Resto Dave

Clarion Awards … a Tribute to ‘Resto Dave’ …

… honestly didn’t expect this … great evening at the Sofitel in Brisbane Saturday … made even better by the very welcome announcements that I actually won both the major photography prizes in the 30th anniversary “Clarion Awards” (Queensland’s journalism awards).

However, the eve was tinged with sadness too …

My set of pictures of the life of friend and recently sadly passed away subject … “Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen” … was judged the winner of ‘Best Photographic Essay’, whilst my portrait of David recovering from his heart attack earlier this year won ‘Best News Photograph’. The work was published perfectly and respectfully in the Courier Mail with words by gun scribe Michael Madigan … many thanks for that CM !

Here are the ‘judges comments’ on my work …

Best Metropolitan News Photo … “Brian showed dogged determination to track down castaway David Glasheen after he had suffered a heart attack. Using good old fashioned news sense Brian found his friend David recovering in the Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre in Cairns. The photograph is a strong example of using available resources to capture a portrait. A clever use of light, painting a haunting image of the subject in his frail state.”

Best Photographic Essay … “Brian’s photographic essay of David Glasheen, the millionaire castaway, perfectly captures the unique, and dream-like nature of the man’s life. From taking a mannequin down a tropical island in a wheelbarrow, to beautiful portrait shots that show the impacts of time, the series clearly tells the story of how this man lived and the scars he carries. Brian’s exquisite technical skill, and his storytelling ability is clearly on display in this essay.”

I admit to having reservations when seeing my images of ‘Resto Dave’ … is was a terrible shock to talk to him on the phone in early July, just a couple of days before he succumbed in a Brisbane hospital to the effects of that February heart attack and other complications. He was a truly fascinating genuine character armed with humour, compassion and a zest for life. I recommend a read of his best selling book “The Millionaire Castaway”.

However, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Sofitel … a fitting venue to commemorate thirty years of the media awards that celebrate the best of Queensland journalism.
This year the event was organised by the Queensland branch of the MEAA … and everyone did a stellar job. Fantastic to make the pilgrimage again to the ‘big smoke’ of Brisbane and enjoy the company of many journalists, photographers and other media colleagues.

Huge congrats to all the ‘Clarion’ finalists and winners … in particular the photography finalist contingent of Adam Head, Annette Dew,  Glenn Hampson, Matt Dennien, Kenji Sato and Cairns based Brendan Radke. 
Below are the images that comprised my winning entries … and David, you are very very sorely missed.

Images © Brian Cassey


Vale ‘Resto Dave’ … Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen …

In February I posted an ‘update’ on World renowned island castaway David Glasheen and his then health issues. I’m so sad to advise that the former millionaire and later decades long island recluse passed away last weekend. His family have told me that he never really recovered over the five months since that hospitalisation for a heart attack.

So … I make no apologies for once again running this ‘last image’ portrait (top) that I made of David in the Red Cross accomodation following his discharge from Cairns Hospital back in February. That portrait was the catalyst for an another lengthy story on David’s island life in the Courier Mail newspaper.

David’s story … of losing a business fortune in the 1987 economic crash and dropping out to live a solitary life for decades on a remote tiny island off the coast of northern Australia … resonated around the planet. His book “Millionaire Castaway” (illustrated on the cover with another of my ‘David’ portraits) was a best seller around the World.

I had the pleasure of visiting David (and his mannequin friend) on remote Restoration Island three times over the years. He was always a gentleman, a fascinating wonderful host … and a great subject. (His island brewed beer was pretty good too.) Below I’ve also posted a few more pics of David when on his island home in healthier times, with his dog Quassi and his ‘friend’ Miranda.

Restoration Island (and the World) has lost a unique resident … they don’t make ’em like ‘Resto Dave’ anymore …

Images © Brian Cassey

Vale 'Resto Dave' ... Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen ... In February I posted an 'update' on World renowned island castaway David Glasheen and his then health issues. I'm so sad to advise that the former millionaire and later decades long island recluse passed away last weekend. His family have told me that he never really recovered over the five months since that hospitalisation for a heart attack.
Vale 'Resto Dave' ... Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen ... In February I posted an 'update' on World renowned island castaway David Glasheen and his then health issues. I'm so sad to advise that the former millionaire and later decades long island recluse passed away last weekend. His family have told me that he never really recovered over the five months since that hospitalisation for a heart attack.
Vale 'Resto Dave' ... Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen ... In February I posted an 'update' on World renowned island castaway David Glasheen and his then health issues. I'm so sad to advise that the former millionaire and later decades long island recluse passed away last weekend. His family have told me that he never really recovered over the five months since that hospitalisation for a heart attack.