15 May 2012

Times have certainly changed since Jack Malloy first unrolled his swag in the Australian outback.

Fifty years ago he was a terrified teenager, unsure if the animals responsible for the strange noises echoing from the darkness were going to take him in his sleep.

Now as a tour guide he relays those tall tales from the bush to visitors on the ‘Night at the Museum Tour’ at Council’s popular Lamplight Bazaar.

‘Jack the Swagman’ as he’s affectionately known will regale guests with stories of travelling buckjump shows, feisty camp cooks and five decades spent sleeping under the stars at the next Lamplight Bazaar on Saturday May 26 (5pm - 9pm).

“I’ve got a few tales to tell, I even recite some poetry if the guests want to hear it,” Jack said.

He’s been reciting one of his favourites, ‘Lifespan’ for more than forty years after hearing it at a rodeo. 

“As title suggests it’s about the lives of animals including cats and dogs, horses, cattle, you name it; it’s very interesting and always one of the most popular.”

Tickets to the Night at the Museum Tour are only $7.50, while Staycations members will pay only $5 as part of a special promotion.

But event organiser Claire Phillips says Jack’s tall tales are just part of the fun with local arts and crafts, food and live entertainment all part of the Lamplight Bazaar experience.

“We had a great turnout at the last event and it really gave guests a taste of what Maryborough was like 160 years ago when it was one of the country’s busiest ports.

“The region has a very rich history and it's great to see not only the locals, but visitors to the Fraser Coast getting behind these fantastic events.”