I thought I’d share this cracking story from Canadian Peter Tierney. It all started with a beer at Expo ’88 and two North Queensland ringers... leading to a cattle station adventure, a Canadian flag, and a promise that took 38 years to fulfil. Over to you Pete...
'38 years ago, I travelled to Brisbane, Australia for an AIESEC business internship working at Morgan Investments during World Expo 1988. One evening at the German Beer Hall, I met two cowboys/jackaroos from Northern Queensland… Billy and Andy Fordyce.
During our conversation, I mentioned that one of my dreams was to work on a cattle station. Their response was simple:
“No worries mate, come on up and work with us.”
And that’s exactly what I did.
I spent time working on their cattle station (Wyena Station near Clermont) and experienced firsthand the incredible hospitality, friendship, and generosity that Australians are known for.
Before I left Australia, Billy and I made a deal: I would leave him with a Canadian flag, and one day he would return it to me in Canada when he came to visit.
Fast forward 38 years.
Last week, Billy and his wife Margot travelled all the way from Australia to Saskatoon, Canada to fulfil that promise. And in a moment neither of us will ever forget, Billy returned the very same Canadian flag I had given him nearly four decades ago.
It was emotional, meaningful, and a powerful reminder that relationships truly matter. In business and in life, the connections we make, the promises we keep, and the friendships we nurture can come full circle in ways we never expect.
A reminder to always network, stay connected, and value friendships… because you never know when life will bring great people back into your life again'.
Well said Pete... It’s a great example of how the people you meet along the way can leave a lasting mark on your life.
Hooroo for now,
Range Hotel (Eton Range, near Mackay). This hotel was located in the township of Hazledean, approximately halfway between Nebo and Mackay at the foot of the Eton Range. Original Name: It first opened around 1863 as the Travellers’ Rest Hotel. Renaming: It was renamed the Range Hotel in the early 1900s. Demise: The historic timber building was completely destroyed by fire on March 2, 1990; today, only the concrete steps remain at the site.
Bill, Peter and Andy at the Range Hotel, circa 1988.
Bill Fordyce is a well-known cattle producer and pastoralist in Central Queensland, Australia. Together with his wife, Margot, he owns and operates Mabbin Station, a roughly 15,000-hectare property located about 250 kilometres west of Mackay.
Peter and Bill with the note written 38 years earlier: “Don’t forget the deal… I’ll see you in Toronto”.
