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Sir Manuel Richard Hornibrook (1893-1970), master builder, industrialist, and company director, was born on 7 August 1893 at Enoggera, Brisbane. In 1914 Hornibrook joined the Queensland Master Builders' Association and was its president in 1922 and 1923; he was president (1926) and a life member (1959) of the Master Builders Federation of Australia; he was also a foundation fellow (1951), councilor and president (1952-56) of the Australian Institute of Builders, and a driving force in the construction of its headquarters at Milson's Point, Sydney. For his contribution to science and the practice of building, he was awarded the A.I.B.'s first medal of merit (1955). President (1953-59) of the Queensland Civil Engineering Contractors' Association, he was an honorary member (1968) of the Australian Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and an honorary fellow (1969) of the Chartered Institute of Building (Britain)—the first Australian to be so honored. He was appointed O.B.E. in 1957 and knighted in 1960. Known to his associates as 'M.R.', Hornibrook was a big man, not only in physique—he stood 6 ft 2 ins (188 cm) tall and weighed 17 stone (108 kg)—but in personal magnetism, vision and spirit. Courage, ability, and determination carried him to the highest levels in his profession. He dominated his immediate environment, had a cool head in crises, and did not suffer fools gladly. Source: adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hornibrook-sir-manuel-richard-10...

During the 1860s, much changed on the Sunshine Coast. Vast areas of timber were felled and burnt to make way for farming and stock. The railway from Caboolture to Landsborough, built in 1890, opened the way for more intensive settlement. As the train line construction continued further north, the Dularcha railway tunnel was built to provide an essential link through the hillier terrain. It is one of only two tunnels built along the old narrow-gauge, North Coast Line between Brisbane and Gympie. Building the tunnel was labor-intensive work undertaken by T.J. Jessor and Co. Their workers built the concrete-lined tunnel using basic machinery and horses to assist with carting heavy loads. When the line was officially opened on 1 January 1891, it became possible to travel from Brisbane to Gympie and back in a 12hr trip—a major achievement, linking communities and reducing travel time! Among the route’s first travelers were troops sent to quell a Shearers' strike. Source: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/dularcha/about/culture

Bullock teams were renowned for their steady, patient and determined pull in difficult situations where horses were prone to jerkiness and panic leading to expensive injuries and breakages. Bullocks didn’t often need shoeing and could live and work on rough herbage rather than the expensive feed required by working horses. It wasn’t until improved road surfaces meant that the greater strength and speed of draught horses could be put to an advantage that bullock teams began to be displaced on the road. In our forests and on our farms bullocks have been used up to the present day. Australia’s last full-time professional bullockies retired from the forest in the early 2000’s, but there are still a few hardy individuals who train and yoke bullock teams as hobbies, for demonstrations, or for part-time work in forests and on farms. In the case of Rohan the Bullocky, his bullock team began as a hobby, developed into a genuine working team, and is now available on and off his farm for heritage displays. Source: www.glenedenfamilyfarm.com.au/our-farm/bullock-team-facts...

Brisbane's Story Bridge opened for operation on July 6, 1940. This date came five years after construction commenced and fourteen years after initial recommendations for a river crossing at Kangaroo Point. Essentially, the Story Bridge was one of the then governments' three major public works projects, creating years of employment for many men during the Great Depression. The Story Bridge is the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated, and constructed in Australia by Australians. Currently, the bridge is repainted every seven years using 17500 liters of paint. There are approximately 105000 square meters of painted steel surfaces. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is one of only three bridge climbs in the world. Climbing over the steel structure gives you an incredible bird's eye view over Brisbane City, Kangaroo Point, and far beyond to the distant mountain ranges and up the Brisbane River. Beneath the bridge on the Central Business District, side is Howard Smith Wharves, a historic shipyard-turned-precinct. The old warehouses have been turned into a craft beer hall and conference spaces, and there are new build bars, cafes, and restaurants along with open parkland. Source: www.queensland.com/sg/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-56b26...