Speech by Adam Giles CEO of Hancock Agriculture, S Kidman & Co, Rossi, Drizabone and Kidman clothing.
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Distinguished guests, friends, and members of the Kidman family, a very warm welcome to you all.
It is an absolute privilege to stand before you tonight at 175 Eagle Street as we officially open the doors to our brand-new home right here in the heart of Brisbane.
Looking around this room, you aren’t simply stepping into a retail boutique—you are stepping into a living, breathing extension of Australia’s greatest pastoral story.
To truly appreciate what this store represents, we must look back more than a century to a thirteen-year-old boy named Sidney Kidman.
In 1870, Sidney ran away from home on a one-eyed horse named Cyclops, with nothing in his pocket but five shillings and a determination to make his own way.
He rode straight into the dry, unforgiving red dirt of the Australian interior.
Sidney didn’t just survive the outback; he listened to it.
He studied the river systems, the rains, and the seasons.
He realised that during devastating droughts, you couldn’t keep livestock pinned in one place—you had to move them along the natural watercourses.
Over decades of unyielding grit and visionary strategy, he built a chain of stations stretching from the Gulf of Carpentaria right down to South Australia.
It was a drought-proofing pastoral empire that earned him the title of ‘The Cattle King’ and a knighthood from King George V.
His journey would see him cross paths with another visionary in his own right, James Nicholas, who operated pivotal coaching lines for the legendary Cobb & Co.
This partnership not only helped lay the foundations of modern Australia, it also etched into the Kidman story a deeply personal connection for our Executive Chairman Dr Gina Rinehart AO, the granddaughter of James Nicholas.
Kidman and Nicholas formed joint ventures to supply the essential horsepower, coaches, and logistics that opened up regional Australia, moving mail, vital supplies, and brave pioneers across thousands of miles of rugged frontier.
That bold spirit of resilience and loyalty to the land is just as alive today, thanks to the leadership and passionate stewardship of Dr Rinehart. In her safe-keeping, the Kidman legacy hasn’t merely been preserved—it has been invigorated—and we see that come to life here this evening.
Dr Rinehart shares that profound, unwavering commitment to regional Australia, ensuring we continue to celebrate, support, and invest in the people who produce the food, fibre, and character of our nation.
It is because of this legacy as to why we say that Kidman truly is ‘Australian by design’.
Bringing Kidman to 175 Eagle Street is about connecting the dust, heritage, and authenticity of the outback with the energy of the city.
While this flagship is our latest milestone, our footprint across Australia continues to grow rapidly with Five dedicated Myer concessions in Townsville, Sydney, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, and Ballarat.
A Selected Men’s Footwear in 13 David Jones stores: Available nationwide, including right here in Brisbane.
And over 1000 independent regional stockists of our Kidman, Rossi and Drizabone products, all trusted local destinations including the iconic Hannah’s in Toowoomba, Tetley’s in Mount Isa, and rural outfitters right across the country. Mrs Rinehart and I like to back the local retailer and support local businesses
And of course direct to your door through kidman.com.
Beyond our boots and apparel, at the very core of Kidman is authentic craftsmanship—and nowhere is that more visible than in our headwear. A good hat in Australia isn’t just an accessory; it is protection, identity, and personal pride.
Tonight, we have some incredible talent in the room. First, I’d like to give a special welcome to introduce Anel, our new Hat Artisan, who brings genuine artistry and fresh creativity to the team. But don’t take my word for it – I encourage everyone to try our truly unique custom hat-making experience for yourself!
I’d also like to welcome Dan, our Chief Hatter who has travelled all the way from our Tamworth flagship to join us tonight. Dan’s mastery of the craft and deep knowledge of classic shaping sets the gold standard for everything we do.
Plus I would also like to welcome our new store manager Miky as well as Sue and Victor who have been with us for a long time in our pop-up store keeping things floating while we build this store.
Before I finish, on behalf of Gina and I, we’d like to personally thank all our staff who have helped put this shop and event together tonight. I will not name them but please understand we acknowledge your efforts and dedication to bring this to fruition. On behalf of us both, thank you.
I invite each of you to explore the store tonight, meet Miky, Sue, Anel, Victor and Dan and, experience the craft firsthand, and find a piece of the Kidman legacy that speaks to your own journey.
Thank you all for being part of this milestone, and welcome to Kidman country… right here in Brisbane!
Mrs Rinehart thank you for joining us tonight from the other side of the world. Would you like to say any words perhaps or just happy to be watching proceedings?
