Written by Russ Benning
I’ve spoken before about the chances of being born at all, and today I’d like to explore something I’ve been pondering a lot lately. The chances of being alive at all, in this period of time.
Human civilisation has been around for a micro-blip when considered against the history of our fine universe. Of that blip in time, our civilisation has evolved exponentially over the last century and indeed even the last decade.
I’m grateful for all the hard yards that came before me—bacteria to fish, fish to mammals and finally, mammals to smartphone-wielding androids.
Generally speaking we each possess a supercomputer in our hands with all of humankind’s knowledge at our literal fingertips. Our ability to learn anything we choose has never been so accessible.
Connecting with our loved ones from anywhere in the world has never been so easy. I’m reminded of science fiction movies from the 80’s portraying video calling technology and capturing imaginations. I remember thinking, “Wow! Only in the movies.”
Information and access to health services is at a historical, all-time high. Abundance and availability of quality foods also. Heck, these days you can have almost anything delivered to your doorstep!
It’s now possible for anyone to create a generous living from a plethora of online businesses. It’s a time where we can, with work and determination, become anything or anyone we want to be.
We’re on the cusp of the Artificial Intelligence revolution (this time let’s NOT reference the aforementioned SciFi movies for reference points on AI outcome) with untold advancements in potential quality of life improvements.
While we’re cusping, it seems that renewable energy is poised to become a significant part of our future, with ongoing introductions and advancements in this technological arena.
And if it all goes south for whatever reason, our guy Elon is paving the way for our interstellar future!
I realise, like anything, there are also cons to modern living and I will potentially explore this in another piece, but for today, we are focused on CELEBRATION!
I have the honour, this month, of introducing a man who truly embodies the notion of celebration into his life, not just in the work he does, but the way he lives his life.
Meet the iconic Bronco Jensen.
Currently, a freelance MC, running karaoke and trivia nights among other things, he also produces commissioned woodwork projects.
When I asked the question about his role in entertainment he comically replied, “What’s my offical job? I hold a microphone mate. In fact at one point I was thinking about changing my name to Mike (mic) Stand!”
His generous, yet not over indulgent, inclusion of “mate’s” in his vibrant vocabulary was a big part of what immediately put me at ease and continued to do so when meeting Bronco. Everyone feels welcome; everyone is included when Bronco has the floor.
Originally from Sydney, NSW, Bronco has been a proud Queenslander for almost 50 years. And to address the elephant in the room, yes, he even supports Queensland in the Origin!
A carpenter at the time, an industrial dispute in 1975 put thousands of labourers out of work, including Bronco. He took the opportunity to take a break up in Tin Can Bay which resulted in a likely story.
“I came up for a two week holiday, three and a half years later, I went back to get the rest of my gear!”
Starting off doing odd jobs for a few weeks, Bronco met the owner of Sun Safari Tours and started doing half day tours around the area including the beautiful Rainbow Beach. He started doing some day tours to Fraser Island and that was the beginning of his legacy of a career on the island.
Calling Bronco Jensen ‘just’ a tour guide would be a criminal understatement. He basically wore all the hats, all the time.
A natural entertainer, he would pull out his guitar of an evening and perform to the guests, take care of maintenance, do supply runs, manage the stockroom etc.
A testament to his nature he added, “If you wanted to live a happy life over there, you helped. If you saw someone needed a hand, you just helped.”
Unfortunately the years of driving trucks and buses, took a toll on his back, no longer able to drive on the island, he reminisces and shares.
“If I could still drive tours all day, sing at night and do woodwork on my days off I would.”
In his prime I assume his body was fueled by sun, sand and satisfaction because I have no idea when he would have had any time for sleep!
Later in the conversation we touched on where this gift came from and why he does it.
“Yeah I’ve always been like this, always the class clown.”
He shared a beautiful moment between himself and his grandfather quoting the latter.
“Everyone was put on this earth for a purpose – and your purpose is to make people smile.”
His performing days started at age 9 when his mother took him to a tap dance class. He loved it and continued into high school. In true Bronco style he recollects a time when his mates ribbed him for dancing and said, “Have you seen the girls that dance? They came to one of the shows and two of my mates signed up on the spot!”
Following this he went into theatre, discovered singing (and that he was naturally good at that too), which led into learning guitar and performing both solo and fronting bands.
One thing that surprised is the fact that when he’s not performing, he’s actually, that quiet guy that sits in the corner.
We laughed about it being like chefs that never cook at home or the mechanic who has the worst running car in town!
Put a mic in his hand and, “It just comes naturally mate. Having a whole room of people cracking up at something you just ad-libbed – you never get sick of that mate.”
Making people smile and laugh is worth more than money to Bronco, having frequently volunteered his time, talent and equipment to charities and such that simply can’t afford it but benefit greatly for having his gift of service.
As we reach the sunset end of this article I realise that a single article is not sufficient to truly capture Bronco’s story. I wince, realising how much joy, flavour and passion for life I had to cut for the word limit.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet Bronco Jensen and I look forward to once again, laughing and being captivated by his humour and tales in the future.
Knowing people like Bronco are out there, celebrating life and sharing it with the people, I say once again: What a time to be alive!
To reach out to Bronco or to book him for your next event, head to Tun A Fun Enterprises or email broncojensen@outlook.com.
For woodworking projects, head to R.A.G. Slab Furniture by Bronco Jensen on Facebook.