Ashley McKay (left) at a Roma store cattle sale in 2017 where he sold Santa Gertrudis heifers, pictured with PJH Roma selling agents Steven Goodhew and Cameron Bygrave. Picture couresty of Maranoa Regional Council
THE Australian beef cattle and horse sport industries have lost a fearless advocate and a “titan” following the death of Queensland cattle producer and campdrafter Ashley McKay, OAM, in a tragic on-property accident near Injune yesterday.
Mr McKay was instrumental in the formation of the Australian Campdraft Association (ACA) as its founding President in 1972.
Together with his wife Doris, he played a fundamental role in the success of the ACA during its early years chasing results and keeping the record books up-to-date all the while competing at every opportunity that presented itself.
In June 2019 he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his dedication to the sport.
Mr McKay was also a vocal and strident advocate for the rights of primary producers over many years, particularly through organisations such as Property Rights Australia and the Cattlemen’s Union of Australia.
He led not only through his words but also very much through his actions.
In the mid-2000s he fought a long running and expensive legal battle against charges of illegal tree clearing brought against him by the Queensland Government.
He was exonerated after enduring across seven court cases in six years, a case that is now firmly embedded in western Queensland folklore.
Ashley McKay asking a question at a Meat & Livestock Australia annual general meeting.
“It is a shock, we’re all devastated,” Property Rights Australia president Joanne Rea told Beef Central this morning.
“Ashley is a great loss. I can’t think of anyone who has been a better advocate on behalf of industry and horse sports than Ashley.”
In a tribute on its Facebook page Property Rights Australia said Mr McKay was killed in a horse-riding accident while mustering cattle on his property Cherry Hills at Injune yesterday, April 21.
“He was the reason for the formation of our organisation, a founding member and life member, all honours he valued.
“Ashley was not only a husband but a loyal friend, a mentor to many and a fierce and skilful advocate on behalf of his industry.
“His sense of humour, ability to entertain and his poetry writing were legendary.
“He was gentle, loyal, and nurturing but always logical and courageous in the face of poor and unjust policy or treatment of individuals. It was never wise to try to take Ashley on in a debate about something which you knew not enough about.
“One of his huge talents was demolishing a poorly drafted set of principles.
“A fence sitter he was not but his opinions were considered and well thought out. If he thought something needed to be done, he just got in there and did it. There was no sitting about and waiting for someone else to do something.”
The Australian Campdraft Association said Ashley’s influence on the sport of campdrafting and the broader rural industry was “completely without parallel”.
“His determination to succeed and seek fairness is legendary and awe inspiring,” acting ACA president Sean Dillon wrote on Facebook.
“He has played a leadership role in ACA since its inception in 1972; relinquishing formal titles perhaps, but never his interest, advice or influence.
“Along with his wife Doris, they have carefully recorded the history of our wonderful sport whilst also providing administration, leadership and representation.
“Not just a leader; but a judge and a strong, successful competitor right until the end, judging at Barcaldine 2 weeks ago, as well as riding at Blackall, Barcaldine & Mitchell three weeks in succession, at the age of 80 his stamina & love of the sport abounded & is also unparalleled.
“Not enough can be said of this titan, this giant of an individual within our sport and industry.”
Ashley is survived by wife Doris, “the love of his life”.