50 years a journalist

By Warren Nunn Monday, 3 July 1972 was the day I started in journalism. Just a few weeks short of my 18th birthday I walked into the newsroom of the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin newspaper and took the first steps on what has been an interesting and challenging...

And the Oscar for violence begets violence goes to … Hollywood!

By Warren Nunn Violence begets violence. No surprise there. The 2022 Oscars event will be clearly remembered for a violent act of anger and revenge. When actor Will Smith slapped comedian/actor Chris Rock for a joke about Smith’s wife, Hollywood and pundits all...

It was me, said Paddy

A nip of rum too many – Bell’s New Weekly Messenger 04 April 1847: A BAREFACED THIEF.-An Irish lumper (docker), named Thomas Maguire, was brought up before the Liverpool police Magistrate on Saturday, under the following circumstances:- The prisoner, with...

Remembering The Creek, Brisbane’s quirky sand racetrack

By Warren Nunn (first published 14 February 2022) The Creek, Brisbane’s now-defunct Albion Park racecourse, holds special memories for many horse-racing enthusiasts of a certain age. Known as “The Creek” because it was bounded by Breakfast Creek...

There’s a slow train comin’

By Warren Nunn Speed’s the thing, the headline read. It’s 1943, the world is wrestling with the turmoil that comes with global conflict. Only those who lived through that time can know what speed meant to everyone almost 80 years ago. Train travel ruled....

Saying goodbye to a precious friend

By Warren Nunn A tree is best measured when it’s down. Simple enough analogy isn’t it? But is it adequate enough when it comes to saying something about a dear friend you’ve known, loved, and respected for 40-plus years? Suzy Watson wasn’t into...

Arnold Nunn, a beloved uncle and consummate conversationalist

By Warren Nunn, Arnold’s nephew. Arnold George Nunn will be remembered by many as a consummate conversationalist; a warm and friendly gentleman who embraced everyone as if a personal friend. It seems impossible that anyone could dislike him, such was the comfort...

Ken Russell, an all-round champion, and other CQ racing identities

©Warren Nunn Ken Russell at Callaghan Park in 1980 when he rode Panard to win the Rockhampton Cup. His dad, Gordon, far right, trained the horse and Ken’s brother Bill is holding the horse. The man with hat in hand is Panard’s owner Noel Howard. The late...

Heady days at Callaghan Park

©Warren Nunn NOTE: This is a lengthy article with several images and clippings that those with a connection to Callaghan Park should find interesting. Other Callaghan Park articles include Grass track opening | Newmarket win | Jungle Hunter completes double | and...

Licences granted to racing men

Below is reproduced the transcript of an article in which there are many familiar names for those with any knowledge of Rockhampton racing. Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 – 1954), Thursday 18 August 1949, page 6 Licences Granted To Racing Men The...

Callaghan Park grass track opening September 1984

©Warren Nunn When the Rockhampton Jockey Club opened its grass track at Callaghan Park on Saturday, 15 September 1984, I was there with my camera. Even though I am a journalist and words are what I do best, I had more than a passing interest in photography. Although I...

Jungle Hunter first horse since 1958 to win big double

First published The Morning Bulletin Monday 23 June 1975 By Warren Nunn With a great win in the Rockhampton Cup (2000m) at the Callaghan Park races on Saturday, Jungle Hunter became the first horse since 1958 to take out the Rockhampton Newmarket-Cup double. He also...

Jungle Hunter gives rare double to Emerald

First published The Morning Bulletin Monday 16 June 1975 By Warren Nunn Jungle Hunter made it a rare double for horses owned and trained at Emerald with a runaway win in the $12,500 Newmarket Handicap (1300m) at Callaghan Park on Saturday. Last year’s winner,...

A hate-filled, bigoted Christophobe?

By Warren Nunn Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is a hate-filled, bigoted Christophobe. Note: The above and what is to follow is written to make a significant point. You will need to keep an open mind and read to the end before coming to any conclusions. The Victorian...