Well known North Queensland identity and Illawarra Breeder, Michael Daley, passed away on Monday, 10th November, 2008 aged 51 years.

Michael commenced dairying on 1st May 1979 on Theresa Creek Road, Millaa Millaa on a farm neighbouring his parents, Red and Marj Daley. Michael exhibited his cattle throughout the Tablelands and at Cairns under the stud name ‘Odaleigh’, winning many prizes over the years. In 1990 Michael exhibited at the Brisbane Exhibition winning Junior Champion Bull, Champion Heifer and Supreme Illawarra Exhibit with Odaleigh Gem 4. He also exhibited at Rockhampton show on a number of occassions. Michael was well known to the Illawarra and dairying community through his yearly visits to the Brisbane Exhibition.

What many people did not know was that Michael was a very accomplished bagpipe player, being a member of the Tableland Pipe Band, Innisfail Pipe Band and the Queensland Country Pipe Band. He often practised the bagpipes while getting the cows, arguably the only dairy herd in Australia that would regularly come home for milking to the sound of the bagpipes. Michael gained a great deal of enjoyment from his bagpipes, playing at many community functions including Anzac Day {usually at 5 different venues across the Tablelands}, weddings and funerals.

Michael also loved old time dancing and attended dances regularly – surprising but true!

Michael was the eldest son of Red and Marj Daley and is survived by his mother Marj, sisters Anne Daley and Bronwyn English, brother David Daley and five children, Kevin, Sarah, Elizabeth, Robert and Alexandria.

Michael was fiercely competitive within the Illawarra show circuit and this competition will be sorely missed. Michael will also be sadly missed by his family and the Illawarra community.

Michael's funeral will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at St Rita's Catholic Church, Millaa Millaa commencing at 10.30am.

May he always rest in peace.