The QMCA story – humble, passionate and bold
And it resonates remarkably with every chapter told…
Driving through the River City, Sunday afternoon
On the shiny streets of your town, like an old familiar tune…
This highway paved in history, a back road through the past
A tale compiled so stoically, the first brick to the last
“We’ve come so far” the driver says, his manner proudly styled
Excitement from the backseat speaks, the question of a child
Her face is gazing upwards as she manages to tilt it
And her question is a simple one, a question of “Who built it?”
Emotion in the front seat is deliberately concealed
Then his humble contribution is instinctively revealed
“I played my part” he ponders with contentment in his eyes
And he longs to tell a story as his pride begins to rise
“This icon Suncorp Stadium, this cauldron we adore
A special team I worked with was compliant in its roar!
Like the legend of the Gabba, yes, these stadiums are here
Because the architect, the builder and the civil engineer
Took the challenge of a project on, with dignity and skill
From creation to completion, from the idea to the thrill
We engaged with our community – responded to the call
And designed a piece of Queensland that belongs to one and all!
Such progress writes our relevance, it helps define our state
Is there any better case in point than Expo 88?
You weren’t born when it happened, but the truth shines like a star
In the storyline of Brisbane, well, it helped make who we are
And stories are important, see that bridge that spans the river?
What a fascinating Story its construction could deliver!
Now tunnels track beneath us to support the traffic flow –
Clem 7 and the Airport Link belong to us you know!
The airport – there’s another job that landed in our court
With every major dam we have and every major port!
Facilities to marvel at and services to boast
Motorways that sweep us up and take us to the coast
The railways and the busways tell a fairytale enchanted
By a million different journeys that we shouldn’t take for granted
And for everything constructed, there’s an endless list of factors
But the major contribution hails a network of contractors
The QMCA spirit fueled the fire that instilled it
And I guess it’s true – this legacy? I suppose… I helped to build it”
Now honesty’s another way our children make us glad
A backseat voice confirms the fact – “You did a good thing Dad”
Ambition too is stirring, now she has her father’s ear
“It’s such a special city Dad, but what’s the path from here?”
That moment when the penny drops – a beautiful suggestion
That the greatest inspiration lies in those who ask this question
And the answer hails another sky that paints a stunning view –
“There has never been a better time for living where we do
Hydro plans and solar projects, hospitals unveiled!
Infrastructure upgrades and the new Cross River Rail!
Increased productivity compared to what we’ve seen
The best of new technologies, sustainable and clean
A pipeline to the future… now investing in the frames
That will pave the way with passion for the glory of the Games!
The ’32 Olympics! Ahh the truth should not escape us
It’s incredible to think about the way that thing will shape us!
A unique opportunity indelibly entrusted
To tomorrow’s generation, when the planning’s done and dusted
And the building starts in earnest, yes, and Brisbane sets the stage!
Then the QMCA story will invoke another page
In a safe and sound environment, the hard work will reflect
On a truly golden decade, where we earn the globe’s respect!
And the world will come to see us and our country will unite
And the way we carve that legacy…that page is yours to write!”
Turning to the backseat now, simplicity is wed
To a moment in the scheme of things where nothing need be said
But a father sees his daughter and he knows that she’s allowed
To be brave and to be brilliant…and he knows she’ll do him proud…
Every person in this industry can stand with due accord
And feel absolutely honoured by the joy of their reward
As you eye another challenge and take pride amongst your ranks
I stand on this occasion, and I simply give my thanks…
The QMCA story – one that Queensland knows so well
Yet the greatest of its chapters, is the one that’s still to tell…
Rupert McCall © 2025
