Claire Mactaggart (nee Wyland, RGS 1992) talks about her passion for the land and the opportunities it has provided. “I never take for granted where we live.” That outlook on life continues to take Claire Mactaggart (nee Wyland, RGS 1992) towards new opportunities, her most recent being on the Board of Directors for Beef Australia 2021 (2 – 8 May). Claire and her husband Andrew oversee beef properties in Central Queensland, along with their four daughters. Claire also continues on a 14-year journey as the Queensland contributing writer for Country Style magazine. “You always make time for the things you love,’’ she said. Claire was one of five children growing up at “Mona Vale”, north of Yaamba. “I was a hands-on child. I grew up mustering, helping with any jobs on the property,’’ Claire adds. She now calls “Balcomba” home, a cattle property 43km north of Duaringa which Andrew oversees along with their other breeding and backgrounding properties, “Angle Creek” which is north of “Balcomba” and “Wirranda”, over two-hours south of the family home. The RGS connections are also close at hand.
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The Grammarian
Past student Alistair Corr (RGS 1995) manages “Wirranda” while Emmeline Elder (RGS 2014) is a governess to Andrew and Claire’s youngest daughters, Sarah and Grace, who learn via distance education. From her rural location, 150kms west of Rockhampton, Claire is able to contribute to the editorial team at Country Style, as well as other publications. “It’s important to me to share with people all the great things about living in the country. I feel so lucky to have this off-farm job where I meet people from all over Australia. It’s about celebrating the diversity of regional life.” Being part of Beef Australia is a chance for Claire to learn new skills and contribute to showcasing the wider beef industry. “Everyone at Beef Australia has been very supportive and I am enjoying the process of working together in the lead-up to the ’21 event. It’s a big collaboration, made possible by the time and dedication of all those involved.” Beef Australia events are always massive to organise, let alone having to deal with worldwide COVID-19
