Funeral arrangements have now been made for the late Mick Gibson – see details below…
MICK Gibson, one of the true rags-to-riches success stories of the Northern Australian livestock industry, has passed away in Brisbane after a short illness, aged 83.
Mick was possessed of a keen commercial instinct and acute sense of opportunity when it came to trading sheep, cattle or property, which he applied across seven decades.
Growing up in western Queensland, he lost both parents at a young age, getting his first start in the livestock industry after boarding at Brisbane’s Nudgee College when he drew a small block carved off Thylungra, near Quilpie, in the state’s far southwest.
He once recounted in an interview how his early income was from buying local sheep in the wool, shearing them, and moving them on to sales elsewhere off-shears for a profit.
That early experience saw him involved in countless large cattle and sheep deals, often shifting stock long distances to maximise commercial advantage. As a cattle and sheep trader, he was often spoken about in the same context as people like Arthur Earle and Wallace Logan.
Over the past half century Mick also bought and sold numerous grazing properties across Queensland, sensing value and opportunity due to drought, shifting cattle market conditions and other factors.
Cattle work on Bulloo Downs
His purchase of Bulloo Downs, on the NSW boarder southwest of Thargomindah, became his defining legacy. He bought the enormous 11,000sq km Channel Country holding from the new owners of Stanbroke Pastoral Co, around 2006, and has retained it ever since, becoming the foundation of the family’s extensive Gibson Grazing operations.
At different times he owned and operated grazing properties across the state, including the gulf region (Lotus Vale and Stirling, which he later sold because of their intensive supplementation requirement), Dutton River north of Hughenden, Mt Marlow near Yaraka, The Orient, Binda Station near Bollon, and 400,000ha Dynover Downs between Thargomindah and Cunnamulla.
Mick is survived by his wife Marie and sons Liam, Declan and Patrick.
A larger than life character who many considered a friend, rather than an acquaintance, Mick built an enormous pastoral business, all the while making life-long friendships with people from all walks of life.
“He was a man of his word and held strong values. He loved his family and we will sorely miss him,” a family post on Facebook said earlier today. “He lived a very full life, the rural industry has lost one of its true characters.”
- A funeral service marking the life of Mick Gibson will be held at St Joseph’s College Nudgee Chapel, Brisbane, from 11am on Wednesday 23 September, followed by a gathering afterwards at Doomben Racecourse from 1.30pm.
rip our friend always in our heart
i suckler farmer in ireland.iread mick story.lovely man.rip.
Sad news. Michael, Mick, Tricky was a solid, no-nonsense man with a special personality and sense of humour. He ranks as a great Australian- proud of his country and heritage and an inspiration to many people. A brief chat with him would often come round to concern for his country and its future – but would finish with optimism. Marie, the woman beside the man and he were a strong unit, and his sons will no doubt strengthen his legacy.
See you on the other side Mick.
Not just the boss, but a friend and mentor as well, to those who worked for him. He was admired and will be missed. Condolences to Marie, Liam, Declan and Pat.
Met Mick in the early sixties when working on “Yambutta” Station owned by John Michael Tully. Mick was one of our Polo team members, played the game like he played life – fast and hard.
In the early days he lived on mutton and canned stuff at Bulgra, and always enjoyed calling into Thylungra homestead as Mrs Mildren would give him some nice home cooked food, to take home – a change from mutton.
Gave Mick a lift to Toowoomba last year to attend the now annual lunch at the Stock Hotel where ex graziers from Quilpie & Eromanga, now retired and living in Toowoomba, gather. Mick was larger than life and will be missed by all who knew him.
This is very sad news. Mick was a great communicator, fair and always listened. He will be missed by all.
So sad to hear of the passing of Mick. He was one hell of a good bloke. A friend and mate to everyone he met. And a very smart operator and businessman. Vale Mick.
A champion of the livestock industry. And a wonderful patron of youth direction.
Mick also bought Sandrinham, on the Georgina, from Kidman.
Mick was a great mentor, teaching me resilience and the courage to have a go in life. He was great to all of my family and a very generous man. He will be sadly missed for a regular phone call as always a great communicator.
My condolences to all the Gibson family.
Mick was brilliant every time we caught up at various rural events across the State. Infectiously brilliant in a social environment. My condolences to his family – Marie, Liam, Declan, Patrick and the wider clan.