Pioneers, The

Joe and Marie Mahood settled in the Brigalow district of central Queensland in 1971, when land was cheap and the cattle market looked healthy. But as the cattle market fell, they were forced to live apart, just to feed themselves. Joe stayed on the property, and Marie taught at the coal-mining town of Moranbah, about a hundred kilometres away. They continue their 5-days-a-week separation because the extra income is still needed, and the separate lifestyles suit them. The Mahoods have brought a new dimension to the spirit of the Australian outback pioneer.