Sir Graham McCamley, a prominent figure in the Australian cattle industry, has died at the age of 93. He passed away in Yeppoon, Central Queensland, over the weekend.
McCamley was recognized for his contributions to agriculture, particularly in the beef sector.
Industry Contributions
Sir Graham founded the Cattlemen's Union of Australia and served as its inaugural president in 1975. During the beef depression of the 1970s, he advocated for graziers' interests. He was also involved in the development and promotion of the Brahman cattle breed.
He was an early adopter of new technologies and practices within the industry. He and his wife, Shirley, utilized one of the first computers in Queensland for agricultural purposes at the University of Queensland. They also conducted field days at their Tartrus Station, attracting significant attendance, including 1,000 people at an event in 1971, to demonstrate performance testing, fertility testing, and weight performance in cattle.
McCamley Cattle Empire
Born on August 24, 1932, near Dululu, McCamley began his cattle enterprise with his wife, Shirley, after their marriage. They acquired Tartrus Station, west of Marlborough, Central Queensland, which became the foundation of an operation that expanded to six cattle properties.
In 2013, Sir Graham sold Tartrus Station and subsequently retired to Yeppoon. This sale concluded the family's nearly 60-year association with the property. Lady Shirley McCamley died in an ultralight plane crash at Tartrus in 2010.
Sir Graham McCamley is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
Recognition
For his work in the beef industry, Sir Graham was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1981. He was later knighted in 1986 for his continued contributions to the sector.