Squatters in the South Burnett : their life and times 1840-1860 / Dr Judith A. Grimes

“The border counties of Scotland are renowned for the raising of sheep and the textile industry associated with it. James John Malcolm Borthwick and William Elliot Oliver grew up there and, as younger sons with limited prospects, they sailed to Australia to better themselves. Landing in Sydney they then overlanded with their sheep and drays to Moreton Bay District. Buaraba and Rosewood in the Brisbane Valley became their home. Thick scrub, floods and almost impenetrable mountains had them looking for better pastures. Finally they pushed out to establish Nanango and Tarong Stations, on roads they often made themselves. Their lives are typical of early life in the expanding colony of New South Wales. After Oliver returned to Scotland the Barker brothers, Robert, David and Bryce, continued to develop Nanango Station. This book covers the period of 1841 to 1862 and focuses on the daily lives and challenges of these Scottish adventurers, who were the first to establish white settlement in the area now known as South Burnett.” --Back cover.