Respected north-western Queensland cattleman Reg Beauchamp OAM will be farewelled during a service in Boulia on Monday, January 6.

Reg died in hospital last week after an accident sustained while mustering cattle on his property, Stockport, near Boulia.  He was 86.

Reg epitomised the philosophy – “You don’t own country, country owns you.”

His deep attachment to the land meant he never really thought about retirement and leaving the land where he had been born and lived all his life.  As a custodian of the land, he was a true environmentalist, taking great care of the land, for example, being quick to destock in dry seasons and erecting fencing and waters to reduce the impact of stock on the fragile arid Channel Country environment.

He is remembered as an intelligent man of high integrity who treated everyone with respect whilst being a fighter for his community and the cattle industry.

In 2007 Reg was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the community. At his core was a sense of decency.   

Reg’s passing is the end of an era for Boulia. He was the last member of the second generation of Boulia pioneering families to reside the region. He is survived by his wife Vida and their three children and their families.