John Skinner remembers David Cory
David was best known for his life on the land and his service to the community of Warwick through his time as a representative in the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
He owned ‘Vermont’ 8km east of Warwick, along with other grazing blocks where his beloved Hereford cattle and fine wool Merinos were standouts.
His many community roles included patron of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society for many years.
He was also Chairman of the Prime Cattle committee for more years than most can remember and served several terms on the society’s management committee.
He was also Chairman of the Warwick Branch of Grazier’s Association of South-East Queensland from 1961 to 1965.
David was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2004 Australia Day Honours for “service to the environment, particularly in the areas of rural lands protection in Queensland, and through animal, weed and pest management.”
In 1963, David won the by-election for a seat of Warwick for the Country Party following the death of Otto Madsen. He held the seat until the 1977 Queensland State Elections when he retired from politics.
The seat was then held by Des Booth.
Although never a Minister during his time in Parliament, David held a number of important portfolios including;
• Member of the Government Party Committees on Justice, Primary Industries, Transport, and Lands and Forestry – 1969-1972
• Queensland Delegate to the General Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Canberra – 1970
• Queensland Delegate to the General Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Kuala Lumpur – 1971
• Member of the Government Party Committees on Development and Industrial Affairs, Primary Industries, and Transport – 1972-1974
• Delegate to the Australian Constitutional Convention – 1972 and 1973
• Member of the Queensland Parliamentary Delegation to Japan and South-East Asia – 1973
• Member of the Queensland Trade Delegation to the Middle East – 1975
David was born in Warwick, the son of Fitzroy Cory and Margaret (nee Wheatcroft) in 1928. He was educated in at Warwick Central and Intermediate Schools before attending the Brisbane Grammar School.
He married Margot (nee Barnes) on June 30, 1967. They had one son, Ben who is married to Margo and they have two children, Angus and Annie.
David Littleproud remembers David Cory
The Warwick community lost a statesman and a gentleman with the passing of former State Member for Warwick, David Cory AM.
David served on the Queensland State Parliament, representing the people of Warwick and district from 1963 to 1977, and during his term as our local member was a passionate advocate for primary industries, transport, and lands and forestry throughout his tenure and beyond.
A much-admired personality, David was recognised for his service to the environment, particularly in the areas of rural lands protection in Queensland and, through animal, weed and pest management, when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2004 Australia Day Honours list.
Among the many honours bestowed on him throughout his life, David was awarded honorary life membership of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society, as well as also serving as patron of the society.
David was the face of the prime cattle section at the show – serving as chief steward – and also spent three decades at the helm of the highly successful annual Warwick Hoof and Hook competition.
The David Cory Trophy is a highly coveted award which he has sponsored for many years and will remain a wonderful legacy to remind us of his tireless work.
David was a well-known and respected identity throughout the Southern Downs and wider community.
I send my deepest sympathies to David’s wife, Margaret (Margo), son, Ben and his wife, Margo, and extended family.
