of 84 continues to manage the property in addition to Etonvale. And if there weren’t enough BBC connections, Kerry’s brother Glenn Jinks also attended the College as a boarder from 1978-1980. It was wonderful to have Kerry, Martin, Don, Jeff, Anne-Maree and Jake all in attendance at the Blackall community function.
Meet the Hardies South-east of Blackall, 70 odd kilometres out of town, you’ll find Dumfries, a cattle station consisting of 32,700 acres freehold and up until recently home to BBC past parents, David Hardie and wife Lindy. The pair bought the property 20 years ago, and during that time completely transformed the homestead into what can only be described as an ‘oasis’, with its beautiful green garden sitting in complete contrast to its surrounds. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Hardies the garden has withstood drought, won awards and was the inspiration for Lindy’s most recent book Beyond the Dust. The property was recently featured on Landline - a story that signifies new beginnings for the Hardies, with David and Lindy set to move into town early next year. Sons, Andrew and Ian also live in the region, having returned after boarding at BBC in 1997 and 1999 respectively. Andrew has spent much of his time in recent years working on the property while Ian has focused on his business, Barcoo Plumbing, which services businesses and families throughout the entire region.
COLLEGIAN DECEMBER 2016