There are few people who have had as colourful career as Vicki and Angus Lane OAM. The pair were farmers in Jandowae where they were married and raised their four children. After Vicki and Angus sold their farms in 1992 they moved to Highfields where they bought seven acres and have lived happily ever since. For the past 35 years Vicki and Angus have travelled Australia announcing at Royal and country shows and captivating audiences with their extensive knowledge of ring events and country people. Here Angus tells us a little bit more about their varied and fascinating life story:
“My main goal when commentating was always to break down the barriers between country and city folk. As I grew up in Brisbane, I have always wanted to bridge the gap between city and country people,” said Angus.
“I have always been involved in local shows but I got my big break at the Dalby Show in 1992 where I was approached by the RNA Councillors about becoming the chief announcer at the Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known as the Ekka. It was a huge decision, but it was my dream and we haven’t looked back since. We now spend ten months of the year at shows all over Australia.
“The circuit takes us as far as Darwin and Perth, so when we are home we like to make sure that we are well-situated to see our four children and ten grandchildren. The great thing about GemLife Highfields is that it is just that – central to our family and near to the shopping centre that we have frequented for many years. We were very glad of the professionalism by the GemLife Sales Team who were incredibly knowledgeable and communicated with us regularly, which is more than I can say for other such resorts!
“We decided to enter into a GemLife resort as we wanted to have an association with people our own age and enjoy the social aspect of a fantastic community. My wife Vicki also has a cochlear implant which means that safety and security is paramount for us.
“Without Vicki, I would never have had such a wonderful life. I was honoured to be recently awarded the Order of Australia for services to agriculture in addition to being nominated by the children at the Shows for Queensland Father of the Year – not by my own children, I might add!
“These days I enjoy acting as a marriage celebrant, naming ceremonies and funerals as I meet so many wonderful people and hear so many fascinating stories. We are looking forward to a new chapter in our lives when we move to GemLife Highfields.”
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