Published: 13 Apr 2026

A Celebration of Sorts;

The week after Grady worked on Biff’s car all hell broke loose at the Dowie house. The first of it commenced on Saturday morning when Karen once again made comment about David’s snubbing Ron’s funeral, saying it would have been proper to have honoured a once friendship. David then left the house, slamming doors as he went to his shed.

The atmosphere remained tepid throughout day but that evening with Lewis visiting Tug and Grady about to spend an evening at the Royal with his mates, the arguing commenced again.

Grady is in his room with the door slightly ajar, one leg in his favourite pair of jeans, the pair he believes shows his arse to its best advantage, when he hears raised voices coming from the kitchen.

Firstly it is David’s voice;

“You know the reason!” his tone is loud and accusing.

Karen answers but her voice is far too soft to be understood.

Once again it is David’s booming voice;

“You are a liar Karen and no matter what you say, you will never convince me to believe otherwise!”

Karen is almost pleading;

Grady hears the words for the sake and children, there is more but muffled by the distance from his room to the kitchen.

Moments later there is more door lamming as David leaves the house.

Grady finishes dressing and goes to the kitchen.

Karen appears to be crying.

“Are you alright mum?”

Karen takes a deed reposing breath;

“Did you hear what was said?” she quietly asks.

“A little although not enough to understand, what was it about?”

“As well as it doesn’t concern you.”

Grady’s reply is lightly mordant;

“It seems it never does.”

“Your father has decided to move out and stay at the flat above the Stock and Feed building.

“When you say he has decided to move out, do you mean for the night or will it be permanent?”

“Permanent I hope; I can’t take much more of his accusations.”

Karen appears to lighten her mood, if anything she now appears composed like someone who at last reached resolve and is pleased with the outcome.

“I’m about to go out but I can stay if you like.”

“No you go and enjoy time with your mates, I’m alright.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Grady I’m sure; tonight has been coming for a long time and if anything I’m happy it has been brought to a possible resolve,” Karen smiles, “don’t forget Tony’s wedding is Saturday week, so be sure to remind Brian.” Karen obviously has more to say; “will Brian bring Trish as a partner as seating arrangement will need to be made.

“You know they broke up.” Grady says.

“And who will you bring?”

“That is a good question, possibly no one. Biff said we may have to partner each other for the bridal waltz.”

Karen’s expression goes from placid to serious.

‘I shouldn’t have cracked that joke.’

‘I knew dad is homophobic but never mum.’

‘Then I suppose it’s never been topic before.’

‘I better set her straight.’

“Mum don’t look so shocked, I was joking – okay?”

“You shouldn’t talk like that.”

Grady had difficulty leaving his mother on her own after what he witnessed but Karen is adamant. Youth must enjoy as the years soon take youth away.

In route to the Royal, Grady calls by to collect Biff who is waiting at the house gate.

“You took your time.”

“Sorry it couldn’t be helped, mum and dad had an almighty row and he stormed out.”

“What was it over?” Biff asks known for once it couldn’t be about him.

“I couldn’t say, only I think it’s the same row that’s been brewing for years.”

“I suppose David will get over it. How is your mother?”

“She appears happy with the outcome and I don’t think it will blow over, dad’s gone to live in the flat above the store.”

Biff is smiling;

“You think it’s about time – don’t you?” Grady suggests.

“Did I say something?”

“Your face said it all; then again I’m inclined to agree with you. Only I don’t know how Robyn will cope, she idolises dad.”

“Girls do with fathers, boys their mothers, by the way were meeting at the Graham.”

“Why the change?”

“Wayne Nelson has been barred from the Royal.”

“Why?”

“Last weekend after we left the Royal he got himself into an argument with the relief barman and took a swing at him, fortunately for Nelson he didn’t connect.”

“Oh well the Graham suits me, Dad will more than likely be drowning his sorrows at the Royal.”

Biff makes a move towards his car.

“I don’t think so,” Grady says.

“What don’t you think?”

“There is a blitz on drink driving at the moment, its best we walk.”

“Point taken,” Biff agrees as he pockets the keys.

It is a busy night at the Graham, mostly tobacco farmers and a few locals while the Royal’s crowd would be made up of cattlemen down to spend their monthly pay packet. It wasn’t long before half of the football team had found a spare table and set in for a night of entertainment, mostly talking about their conquests, or lack of such, making up with a few exaggerations along the way.

This night the usual group consists mainly of the camping crowd although Bomber Jackson and Ross Wilson joined the group from the cricket team but weren’t part of the local football club. Bomber, Les Jackson was so called as his father had been seconded to the British Air force during the last big bash as a rear gunner in Lancaster bombing raids over Germany. Wilson was a quiet lad, rather young for the gang, at seventeen and a few months was considered a good batsman therefore given drinking rights with the group as a reward. Even so the barman kept an eye on Wilson, suggesting he visit the toilet if any of the establishment were to show up.

Barry Jones is at the bar as the lads arrive arranging two jugs of beer, he waves across the crowd and Biff waves back. The lads reach the table and Grady is scanning who is about. Michael Brown is missing as is Luke Bevin, moments later Brownie arrives with Luke close behind. Brownie failed to receive the change of venue only hearing about it on reaching the Royal.

Brownie’s eyes are on the two jugs of beer, he huffs;

“What’s your bother Brownie?” Barry Jones questions.

“Not enough beer.”

“You know where the bar is,” Barry suggests.

Brownie about turns and goes to the bar.

“Hey Greedy,” Luke says; “guess who is drinking at the Royal?”

“You’re telling the story Luke.”

“I saw your old man.”

“Seeing it’s his favourite drinking hole I suppose he would be there.”

“And,” Luke says then pauses as if allowing the conjunction time to register that more is in the offering.

“You know something Luke; you have a bad habit of dragging the story out. It’s a little like your bloody fishing.”

“He was chatting up that new barmaid as if they are old mates and from where I was standing it appeared he had his hand up the back of her skirt.”

Although quite disgusted Grady refrains from commenting, even so he wasn’t surprised to hear of his father’s indiscretion as it wouldn’t be the first time suggestion was given towards David’s infidelity.

Luke continues this time directing his resume towards Biff;

“I also saw Trish Baker in the ladies lounge with Val Thorpe, Trish appeared to be crying.”

“Was Rod Hawkins with her?” Grady asks.

“I didn’t see him.”

Barry Jones interjects, “Hawkins’ left town last week as he has a job in the mines at Mt. Molloy.”

“You’ve been a busy boy,” Biff sarcastically expresses towards Luke.

Brownie returns from the bar, “hey you girls when is the next big bush-bash grog up?”

“I didn’t think you are into fishing Brownie,” Barry suggests.

“We don’t need to fish, next time we should bring a couple of chicks along, possibly a weekend down the coast,” Brownie approaches Grady;

“Hey Greedy we could borrow your old man’s beach house.”

“As I’ve already said that that will never happen, he won’t even let me use it.”

The conversation turns towards girls, work and the cricket ashes series between Australia and England. Grady is seated aside with Biff close by. After hearing of Trish’s dilemma he approaches Biff.

“What do you think is wrong with Trish?”

“It’s not my problem Grady.”

“That is a little heartless even for you; possibly you should call in on her.”

Biff folds his arms and frowns, his eyes are piercing into Grady.

“Grady, how long have I know you?”

“Since day one I should think.”

“And still you haven’t learned not to ask dumb questions – and don’t you even think of saying sorry.”

Grady laughs and apologises;

“Sorry Biff – possibly you know me too well.”

“I have a proposition for you,” Biff says, “seeing you did such a good job then why not take the utility down to Yorkeys Knob for a drive, maybe for a weekend but no more fishing.”

“I’d be in that Wayne Nelson pipes up from across the table.

“Count me in,” Brownie concurs and before Biff can declare it to be a private party the entire group is making arrangements.

Monday afternoon with Grady arriving home from work, no sooner is he through the gate before he is met by Jenny the Kelpie bitch, she is alone as it appears Marshie has once again buggered off. Seeing the dogs are David’s responsibility Grady ignores the problem, he checks the letter box for mail.

There is an electricity bill and a very official envelope addressed to him.

‘This looks official,’

‘Who could it be from?’

Grady reads the return;

“Ow Shit!” he exclaims loudly as he reached the front door.

The letter is from the Department of Labour and National Service.

“Fuck, I’ve been called up.”

Entering into the house he drops his work bag in the hall while anxiously staring at the beige coloured envelope with the ominous return address.

“Is that you Grady?” Karen calls from the kitchen.

“Yes it’s me.”

“Your father is coming over to collect a few things and should be along any minute now.”

“That should be fun.”

Grady enters into the kitchen; he remains staring at the beige envelope as if afraid to open it.

“Who is the mail for?”

“There is an electricity bill.”

“You can give that to your father, what about the other?”

“Bugger,” Grady says, “it looks like I’ve been called up.”

Karen observes Grady’s obvious hesitancy to open the letter, “you won’t know that until you open it.”

“Doesn’t receiving a letter mean you are conscripted?”

“No it could equally mean deferment.”

Moments later there is knocking at the door, the resonance has an air of uncertainty

Grady answers finding Biff holding a similar beige envelope.

Biff is wearing a anxious expression.

“You got yours as well?”

“I thought we should open them at the same time.”

Arriving close behind Biff, David enters unannounced. Seeing Biff his tolerance lifts beyond irritation. He gives a soft grunt.

“Good afternoon Mr. Dowie,” Biff greets while keeping his tone at a friendly level.

“I’ve come for my gear,” David directs towards Karen, his voice is low and calculated.

“You know the way,” Karen answers from over a steaming pot of something on the stove.

“Dad,” Grady simply greets.

David gives a half grin and a sharp nod.

“We’ve received our Nasho’ papers,” Grady holds up his beige envelope.

“About time, maybe the army can make men out of you both,” David releases a low vibrating chuckle in support of his suggestion as he advances towards the bedroom.

“Don’t listen to your father, he doesn’t mean what he said, it was only to irritate me.”

“I don’t,” Grady turns to biff, “go on you first.”

Karen appears more nervous than the boys, “come on at least one of you open your envelope.”

It is Biff who is first to open; “Bugger,” he loudly exclaims.

“Were in?” Grady gasps as he feels the blood drain from his face, he can almost feel the heavy army boots on his feet and rifle across his shoulder.

He opens his envelope.

He reads – indefinitely deferred.

“You bugger Biff you scared the pants off me.”

“Come on you two put me out of my misery- have you both been called up.”

“No we missed the draft, we are deferred indefinitely but need to keep the document as evidence of deferment,” Grady says, “our birthday didn’t come out of the barrel.”

David returns carrying a large bag.

“What is the outcome son?”

“We missed the draft.”

David appears disinterest, he give a weak smile towards Karen as he heads for the door.

“There is a bill,” Karen calls after David.

David pauses.

“Grady give your father the bill.”

David takes the envelope and folding it into his shirt pocket as he departs without further response.

“That’s how you do business,” Karen sarcastically says once David is beyond hearing.

During the unpleasantries Biff stood aside not wishing to make a bad situation worse.

Grady clearly understands his friend’s discomfort and once David has gone he offers a suggestion;

“Do you want to go to the Royal and celebrate?”

“Grady dinner is almost ready and there is plenty for you both.”

“Ah’ mum,” Grady throws a glance towards Biff and can feel his friend’s situation not wishing to disregard Karen’s hospitality.

“Put some aside for later, at the moment I think I’d rather celebrate.”

Biff remains reticent.

“You can’t go drinking on an empty stomach,” Karen suggests.

Biff hesitates but Grady needs to release the pressure built up over the time waiting for the result.

“Come on Biff, there’s a celebration of sorts waiting.”

Biff shrugs away Grady’s suggestion as if to say that’s Grady for you.”

“Off you go,” Karen agrees, “I suppose it isn’t every day you get good news.”

The Royal bar is quiet consisting of two young stockmen wearing large sweaty hats and Williams stock boots, one of the men is wearing spurs more for show than go, as in the main spurs are considered unnecessary and cruel in the country’s logic, there is also a group of farmers discussing tobacco leaf pricing and the weather. Gladys Flossy a well known town drunk can be seen through the ladies lounge doors seated in her usual spot in conversation with her glass of beer. At the far reaches of the u-shaped bar is David and he isn’t alone.

“Dad didn’t waste time getting here,” Grady whispers to Biff

“Who is the woman he is chatting-up?” Biff questions as the boys approach the bar.

Grady tugs at Biff’s shirt sleeve, “come on we’ll go to the Graham, I shoulda’ known better than to come here.”

Once outside Biff returns his interest to David and for the first time he makes a derogatory comment about Grady’s father. “I reckon the old bugger is having an affair.”

“I don’t know about an affair, although I wouldn’t be surprised if mum and dad permanently part company, dad had been sleeping in the spare room for some time before he moved out and they can’t be in the same room without fighting.

The boys quickly depart without being noticed by David,

“Hoy!”

The voice comes from behind as the lads approach the Graham, both turn discovering Michael Brown striding down the footpath as if he owned it.

They wait for his approach before entering.

“It’s unusual to see you drinking during week nights, what’s up?”

“We got our Nasho’ letters.”

“That’s right you were both born on the same day, that’s why you are poking each other.”

Although Michael is obviously displaying his usual humour, Biff’s fists form with so much pressure his knuckles are white.

Biff holds back.

“Then you are both off to the army eh?”

Grady is first to answer;

“Sorry to disappoint you Brownie, we missed out, what about you?”

“No word yet although I only posted my registration last week,” Brownie says; “if I’m not called up I may join and go fight the Gooks anyway.”

“Do you know where Vietnam is Mick?” Biff asks.

“Of course I do, it is somewhere near Pakistan.”

Grady laughs; “you’ve got the wrong ocean Mick.”

“What’s the dif’, Gooks, Wogs they are all the same.”

“Yes Mick you will do well in the army.” Grady concludes.

Two drinks and the celebration fizzles as none of the usual crowd are out and Michael Brown’s company is never one that can be described as entertaining without support so with little more to converse the boys leave Brownie to his drinking.

On the way home Grady appears unusually quiet bringing Biff to comment.

“Everything is changing at speed,” Grady says.

“In what way do you mean?”

“The country is in a war we shouldn’t have joined simply to appease another country, our mates are drifting from town or being called up and now mum and dad appear to be on the verge of divorce.”

“Isn’t David Catholic, if so do you think it will come to divorce?”

“Na’ Grandad Dowie was supposed to be Catholic, mum is, or should I say was Anglican yet I’ve never seen any of the family in church except for hatch, match and dispatch.

“Eh?”

“You know births, marriage and funerals.”

“I like that, which reminds me, for Tony’s wedding I may patch up with Trish just for the day as she will be going anyway.”

“What if she decides to bring someone else?”

“I didn’t think of that, oh well as I said previously, I won’t go.”

“Mum asked me who I will be bringing and jokingly I repeated what you said about we may have to do the bridal waltz together.”

“Why did you say that?”

“Dunno’ I thought it would bring a laugh but I’ve never seen her go so cold before.”

“You shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why?”

“Just shouldn’t have.”

The lads reach Biff’s gate but Biff hesitates;

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll have to find somewhere to live sooner than anticipated as I’ve noticed Ken Wright has advertised the house in the real estate window.”

“How long have you got?”

“I suppose that will depend on how quickly it sells, then I should think there is the usually month or so for finalization.”

“Have you been looking for somewhere?”

“Not really, I sorta’ supposed I had plenty of time.”

“If dad doesn’t return to live at home why not come and live with us?”

“Do you think your mother would agree to me living there?”

“I can’t give a reason why she wouldn’t.”

Biff appears hesitant, his hand is on the gate, “Grady,” he says, his tone as one who has something important to disclose.”

“Yea what?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“You’ve done that a lot lately,”

“I don’t get ya’.”

“You commence to say something then pull back, what’s worrying you mate?”

“Good night, if your mother agrees I will at least think about it.”

“Good night.”

The lad’s part company but Grady remains at the gate long after Biff had gone inside. His earlier quote on his changing world returns and first to mind is Biff, will he be part of Grady’s changing disposition; will his friend from his very first memory become nothing more than a memory and an occasional letter from some far-flung part of the country At that moment Grady wished their birthdates had come from the barrel at least they could have served together; possibly died together on some distant battlefield, at least in death he wouldn’t have to live a life of loneliness without Biff.

Gary’s stories are about life for gay men in Australia’s past and present. Your emails to him are the only payment he receives. Email Gary to let him know you are reading: Conder 333 at Hotmail dot Com

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