Ian ‘Doonga’ Rule of Innisfail dies aged 76 as community remembers his generosity

An FNQ community is mourning after losing one of its most prolific yet altruistic members, being remembered as a straight shooter with a generous heart. READ THE TRIBUTES

A FAR Northern community is in mourning after losing one of its most prolific yet altruistic members who is being remembered as a straight shooter with a generous heart.

Innisfail’s Ian “Doonga” Rule, died aged 76, at home on Saturday, June 25, after a recent leukaemia diagnosis.

The talented musician was one day struggling due to a swollen wrist, which he presented to a doctor, who then made the tragic discovery.

The ultimate community man who was known not only throughout the Cassowary Coast but across the Far North left a legacy in multiple forms, effecting change and inspiring communities with his far-reaching public dexterity.

Councillor Ian Rule addresses the crowd at the Flying Fish Point CWA breakfast in 2012. Mr Rule died on June 25, 2022.

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Throw him a rugby league ball, and he would turn a group of kids into representative champions, with multiple Foley Shield wins to his name.

With a cricket ball in hand, he formed, mentored and coached one the region’s most talented Indigenous cricket sides, and in 2016, helped the Innisfail senior team to its first premiership in five years.

Mr Rule was also a long-serving employee at the Johnstone Shire Council, and took office as Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor in 2008, going on to serve two terms.

Mayor Mark Nolan, visited Mr Rule at his house moments before his death.

“He gave me the ‘Murray’ handshake, that was something that was very special to him.

Innisfail indigenous cricket team Waru training. Coach Ian Rule

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“He had a strong passion to help Indigenous youth. One day he just said bugger it, I’m going to help these guys with what I know and he formed a cricket team.”

Mr Nolan said at the council, where Mr Rule previously worked in the roads department before councillor, he helped shape one of the government’s most effective unsealed roads policies – pushing for wet grading instead of dry – a change which was still welcomed by rural residents.

“We served two terms together at CCRC and worked on many election campaigns supporting candidates like Bill Eaton, Warren Pitt and Curtis Pitt.

“Doonga would never tolerate fools and was a very loyal knowledgeable fellow councillor and friend. He loved a punt on the horses and was a passionate Rabbitohs supporter in NRL.”

Innisfail Leprechauns president Nick Souvlis said Mr Rule had coached him as a junior and was a great mentor to young kids.

“He was very smart, did his homework and he could always just give you a game plan that worked,” Mr Souvlis said.

Former councillor Ian Rule on the microphone making announcements at the Feast of the Senses Market Day in 2015. Mr Rule died on June 25, 2022.

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“But in the community he was greatly respected, a very likeable guy who loved playing music. He was always open for a chat about anything you needed.”

Former Innisfail A Grade cricket captain Luke McAvoy highly admired Mr Rule and said his generosity would be sorely missed.

“Doonga was a hugely influential figure in the community at large and the Innisfail District Cricket Association was no exception,” Mr McAvoy said.

“He was one of the best cricketers to come from our town. When he stopped playing he gave up his time either in the executive or coaching for almost his entire life.

“He was passionate and caring, and had an incredible depth of knowledge of the game which he conveyed with simplicity. Our club is forever in his debt and he will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved Doonga.”

In 2009, Mulgrave's Labor candidate Curtis Pitt talks with Cassowary Coast councillors Ian Rule (left) and Mark Nolan (right) about the ageing Jubilee Bridge, saying replacing it is his top priority for Innisfail.

Lifelong friend of Mr Rule, John Herrmann said his mate was “always a big boy, but a brilliant sportsman.”

“Ian was always a lovely fellow and always greeted me with ‘g’day Johnny’ every time I saw him which always gave me a lift. He coached my wife at basketball when she was 15 and he was 22 years old.

“He could always sing and the note that he couldn’t reach was made up with confidence. “There wasn’t a band that he played in that weren’t a better band because of his talent and enthusiasm.”

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said he was saddened to learn of the death of his good mate, and enjoyed working with Mr Rule on projects around Innisfail including the upgrade of the Jubilee Bridge.

The funeral service for Mr Rule will commence at 10am, Wednesday July 6, at the Innisfail Blacks Funerals crematorium.

Originally published as Ian ‘Doonga’ Rule of Innisfail dies aged 76 as community remembers his generosity