Who was "Stumpy" Michael Durack?
Stumpy Michael hails from the famous, pioneering family, the Durack’s. Immortalised by the book and subsequent two-part film series, "Kings in grass castles". A rags to riches story from Irish peasants to crowned "Cattle Kings". The Durack's were ahead of the land rush in the channel country and benefited greatly. Having a string of butches , hotels supplied by Durack beef, serviced the new arriving settlers. While the Durack's were led by the ambitious eldest Patsy following the early death of there father years prior. "Stumpy" Michael Durack while being 12 years younger played just as crucial role.
Stumpy Michael was by his brothers side Patsy Durack and John Costello on there first failed attempt to the channel country. Loosing all there cattle in a prevailing drought, themselves nearly perishing also only surviving thanks to the local Indigenous people. Succeeding on there second attempt the men established both Kyabra and Thylungra Stations in 1868.
Stumpy's life in the saddle however would never change, obtaining the necessary skills becoming the dover of fat stock to market, and the collection of goods. Journeys of 1000km or more. Having done so well ahead of the land rush on the channel country, the Durack's thought they would try the same after hearing of good prospects in the Kimberley's Westen Australia.
Stumpy becoming the leader of the Durack’s expedition to the as he embodied the necessary qualities of learned bushcraft, leadership and sure judgement of country. The journey that followed was the longest overland trek of its type in white, recorded history, taking an incredible 2 years and 4 months. The challenge of droving 7,250 head of breeding cattle and 200 horses on a 4,828km expedition to the Ord River was not a journey without costs. The team lost several men and approximately half the cattle. Financially, the trek cost the hefty sum of £72,000, the equivalent of an astounding $12 million today.
During this time, Stumpy purchased Archerfield station in the strategic location between Brisbane and Ipswich. His legacy can be seen today in the naming of the Brisbane suburb "Durack" and the secondary "Durack college".
We’ve chosen to name our water bottle after Stumpy Michael as it is perfectly suited to the harsh conditions of the outback or a job site. Stumpy Michael embarked on many adventures throughout his life and our Stumpy will accompany you on all of yours.