Billy Drumley (1853 – 1950)

Billy was born on the Gold Coast and lived in Beaudesert during times of great change for his people.

He was an athlete of outstanding ability. He was also a strict family leader, who bought land and shared it with his community, and led by example.

He encouraged children to be schooled, and older children to gain employment. His many protegees include Australia’s first Aboriginal Senator, Neville Bonner. Drumley cared for him and ensured he was schooled.

Billy was a master with the broadaxe and was commissioned to produce smooth timbers for many homes in the area. A notable example of his work can still be admired in the woodwork at Tamrookum Church, outside Beaudesert.

Billy also carved the wooden flagpole that still serves Beaudesert’s Anzac Memorial, in the main street of town.

Suitably, this 90-year-old flagpole is the rallying point for participants each year on the first day of The Drumley Walk.

And their shirts carry the excerpt below, and the image of an axe.

“With the broadaxe he was an artist, and old hands say there has never been a man to touch him.”

Excerpt from BILLY DRUMLEY IS DEAD, Beaudesert Times, 1951