Honouring a pillar of Maleny: committed and community-driven
William George Hankinson
Nov 25, 1940 – Feb 22, 2025
THE Maleny community has come together to celebrate the legacy of William George Hankinson — better known as Bill.
True to his nature, Bill would not have wanted a fuss. He would simply want to know that his family, friends, and neighbours were gathered, sharing memories and, as he would say, “having a yarn.”
Born on November 25, 1940, in Maleny, Bill was the second child of Ted and Phyllis Hankinson, with his older sister Adele preceding him by 18 months and younger brother Ivan arriving five years later. The Hankinsons have been long-standing members of the Maleny community, with Bill’s grandfather George (whose parents were John and Jane Hankinson, who arrived in 1878 as early settlers to the Maleny township) selecting land along the Landsborough-Maleny Road in 1916, where the family brand, 7 Lazy Z H, became a hallmark of the property.
Bill’s childhood was spent on the steep country of his family’s 300-acre property, Oceanview.
By the age of 14, he was driving steers with a horse and dog from the western side of Maleny (Reesville) to Little Mountain (Caloundra) where the abattoirs were. An arduous task that today is almost unimaginable. School held little interest for young Bill, and at 15, he left to pursue his true calling: farming.
His father, Ted, ensured that Bill not only worked the land but also understood the business — sharing in both profits and losses.
Together, they expanded and improved the dairy and beef herds, cleared land, and acquired a paddock where Maleny High School stands today.
Despite his work on the land, Bill found time to immerse himself in sport and community life. He played cricket, A-grade badminton on the Sunshine Coast, and rugby league for Maleny, known for his hard tackling as a hooker.
Community service came naturally to Bill, as it did for many from that era.
At 18, he became heavily involved in the Maleny Show Society, later becoming a Life Member. He received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and joined Apex, serving as President. His commitment extended to politics, joining the Country Party at 18 and remaining a lifelong LNP supporter. At 40, he joined Rotary, later serving as President and receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award.
In 1963, Bill met Marlene at the Maleny Show Ball. As was the custom, he drove her home that night, beginning a courtship that lasted nearly five years before their wedding on 26 April 1968. They wanted to marry sooner, but Marlene’s father insisted she wait until she was 21. Ever pragmatic, Bill likely saw the delay as an opportunity to invest in improving his pastures and herd.
Bill and Marlene welcomed three children—Murray in 1971, Rebecca in 1972, and Ashley in 1974.
Bill was adamant that all three learned to ride horses properly, instilling in them a life skill that mirrored his own connection to the land. The 1980s saw Bill and Marlene venture into the world of horse racing, becoming founding members of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Their passion for the sport never waned, and they remained life members, attending regularly.
In 1994, Ashley returned from Emerald to work alongside his father. Together, they transformed the farm, increasing milk production to 750,000 litres—an extraordinary feat on steep terrain.
Bill’s philosophy was clear: on such country, only a young, strong herd could endure. His deep knowledge of the land and livestock was instinctive.
In 1998, deregulation upended the dairy industry, forcing many small-scale farms to close. Bill made the difficult decision to transition to beef cattle but took the change in stride.
“You could stay bitter all your life, but what’s the use?” he said.
With milking no longer dictating his daily routine, Bill turned his attention to camp drafting — a lifelong dream. For the next two decades, he travelled across Queensland competing, first on a horse named Mr Ed, and later his favourite horse, Beau. At 70, he won at Widgey, outclassing professional drafters—a victory he took great pride in. He continued competing until the age of 78, finally retiring when he received titanium knee replacements at 79. In his later years, Bill and Marlene embraced travel, both internationally and throughout Australia’s outback.
He remained active on the farm until his final days, selling cattle just two weeks ago, arranging from his bed the sale of a Grade A bullock on behalf of his grandson, Angus.
Bill Hankinson was, above all, a farmer—one who knew every tree, every inch of his land, and every beast in his care. Bill leaves behind a wonderful legacy in his children and six grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by many.
Bill will be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and resilience. A man big on humility, community, and commitment.
