Overview
Bill Reid, born in Cooroy in the early 1920s, provides a detailed account of life in the Noosa and Tewantin districts across the twentieth century. He describes his family’s early settlement, his father’s transition from banana growing to beekeeping, and the close relationship the family formed with the Hoopers of Tewantin—one strengthened by shared interests in fishing and early radio technology. Reid recounts early modes of travel, including horse and sulky trips to Noosa and later the use of small motorboats such as the G Wiz and the Booval, which played central roles in family fishing excursions on the Noosa River and coastal waters.
Reid offers rich insights into traditional fishing practices, including mullet netting, prawn gathering, and crab harvesting, revealing both the abundance of earlier decades and the physical challenges involved. He also reflects on boatbuilding, describing common vessel types, materials such as beech timber, and the maintenance required to combat borers.
Beyond maritime life, Reid discusses his youth spent working in local industries—including dairying, timber milling, and public works—illustrating the resourcefulness expected of young people at the time. He also reflects on environmental and social changes, noting the decline of mangroves, increased boat wash, shifting fish populations, and the transformation of long familiar landscapes. His recollections capture a vibrant portrait of community, hard work, and river based culture.
