Buckshot Bear

They both are icons to me.

Just loved these comic books as a kid.....read them till they fell apart.

Air Mail - 1956 Stella Barnes (left) stands with three barefoot Aborigine women and hands a bag of mail to a man who kneels in the open doorway of a cargo airplane on the runway at Brunette Downs, Australia, August 25, 1956. The cattle station covers more than 5,000 square miles of outback in Australia's Northern Territory.

Shooting party at Dillalah, Queensland, August 1907. In the early 1900s, Queensland, Australia was a haven for shooting enthusiasts, boasting expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife. Shooting parties became a popular pastime among the upper class, providing an opportunity to revel in the great outdoors, display hunting skills, and socialize with like-minded individuals. This article explores the allure of shooting parties during this era and their significance within the cultural fabric of Queensland. 1. The Rise of Shooting Parties: The tradition of shooting parties in Queensland can be traced back to British colonial influence, where recreational hunting was deeply ingrained in the aristocratic culture. As settlers arrived in Queensland, they brought with them the enthusiasm for this recreational pursuit, adapting it to the unique Australian landscape. The state's diverse ecosystems, including vast bushlands, rolling hills, and coastal plains, offered an array of hunting opportunities, attracting both locals and international visitors alike. 2. The Social Aspect: Shooting parties were not only an opportunity for individuals to showcase their hunting prowess but also a means of social interaction and networking. Affluent landowners often hosted these events, inviting fellow aristocrats, wealthy businessmen, and influential figures. Such gatherings provided a platform for establishing connections, discussing matters of interest, and building social capital. 3. The Sporting Challenge: The thrill of the hunt was a major draw for shooting party participants. Whether it was fowl, deer, or other game animals, the challenging pursuit of a successful shot demanded a combination of skill, patience, and precision. Participants had to develop a keen sense of observation, understand the behavior of their targets, and adapt to the ever-changing Queensland environment. These hunts also tested their physical endurance and mental acuity, enhancing the overall experience. 4. Conservation and Wildlife Management: While shooting parties were primarily focused on the sport of hunting, they also played a role in wildlife conservation and management. Many participants recognized the need to strike a balance between preserving the natural environment and indulging in hunting activities. Queensland's shooting parties often adhered to strict regulations, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations and the preservation of natural habitats. 5. The Essence of Luxury: Shooting parties in early 1900s Queensland were synonymous with opulence and luxury. The extravagant events were characterized by lavish accommodations, fine dining, and entertainment. Participants would often be treated to sumptuous meals, prepared with the freshest local produce, and enjoyed in picturesque settings. The shooting parties provided a respite from the demands of city life and offered a chance to revel in the beauty of the Australian wilderness. 6. Changing Times: As the 20th century progressed, the popularity of shooting parties gradually waned. Changing societal attitudes towards hunting, increased urbanization, and the advent of stricter wildlife conservation laws contributed to the decline. Today, shooting parties in Queensland are less common, with a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices. Conclusion: The shooting parties of early 1900s Queensland offered participants an unparalleled blend of sport, socialization, and immersion in the wonders of the Australian wilderness. These events not only served as a means of showcasing hunting skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the elite. Although the era of shooting parties has largely passed, their legacy lives on, reminding us of a time when the pursuit of game and the appreciation of nature were intertwined.

Most Aussie kitchens had these back in the day, collectors items now.

Pay as you go coin operated gas meter

Back in the day

Some people react way too much about having a cowlick.

The humble Choko.....very nice with butter & pepper.

Look at the flag on the wall.....Aussies

Yep you got big toothy critters with big teeth.....ours are more of the smaller, tiny nasty bastards that take you out screaming for someone to shoot you.

Clancy Of The Overflow by A.B. (Banjo) Paterson I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago, He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him, Just "on spec", addressed as follows, "Clancy, of The Overflow". And an answer came directed in a writing unexpected, (And I think the same was written with a thumb-nail dipped in tar) Twas his shearing mate who wrote it, and verbatim I will quote it: "Clancy's gone to Queensland droving, and we don't know where he are." In my wild erratic fancy visions come to me of Clancy Gone a-droving "down the Cooper" where the Western drovers go; As the stock are slowly stringing, Clancy rides behind them singing, For the drover's life has pleasures that the townsfolk never know. And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars, And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, And at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars. I am sitting in my dingy little office, where a stingy Ray of sunlight struggles feebly down between the houses tall, And the foetid air and gritty of the dusty, dirty city Through the open window floating, spreads its foulness over all And in place of lowing cattle, I can hear the fiendish rattle Of the tramways and the buses making hurry down the street, And the language uninviting of the gutter children fighting, Comes fitfully and faintly through the ceaseless tramp of feet. And the hurrying people daunt me, and their pallid faces haunt me As they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste, With their eager eyes and greedy, and their stunted forms and weedy, For townsfolk have no time to grow, they have no time to waste. And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy, Like to take a turn at droving where the seasons come and go, While he faced the round eternal of the cash-book and the journal — But I doubt he'd suit the office, Clancy, of "The Overflow".

Princes Di, Olivia Newton-John and Kylie Minogue.