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The first occupation recorded for Detlef Stehbens after arrival in Maryborough was "bricklayer". Detlef was employed as a bricklayer in Maryborough in 1866 and 1867. At this point, what building projects he worked on has not been proven, but it is believed that he worked on the Post Office construction. (This was the most significant government construction at the time. The Gympie Gold Rush that changed Maryborough did not begin until late 1867, after which there was abundant and bold building projects to employ bricklayers.) After 5 years in Maryborough, Detlef and his son Claus Johann were able to select land. They selected agricultural land in Bundaberg, 120 kms to the north. On Johann's selection, they dug a deep well, which Detlef brick-lined. This well was still there in 1992 when it was inspected by Ian Stehbens, before it was filled in to prepare the selection land for the development of a residential estate. It is believed to be the first well in south Bundaberg. It tapped into the Lower Burnett groundwater, opening this resource to local farmers. This groundwater resource has been essential for the development of the sugar and smallcrops industries in the Bundaberg District, ever since. Detlef's nearby selection was made in order to make bricks, the first ever made in Bundaberg. With these bricks the well on his son's selection was lined.
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