A true pioneer – Bruce Nastasi By Justin Fris BRUCE Nastasi was never one for receiving accolades; he plied his craft by gritting his teeth and getting the job done. A man at the forefront of the mango industry in Mareeba for several decades, Mr Nastasi was recently recognised by the Australian Mango Industry Association in Darwin; where his ‘Industry Development Award’ was collected on his behalf by John and Debbie Nucifora. Survived by his loving family – Mr Nastasi had a tremendous love of farming from an early age – which was only matched by generosity to others. Mr Nastasi’s daughter Grace spoke of how a successful farming enterprise began with the purchase of a farm in Mutchilba. “They did seed crops for tomatoes, cucumbers and tobacco,” she said. “Dad was one of the first to get out of tobacco before it crumbled. “So dad and Uncle Charlie (who were inseparable as friends) did some research as to whether there could be another industry for local growers, because tobacco was going down. “They did a lot of research; they went to the Philippines, they went everywhere. They found the variety (of mango they liked) and planted the crop.” Sensing that growers could do with further avenues to export their mangoes, Mr Natasi, Charlie and another grower tried a novel approach. “Dad, Charlie and one other grower donated a year’s worth of crop to the Golden Circle cannery,” she said. “(In a bid) to try and open a new industry for mango growers, which was the cannery; where you get your mango juice, sliced mangoes and so on.” Mr Natasi also pioneered the launch of the
Australian mango into Japan; through the establishment of a VHT (Vapour Heat Treatment) machine. At the time, Grace explains, no other farmer had adopted this method; which gave local Mareeba growers another avenue for exporting their quality produce to the world. Success was rightfully earned through a rugged work ethic; with no compromise of cutting corners. “We saw Dad when it was time to eat,” Grace said. “He’d spray all night. I used to get up at 3am as well. Because of the Japanese market, they like the fruit to arrive there absolutely perfect; ready to eat. We just worked, and worked and worked.” Mr Nastasi’s widow, Kay, said her husband was nominated for many awards during his time on the land; but he wasn’t one for accept-
ing those kind of plaudits. But apart from exploring alternatives for expansion, there was a whole other dimension to Mr Nastasi. A man who always defended the rights of fellow growers; and ensuring he had a happy and welcomed nucleus of employees. “Dad was big on respect,” Grace said. “If you worked hard and showed the level of respect, Dad would bend over backwards for you. “I remember Christmases on the farm; and we had all these barracks’ made up for all of the workers. It was Christmas and dad invited all the workers into our house. “So we had Christmas with all walks of life.” Skyrocketing costs to mango production led to a heartbreaking decision by the family to sell the family farm in 2008. Grace urged her father to keep the farm, as she was prepared to stay and operate it. But Mr Nastasi used his ‘seventh sense’ to see ahead. “He saw the costs of boxes going up,” she said. “The cost of freight, the cost of everything. “I think he was thinking of the future (in regard to his family).” Despite leaving the farm, Mr Nastasi never lost his passion for the land; and regularly would provide assistance to local growers who needed it. His family and friends think of him every day. A man who gave so much to everyone he came across; and never compromised on quality. If you (or someone close to you) is having difficulty coping with life’s pressures and needs assistance, please talk to someone about it. In Mareeba, a simple appointment with your local GP or accessing a social counsellor can be the first step in managing your battle. The Nastasi family.
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