Esk Beef’s Ben Drynan (left) on Moose and Darren Christiansen on Danny

IT WASN’T the first time Queensland’s Government House had hosted cattle – it once had its own dairy herd – but it was the first time that beef cattle had graced the vice-regal gardens.

Lolly and Quest, 15-month Charolais from the Mount Walker Clearview stud starred at today’s media launch of the 2026 Outback Queensland Cattle Drive.

Rebadged from last year’s highly successful Great Australian Cattle Drive, the 2026 drive will begin in Longreach on May 24 and cover more than 550km along historic stock routes through Muttaburra, Aramac, Ilfracombe and Barcaldine to Blackall in 46 days.

Sponsorships, riding experiences and a final cattle auction will raise funds for Foodbank through BeefBank – providing protein meals for needy Australians.

Foodbank patron, state governor Her Excellency The Hon Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM hosted the launch that included mayors from Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo councils.

She recalled that some areas of central Queensland are still recovering from the 2019 floods which claimed half a million cattle. “This time so far it’s 100,000, which is still enormous. And a lot of those places haven’t recovered after 2019,” she said.

“And this is why I think this cattle drive is so amazing because this is about people who have already lost a lot giving more for people who are doing it really, really tough.”

OQCD Chair and BeefBank director, Anthony (Bim) Struss (left) said the aim of the drive was to  promote more awareness about food insecurity, at a time when some Queensland producers have also lost as much as 90 percent of their stock in severe flooding, while drought and fires are affecting other parts of the state.

“This event is tackling the alarming challenge currently facing one in five Australians who every week aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from,” Mr Struss said.

Australian Country Choice is repeating last year’s contribution by providing 700 of the 1,800 cattle expected to join the drive.

Other beef producers are being urged to set aside cattle now to deliver for the final Blackall auction.

Last year’s event raised more than $200,000, providing more than 300,000 protein meals through Foodbank and FareShare.

“We’re determined to dish up even more this year,” Mr Struss said. “we are trying to make a positive difference to the lives of Queenslanders.”

He recalled the Governor attending last year’s launch at Longreach. “One of the great things was Her Excellency said ‘I know I’m not meant to swing on the gate. I was taught that as a child. But guess what … I’m the boss’. And she swung on the gate!”

The event is also supporting regional tourism, with international visitors signing up – and saddling up – for all or part of what is described as the ride of a lifetime.

The Governor’s husband Prof Graeme Nimmo meets 15-month Clearview Charolais
Quest from Mount Walker, while handler Gabriella Stokes looks on.

ACC CEO Anthony Lee participated in last year’s ride – albeit only as a strapper. He attended with his children and some friends. “It was just the best experience. Sitting around a campfire dinner, the camaraderie, the stories from the different walks of life, all interacting. I cannot tell you how great it was,” he said. “It’s a truly unique experience I’ll always remember. Can’t wait to – hopefully – get back out there.”

Mayor of Barcaldine Regional Council, Cr Rob Chandler, said the drive could not come at a better time for communities recovering from repeated natural disasters.

“With the dust and the distance, the campfire singalongs and those vast night skies, this event captures the spirit of the outback,” Cr Chandler said.

“Knowing it is also helping so many people in need makes it all the more meaningful.”

The event saw the Governor presented with a short stockwhip, commissioned by the three western Queensland mayors, as thanks for her support. The 5 ft 6 inch whip in whisky and tan kangaroo hide was crafted by Wagga’s Anthony Rennick and had its trial run in the hands of the Governor’s husband, Prof Graeme Nimmo. Meanwhile, Esk Beef’s Ben Drynan, riding Moose and Darren Christiansen on Danny provided some stockman flavour with a whip-cracking display.

For more information visit the Outback Queensland Cattle Drive website here

The faces behind this year’s cattle drive: (L to R) David Muir, Foodbank; Anthony Lee, Australian Country Choice; Prof Graeme Nimmo; Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young; Mayor Rob Chandler, Barcaldine; Mayor Tony Rayner, Longreach; OQCD Chair and BeefBank director, Anthony (Bim) Struss; Andrew Rodgers, BeefBank; and Mayor Andrew Martin, Blackall-Tambo.