Malcolm Douglas

[Member]

I've just heard that Malcom Douglas has been killed in a motor accident in Western Australia.  If this is true Australia has lost one of it's true icons.  He's done so much in his life.  Rest In Peace mate.

Broome crocodile expert Malcolm Douglas has been killed in a car crash on his property in far north WA.

It is understood the renowned crocodile farmer, who was the original "crocodile hunter" before Steve Irwin made the term fashionable, hit a tree while driving in his car this morning.

WA police reported that a vehicle crashed into a tree on Mr Douglas' property at 6.29am today WST
Police would not confirm the identity of the occupant as next of kin were still being notified, but sources close to Mr Douglas confirmed he was in the vehicle when it crashed.

Mr Douglas was one of Australia's foremost crocodile experts. His Broome crocodile farm was opened in 1983 and has become an international tourist attraction.

The farm was used as a place for people to interact with crocodiles, but also push Mr Douglas' core message of the importance of conservation. The facility also acted as one of the country's biggest crocodile farms, producing meat and skin for the commercial trade as a way to protect the population in the wild.

The farm made national headlines in July when a drunk man jumped into the enclosure of one of the biggest crocodiles, a male called "fatso". He attempted to ride the reptile before being attacked, but he was fortunate to escape with a bite to the leg.

Mr Douglas also operated a wilderness reserve on his Broome property, which incorporates an animal refuge to preserve endangered species.

But he made a name for himself on the small screen as one of Australia's most famous bushmen.

His first film, Across the Top, was borne out of a six-month trip around Australia with a mate in 1964. It was a massive success when broadcast on television.

Mr Douglas has made more than 50 documentaries and films and became known by the moniker of the "Barefoot Bushman".

In his later years he underwent surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, an experience he said gave him a new perspective on life.

"It changes your attitude too," he told the ABC back in 2004.

"You try and remain calmer. You try and appreciate life. You appreciate every day, you know? Because, from now on, I could have been dead, and I'm, you know...I'm still kickin'."

Mr Douglas started out his career as a professional crocodile hunter back in the 1960s, but soon changed his tune to dedicate his life to saving the massive reptiles.

"See, I was a professional crocodile hunter when I travelled around Australia," he told the ABC. "But I was one of the first to think, 'This is not right'. All these crocs here, if I didn't put them in a captive situation, they'd be shot.

"Now, in a perfect world, I should not have any crocodiles here. They should all be out there in the Kimberley, swimming around. But people and crocodiles don't mix."

 

[Member]

Also just heard about this. RIP Malcom....

[Member]

A truly sad day 
An inspirational person who instilled a love of travel & adventure in a couple of generations.
RIP Malcolm Douglas

[Member]

That truly is a great shame...... RIP Malcolm.

SB8

[Member]

A sad day indeed 
Another legend gone

[Member]

Shattering news. The Sweetwater flag is at half mast.

Thoughts & prayers are with Malcolm's family and close friends.

Garry Fitzgerald

[Member]

Another legend gone, RIP Malcolm.

Ray

[Member]

Now there is someone that has left a lasting legacy.

He motivated generations to get outdoors and explore our great country, even if you had a crappy car,
cheap fishing gear and cooked up meals with whatever was in the tucker box.  I remember running back inside to watch his
shows on a Saturday night as if it was yesterday. 

Images of Malcolm being bogged and covered in mud up to his arm pitts will always be the first things i remember when someone mentions his name.  Catching fish with a hook and the alfoil from a coffee tin were classic Aussie Outback scenes i'll never forget.

We can all take a leaf out of his book and continue on part of his legacy by taking, helping and promoting
our current and future generations to get outdoors and explore our great country.

Our thoughts are with the Douglas Family & Friends.

Regards Lyndon.

[Member]

Remember being a pup watching the "walkabout with Malcolm Douglas" episodes.Being a  Brisbane boy,he was responsible for bringing the outback to me through the television screen.I lapped it up.
Feel the same sadness as when the news of Mike Leyland filtered through.

My thoughts and respect to him,and his family and friends left behind.

Michael.

[Member]

Sad news indeed. He did a great deal in his sixtynine years and he dearly love the Kimberley region.

[Member]

Very sad news. Being younger I didn't get to see too much of his TV shows but a quick youtube search showed what a great bloke he was.

[Member]

What a legacy he has left for future generations to be amazed and also enjoy, RIP Malcolm

[Member]

ANOTHER truly sad day.

As Lyndon said I too grew up racing back inside to see his shows on a Sat night. HIS fishing antics had me spell bound.

Funny thing was just this Monday afternoon after Bomber dropped me home from our trip I was watching the DVD he did for Trailcarft, and YES I again was amazed.

I really wonder though if the younger generation will really embrace what a great individual he really was, and even care what he has done for so many of us just by making his films.

 I was fortunate enough to meet him at the Sydney Boat show one year, at the Trailcraft stand and he was a real good bloke.

He will be missed.

Pete

[Member]

Yes a real tradgedy , I was watching a show on Aurora TV about two blokes cruising the kimberley in the last couple of days ( Jaso and Rodo in All4adventure ) I reckon Malcom would have been a influence on these two blokes , the show was about the Charnley River Rock Bar , Malcom spent days dragging a canoe down the Charnley River catching sooties for tucker and then fixed outriggers to his canoe and motored to some settlement .
A real shame !

[Member]

RIP Mal.

Randall.