22/07/2026
Max is the definition of dedication and community spirit. More than 50 years of hard work, service, and commitment to the cattle industry and the Etheridge Shire is an incredible achievement.
Curley Cattle Transport is incredibly proud to have this legend on our team. Max is a true leader in our industry, whose knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to help others continue to make a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Thank you for everything you do, Max. You’re one of a kind. An absolute legend!
Meet our Local Legend! Max Whitaker
After finishing high school in Hervey Bay, Max Whitaker spent two years working as a ringer in the Northern Territory before making the move to the Etheridge Shire in 1971.
Over the years, Max worked on numerous stations across the region, including Mistletoe, Carpentaria, Edenvale and Goldsmith. He also worked on the railway, as well as running the shire's mail distribution service, and quickly became known as the shire's handyman, always willing to lend a hand when needed.
In the 90s, Max and his wife took on a very different venture when they owned and operated the local bakery in Georgetown. They were the last people to own a bakery in the town, Georgetown has not had one since.
The cattle industry has been the one constant throughout Max's life. His connection with the truck yard began in 1979, and although ownership changed hands several times over the years, from Greens Motors to Peninsula Freighters and later Andrew Hickey, Max remained a familiar face. When Curley Cattle Transport took ownership in 2002, he stepped into the role of Georgetown Curley Cattle Transport Manager, a position he proudly continues to hold today. His dedication to the yard is so well known that, if you look closely on Google Maps, you can even spot Max hard at work.
Now 73, Max remains a friendly face around the Etheridge Shire with no plans to slow down anytime soon. He enjoys seeing the younger generation embrace new breeding programs and continue strengthening the local cattle industry.
One of his favourite memories is the day a crocodile wandered into the Curley's yard. Brett "Daggie" Dagg soon caught the little reptile and took it to the local pub with plans to frighten tourists and backpackers.
For Max, the Etheridge Shire is more than just a place to live. It's where he raised his four children, built lifelong friendships and created countless memories. After more than 50 years in the region, he still believes it's the people who make the Etheridge Shire such a special place.
