W. J. Buzacott was the second son of Charles Hardie Buzacott (q. v.). On completing his education at the Brisbane Grammar School, he commenced employment with the Brisbane Newspaper Company in February 1883, and in the following years served a general 'apprenticeship' on the Company's newspapers. In 1890, he was sent to the United States to study process engraving, and to purchase the plant which was then used to produce illustrations for the Queenslander. On his return to Brisbane in 1891, he was appointed editor of the Queenslander, a postion which he held until his retirement in February 1934.