Tom Quilty

Thomas John Quilty (4 April 1887 – 1979) was an Australian station owner, pastoralist, philanthropist, and bush poet. To this day he still holds the record for the largest freehold land acreage ownership in Australia's history; over 3 million acres (13,000 km²) for a single property. In total, he controlled over 4.5 million acres (19,000 km²) of land.

Early life Quilty was born in Normanton, Queensland, to an Irish family with six children. He received schooling at the family stations before being sent to boarding school (1904–07)

Career as a cattleman Quilty was a cattleman and a resident of northern Australia. He bred and trained stockhorses, racehorses, and polo ponies; his horse Proud Boy won races. He invested in the Kimberley Hotel at Halls Creek and funded a grandstand at the local racing club. To raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he published a volume of poems, The Drover's Cook (Sydney, 1958), regarding station life and personal relationships at Springvale Station. The poems remain in publication. Quilty is an exhibit in the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame for his involvement in the Australian cattle industry.

Philanthropy and accolades A passionate horseman, in 1966 he donated over 1000 pounds for the creation of a trophy for the Tom Quilty Gold Cup. An event designed to test the skill of horse and rider it was awarded to the winner of a 100-mile (160 km) who could not only complete the gruelling course but whose horse also finished in sound health. Quilty and his good mate RM Williams (the now famous boot and saddle maker) created the Tom Quilty Gold Cup a national championship endurance horse event, held annually in Australia which is now the biggest professional endurance ride in the Southern Hemisphere.

In 1976, Tom Quilty was awarded the prestigious OBE the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire honour for his services to agriculture and primary industry.

After suffering a number of strokes, he resided at Oakland Farm near Capel, Western Australia. He died on 24 November 1979.