In this episode, we hear from John Hagan — someone who knows the Territory not just by map, but by memory.

Over the course of 87 years, John has witnessed the Territory change in ways few others can truly grasp. Raised on cattle stations in the VRD during World War II, he came of age in a time when cattle were still walked thousands of kilometres to market. 

He travelled vast distances across the Territory, Queensland and South Australia as a drover, working first for Peter Sherwin, before later going out on his own.

At just 27 years of age, John stepped into the role of manager at Brunchilly Station, where he spent the next 26 years quietly transforming it into a benchmark operation on the Barkly.

John has spent his life on horseback, in stock camps, and behind the scenes — quietly contributing to the backbone of Australia’s pastoral industry. It’s a story not of fanfare, but of grit, commitment, and deep knowledge earned the hard way.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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The Hayes family is one of the most iconic and historic in the Northern Territory, and in this episode, we sit down with fourth-generation Territorian, Mickey Hayes.

Born and raised on Undoolya Station, Mickey grew up immersed in the rhythms of station life, following in the footsteps of generations before him. But unlike his father and brothers, Mickey’s journey would eventually lead him beyond the boundaries of the family property. While his bond with the land has remained steadfast, his journey has taken him across Australia and abroad, shaped by a spirit of curiosity, adventure, and taking life as it comes.

To begin our conversation, I invited Mickey to reflect on the early days of the Hayes family and share some of the stories that have helped define their remarkable legacy.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we speak with Gaynor Cleary.

Gaynor first travelled to the Northern Territory in 1959 to visit distant relatives who owned Mt Riddock Station. Although the visit was brief, it left a lasting impression.

A few years later, she returned to work on the station, where she met her future husband, Tom — a part-Aboriginal stockman.

Over the next 50 years, Gaynor and Tom worked on several stations in the district. They raised a family, adapted to changes in communication, infrastructure, and the workforce, and even lived through the murder of one of their employers. They worked hard and stayed committed to their dream of one day managing a station — a goal Tom achieved at the age of 60.

It’s a story of steady dedication and a life deeply rooted in the Territory.

To start our conversation, I asked Gaynor to tell me about that first visit to Mt Riddock Station.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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The pioneering legacy of Charles and Cora Chalmers is well documented in the history books—but the story of the Chalmers family didn’t end there. In this episode, we hear from their grandson, Cameron Chalmers, who continues that legacy in his own remarkable way.

Born and raised on the very land his grandfather once settled, Cameron enjoyed a childhood rich with freedom and adventure. Following in his family's footsteps, he embraced the pastoral life, eventually purchasing a station of his own with his wife on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Driven by a restless spirit, Cameron later ventured interstate to explore what the wider country had to offer. But, like many who feel the pull of home, he eventually found his way back to where it all began.

To begin our conversation, I asked Cameron to share a bit about what he was like as a child.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we talk to Di Martin from Mt Denison Station.

Di first came to the remote Aboriginal community of Yuendumu in 1984 for what she thought would be a six-month teaching job. She never imagined she’d still be in the region more than 40 years later.

When she eventually left Yuendumu, it wasn’t to continue travelling—it was to move just 30 kilometres down the road to Mt Denison Station, where she still lives today.

In that time, Di has seen it all—raising six kids, facing loss, navigating the challenges of succession, and building a strong, lasting relationship with the local Aboriginal community. Her story is one of resilience, connection, and a deep love for the place she calls home.

To start things off, I asked Di how she ended up taking that first job in Yuendumu.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we hear the story of Gil Bowman. 

From as soon as he could walk, Gil was, as he says, always trying to “make a few bob”. 

With his strong work ethic and determination, and the few bob he had made along the way, he purchased Pine Hill Station in 1968, at just 28 years old. 

Turning Pine Hill from a relatively undeveloped block into a functioning, profitable cattle station took years of hard work, resourcefulness, and creativity - all things Gil was never short of. 

His story is a true example of a young fella just having a crack at life, with plenty of adventures along the way.

To start our conversation, I asked Gil, who was 85 at the time of this recording, the share his earliest memories from his childhood during World War 2.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we hear from Tony and Pam Davis who’s journey of land ownership has taken them from Central Australia to Queensland, South Australia, the Top End, and finally back home right to where they started.

With 6 decades of experience raising cattle, managing the landscape, and making a life from it, there’s not much these two haven’t seen.

Tony and Pam have had one heck of an adventure with plenty of ups and downs along the way, all the while fuelled by their deep connection to the land. 

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we chat with Steve and Bec Cadzow from Mt Riddock Station. The Cadzow family ventured into pastoralism more than 60 years ago with the purchase of a cattle station in the Northern Territory—despite having no prior experience living or working in the region.

Today, they’re widely respected for their high-quality Poll Hereford herd and forward-thinking approach to land management. While much has changed since Steve’s parents first arrived in the Territory, some things have stayed the same: they work hard, work smart, and always do what’s best for the land. 

To start our conversation, I asked Steve how his family came to own a cattle station in the heart of the outback.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we speak with Col Stanton, a highly respected figure across the outback for his intuitive understanding of diverse landscapes and his unrivaled ability to implement interventions that improve water infiltration and repair erosion damage.

Col is in high demand, frequently flown to stations around the country to teach workshops and pass on his knowledge. He carries the wisdom and experience of a lifelong bushman—so you’d be forgiven for thinking he was born and raised on the land.

However, as Col explains, his 40-year career—one that would ultimately see him recognized as an expert in his field—began unexpectedly, following a tumultuous and traumatic start to life.

If anyone embodies the true meaning of resilience, it’s Col. And it was a true privilege to hear his story. 

**Trigger warning for sexual assault**

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we hear from Gary Prior. Between Gary and his father Bill, the Prior family managed Hamilton Downs Station for 40 years. And as Gary says, moving to the station at the age of 6 was the best thing that ever happened to him.

While he’s always called Hamilton Downs home, and working on the station was all he ever wanted to do, Gary’s path turned out to be quite different from his father’s. 

In this episode, he reflects on his journey on and off the land—how life pulled him in other directions, and how he took it all in stride. He adapted, worked hard wherever he was, and still managed to build a life he’s proud of— all of which would be key to building the resilience that helped him through his biggest challenge.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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In this episode, we sit down with David Bird of Indiana Station, a fourth-generation pastoralist continuing his family’s legacy on the land in Central Australia. 

David shares insights into how the experiences and resilience of those who came before him have shaped his outlook and approach to station life. 

Our conversation explores his deep understanding of the landscape, his grounded, pragmatic response to the highs and lows brought about by Mother Nature, and what it takes to make it in the bush.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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n this episode we hear the incredible story of Libby Gooch.

The year is 1972 and Libby is a young mother living on Manberry Station with her husband George and their 3 children.

In a matter of months, she loses not one, but two of the men in her life.

In an instant, her world is changed irrevocably, and Libby finds herself facing the fight of her life to keep the family property.

The road is fraught with challenges and sacrifice, as the only woman in the region, and perhaps one of a few in the country, to be at the helm of a pastoral business.

As you’re about to hear, Libby’s story is not defined by the tragedies and hard times she has faced. It’s what she chose to do in the wake of them that is her story. A story of resilience, determination, and true grit at a time when the odds have never been stacked so high.

Libby, who was 87 at the time of recording, is notoriously private and was very reluctant to share her story, so it is a real privilege to be able to share it with you.

To start our conversation, I asked Libby to take me back to where her story in the pastoral industry began.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.”

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Jos Percy’s childhood on Yoothapina Station was cut short by drought and war. Instead of making mudcakes and mustering sheep, he changed schools 12 times in 3 years, as the threat of invasion dictated his father’s postings in the army.

After the war, the Percy family found their way to Wandina Station in the southern Rangelands - initially as managers, then as owners. It didnt take long for Jos to adapt to station life again, as he worked on properties around the country before coming home as manager. It was during this time he met his future bride, Jenny, and together they embarked upon the management of Williambury Station in the Gascoyne for the next 30 years, before achieving their goal of purchasing the property.

At the time of this recording, Jos and Jenny were ages 89 and 82.

To start our conversation, I asked Jos to tell me about his earliest memories.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.”

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In this episode, we speak to Tim and Chris D’Arcy from Lyndon Station.

Tim D’Arcy’s childhood on Lyndon Station was full of adventure and freedom. Accompanied by friends and mentors from the local Aboriginal community, he developed a love of the land and a dream to own his own station one day.

And, with the help of his wife, Tim would make that dream come true several times over. Today, Lyndon Station has been under the care of the D’Arcy family for over 90 years.

To start our conversation, I asked Tim to share the story of how his father came to be on Lyndon.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.”

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n this episode, we speak to Mick and Winsome Hearman, whose family called Middayla Station home for 120 years. For four generations, the Hearmans poured their blood, sweat, and tears into the land, building a thriving sheep station and enduring the highs and lows of life in the bush.

​They’ve seen it all—from facing the devastation caused by fires, cyclones, and droughts, to the introduction of aerial mustering and motorbikes. In fact - Mick played a key role in the design off the first off-road motorbike developed for mustering in Australia.

In this episode, Mick recalls the golden age of pastoralism, a time when the wool industry flourished and the outback was alive with opportunity. But he also shares the heartbreak of the wool market crash that changed everything.

And if that’s not enough, we’ve got a love story woven into this incredible journey—a testament to resilience, partnership, and the unbreakable bond between two people who’ve weathered it all.

It was an absolute privilege to sit down with Mick and Winesome, who at the time of this recording, were both 89 years young. So, let’s dive into the lives and legacy of the Hearmans.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.”

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In this episode, we speak to Lochy and Jane McTaggart, who called Bidgemia Station home for over four decades.

​They say they’ve lived a big life — and they mean it.

Together they endured the challenges of life in the bush - the ones that were part and parcel of working in agriculture, like drought and death, and those they could never have seen coming - a catastrophic flood which almost destroyed everything they spent their lives working for.

​Throughout it all, Lochy and Jane have raised a family, built a community, and created a legacy that runs strong today.

To start our conversation, I asked Lochy to take me back to where it all began.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.”

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In this episode, we speak to Margot Steadman.

Upon finishing school, Margot had the ultimate “sliding doors moment” which led to a life she could never have imagined as a child. Raised in suburban Perth, she helped a friend apply for a Governess position on Landor Station in the Gascoyne, and thought nothing more of it.

When her friend backed out of the interview on the day due to nerves, Margot stepped in so the employers wouldn’t be stood up. And then, she got the job she’d never intended to apply for.

Margot ended up falling in love with the boy next door on Dalgety Downs Station, where they would spend two decades managing, then owning the property, and raising their children, before moving to Wooramel Station on the coast for another two decades.

From fixing windmills to mustering sheep, cattle and goats, dealing with death (both human and animal), to droughts and floods - with a healthy dose of laughter and good times in amongst it all, there’s not much she hasn’t seen or done.

Margot’s story is incredible, and a shining example of how you never know where life will take you, and that you don’t know what you’re capable of until you try.

To start our conversation, I asked Margot to share the story of that fateful moment that led her to Landor Station.

Voices of the Gascoyne is a Gascoyne Catchments Group project, made possible through support from FRRR’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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It was a privilege it was to not just know them and work alongside them, but call them mates.

Gav, Ritter – you two were bloody good blokes, and funny buggers. The absence of you’re presence will be felt immensely, but I have no doubt you will live on through our memories, which will be traded over cold beers, and around campfires for years to come.

Since getting the call about the accident, I’ve started listening to this episode a couple of times, but I couldn’t bring myself to finish it until today. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to record this conversation. It was such a privilege to hear all of Ritters yarns, told in true Ritter style – the ones that made it into this episode, and the ones we thought best to keep off-air.

Anyway that’s enough from me, I’m going to pass it over to you now Ritter – you always did spin a good yarn.

This episode was recorded in January 2022, and originally published in March 2022.

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In this episode, Garry takes us through another round of jaw-dropping stories from teaming up with a Dutch mercenary to the unexpected experience of accidentally smoking weed and being abandoned out bush. And if that’s not enough, he recounts the harrowing day he survived both a helicopter crash and a light aircraft engine failure.

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In this episode, we pick up right where we left off—at Calwynyardah Station in the West Kimberley. True to form, Garry has no shortage of unbelievable tales from this chapter of his life. From mishaps during cattle musters resulting in rear-end injuries to ghostly encounters, moonlit cattle musters, and catching his first wild scrub bull, gready for another round of extraordinary adventures with Garry.

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But, the dream of being a pilot was always there, lingering in back of his mind. And each time he saw helicopters used for mustering cattle, the dream got a little bigger. 

In the fourth and final part of our chat with Munro, he shares the story of how he finally got his pilots licence - or, as he says, a license to learn - and fulfilled his dream of flying choppers on cattle stations throughout the top end. 

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Ashley Dowden learnt that lesson at age 11, when he survived an accident that claimed his mothers life and left his father with one arm.

Ashley’s childhood was cut short as he stepped up to support his father in running the family sheep station. 

In the 4 decades since, Ashley has continued to face his share of challenges, but his commitment to the family property has never wavered.

In this episode Ashley shares parts of his journey, and we explore how his deep love of the land he calls home has allowed him to not just persevere through the hard times, but build a life full of joy and love.

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With her high school experience not being the best, and her first job on a station getting off to a rocky start, Pip Bain felt like she had finally found her feet only to learn that her mother had passed away by suicide.

The profound loss of her mother was only amplified by the shock, as Pip learnt she had been sheltered from her mother’s mental health struggles.

In this episode Pip shares her story of how the next decade of her life would be shaped by losing her mother, and how it led her to take the long away around to find her place in this world.

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That is so very true for todays guest, Pip Bain. Although her family sold Mt Clere Station when she was just 8 years old, those 8 short years shaped Pips life and love of the land. The same goes for her mother, who passed when Pip was just 18 years old.

In this episode, Pip recalls memories of her time at Mt Clere and how she found her way back to the land. She also speaks candidly about losing her mother through suicide and how it influenced her views on mental health.

For our long term listeners, if any of this sounds familiar, that is because this episode was recorded and published in 2020 when the podcast was fairly new. Pips story is so compelling that I thought it deserved a second run. Be sure to tune in next week for a follow up episode with Pip.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/ Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/ Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au

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Now, before he's even hit 40, Nick's running the show with not one, not two, but three companies in horticulture, agriculture, and forestry up in the Northern Territory.

But Nick's journey hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. In this episode, he's taking us back to where it all began. We're talking about the setbacks, the challenges and the opportunities he's had along the way.

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In this episode, Paddy share’s yarns for his early days in Ireland, and his first few years in Australia. He speaks about meeting his future bride, the time he was almost charged with attempted murder, his day working with, and sometimes walking on, crocodiles, to settling in the Northern Territory as a cattle truck driver. Paddy sure has lived life to the fullest. As you can imagine, there was no way we could fit his whole story into one episode, so keep your ears out for more in the coming months.

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But, behind closed doors, things weren’t all as they seemed.

In this episode, Tammy shares her story of coming to the Territory as a shy jillaroo, to becoming a completely different person – the person she thought she had to be not just to fit in, but to progress in her career. 

She is incredibly candid about the impact it had on her life, and those around her. Tammy also shares how it all came to a head, and how she changed her life.

There were many hard lessons she learnt along the way, and she does not hold back in this episode.

Tammy and her team at Top End Leadership are dedicated to 'Setting Leaders and Teams in Agriculture up for Success.' We do this through customised face-to-face and online workshops, self-paced online programs, while offering tailored mentoring and coaching services. With our focus on practical leadership and communication skills across the three key areas of Leading—Self, Others, and Teams—we equip Leaders with the tools to build their confidence in being the leader that they aspire to be, enabling them to build high-functioning teams. Learn more at https://topendleadership.com/

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Pastoralist Col Greenfield shares what it's like running a cattle station that is inside the Woomera Prohibited Area, and outside the dog fence.

*This episode was first released in 2021

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Twenty years before the bright lights of the big apple called her name, Flic was working in a stock camp in the Northern Territory.

In this episode Flic reflects on her time working on cattle stations, even though it was never a part of her plan...

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This episode is the third and final part of our chat with Wayne, where he discusses how he navigated his first major career change at the age of 42.

And, as many listeners have been patiently waiting for, we also discuss Wayne’s journey to becoming an accomplished horseman and campdraft competitor. From a time when he almost walked away from the sport, to how he approaches the mental side of competition, and his future goals, there is something we can all learn from Wayne in this episode.

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In this episode Wayne recalls the 18 years he spent working for Heytesbury Pastoral, where he progressed from an overseer on the Barkly, to junior manager in the Victoria River District, and finally, his goal of senior manager in the Kimberley. 

Throughout those years he saw the end of BTEC, gained his pilots licence, and had a front row seat to the positive changes the Heytesbury Pastoral boss, Janet Holmes à Court, put in place – not least of all the introduction of paid positions for managers wives. 

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And, spoiler alert, he has, by all definitions, gotten ahead. After two decades of managing stations for Heytesbury Pastoral, these days he spends his time on his own property, breeding and training horses for the sport of campdrafting, (of which he is a formidable competitor).

So, when you see him, it’s easy to focus on the flash horse trailer, beautiful horses, and impressive scores in the campdraft arena.

What you don’t see is the 30 plus years of hard work, patience and sacrifice Wayne has put in alongside his wife, Rachel, to get to where he is today.

This episode is Part 1 of our chat with Wayne – where he shares stories from the early years of being a stockman with a young family, just trying to get ahead in life.

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In this episode, Willie shares what it was really like being filmed for the tv series Outback Ringer, and what he thought about the final product.

He also speaks candidly about the challenges he faced in 2023, and how its impacted his plans for 2024.

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He first came on the podcast in 2022, when he shared the incredible story of how the 2008 Global Financial Crisis saw his family lose absolutely everything they had, resulting in moving to Australia for a fresh start.

I caught up with Willie in late 2023, and we yarned for so long that I had to split our chat into 2 parts.

In this part, Willie gives us a lesson on catching wild bulls and water buffalo – the logistics, the technique and the psychology involved

In Part 2, Willies shares stories from his time being filmed for the television series “Outback Ringer”. He also speaks candidly about the challenges he faced in 2023, and what he’s got planned for 2024.

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In this episode, Toni Tapp Coutts shares the story of a man who was a pioneer, a visionary, a dreamer. A man who turned Killarney Station from a bare block to one of several thriving cattle properties.

But, as his empire grew, so did Bill’s battle with alcoholism. While the empire he worked so hard to build would eventually crumble, his legacy remains strong.

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She’s completed 10 Ironman triatholan events, qualifying for the World Championships 4 times, and been ranked in the top 1% of Ironman athletes across the world several times.

Caroline has accomplished all of this while raising a family on a livestock and cropping farm in Western Australia – far from any traditional training facilities.

Her training regime consists of swimming laps in a dam, riding her bike alongside roadtrains, and literally running around the farms gravel tracks.

And this isn’t a story about an athlete who grew up in the city and moved to the country for love – Caroline was raised on a sheep and cattle station 3 hours from Broken Hill, with no regular access to sports lessons or facilities.

So, how did this bush kid fall in love with athletics? And, what motivated her to pursue it at the highest level when she was living in the middle of nowhere?

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As you’ll hear in this episode, Toni is a strong, resilient, Territory woman.

She’s also written 2 best selling memoirs; one about her childhood on Killarney Station, and the other about the years she and her husband managed MacArthur River Station in the Gulf.

Think of this episode as just scratching the surface on the mountain of amazing stories Toni has to tell, all of which you can find in her books.

She’s agreed to come back on the show for a few more episodes, so keep your ears out for them.

This episode was recorded a few days before Christmas 2023, so we started off with a Christmas story…

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What Connie would go on to experience was no bump on the head – it was, in fact, a significant brain injury.

In this episode, Connie recounts what she can remember of her accident, the unexpected aspects of her recovery, and we discuss the age old sticking point – can you wear a helmet in Northern Australia for extended periods of time without risking heat stroke?

If her voice sounds familiar, it’s because Connie is no stranger to this podcast – this is actually her 5th time on the show, so make sure you go and check out her other episodes.

Earlier in this episode I mentioned a condition that can occur from multiple head knocks and concussions. For anyone who would like to go and read more on it, it’s called Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and it is a brain disorder likely caused by repeated head injuries. It causes the death of nerve cells in the brain, known as degeneration. It gets worse over time. The only way to definitively diagnosis CTE is after death during an autopsy of the brain.

This episode isn’t intended to advocate for whether or not to wear a helmet – but as always, it’s up to each of us to weigh up the risks, and I hope no one feels socially pressured to avoid using one.

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In December 2010, Jodie and Hamish McTaggart were looking forward to the chance to sit back and relax for a few days. The family property, Bidgemia Station, was in the worst drought on record, and the newlyweds had been working flat out all year to look after their cattle.

So, when news of rain in the forecast came through the Bush Telegraph, the sense of relief and joy was palpable.

However, those feelings were to be short lived, as floodwaters began to exceed anything experienced in the stations’ 130 years.

What happened next was both catastrophic, and the literal definition of a water-shed moment.

In this episode, both Jodie and Hamish recount their experience of the flood, 10 years later.

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I’ll be heading out to Lakefield Station over the wet season to record more of Garry’s story, so stay tuned for more episodes.

To start this episode though, Garry recalled just one of the times he’s been bitten by a snake…

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Garry Riggs is no exception here. He spent his childhood on remote properties across Northern Australia, with the sort of freedom most of us would lament only occurred “back in the good old days”. He’s had his fair share of adventures, including a number of close calls with snakes, motorbikes, horses, motorcars, and even deadly fevers.

Today, Garry owns Lakefield Station in the Northern Territory, where we recorded this episode. His journey from station kid to station owner is absolutely jam-packed with ripper yarns, and this episode is just Part 1 of several we’re going to be recording with Garry.

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And for the most part, that was his reality, until his father experienced a serious and debilitating illness which saw the family separated, and Ned sent to a town school.

He eventually made his way to the newly established Emerald Pastoral College in hopes of getting back on the land. Little did he know that the one class he thought to be the least relevant of his studies – first aid – would become his most important skill set.

In this episode Ned, he looks back on his early years and tells an incredible story involving a lightning strike on a Northern Territory cattle station.

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Today, Tony is in his 40th year as the manager of Mt Barry Station, near the town of Coober Pedy in SA. In this episode, he shares yarns from the past 5 decades and what he has learnt along the way about life, love, and loss.

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Given her cult following on social media, appearance on the ABC’s tv show “Muster Dogs” and release of a book by the same name, you’d be forgiven for thinking she’s been working with dogs her whole life.

But, that’s not the case.

In this episode Aticia tells the story of how she became the first person in her family, and local region, to use a team of working dogs on a cattle station.

A few months ago, Aticia and I had our first children just a week apart, and we recorded this episode while nursing our bubs, so you’ll notice there’s a few ad breaks and sound effects!

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Located just south of Halls Creek in the Kimberley region, Lamboo is owned by the Ngunjiwirri Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) on behalf of the Jaru people. The property was purchased in 1994 by the (then) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) through the WA Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) and handed over to the local people in the same year.

At the time of the purchase of Lamboo Station, the primary focus of the WA Government was to provide land for the Jaru people on which to live, rather than as a business enterprise. Little attention was paid to the standard of infrastructure or the number and quality of the cattle that were included in the sale.

For almost 30 years the Ngunjiwirri Aboriginal Corporation has been trying to turn Lamboo into a viable pastoral enterprise, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing.

In today’s episode I am speaking with Darrylin Gordon, who, quite frankly, is one of the most admirable, inspiring people that I know. Every time I catch up with Darrylin I find myself sitting in awe at her resilient nature, and the strength and conviction with which she speaks.

Darrylin is a Jaru woman who grew up on Lamboo and is the current station manager. Darrylin came on the podcast to share some of her personal story, the story of Lamboo, and the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.

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For those of you who don’t know, I am due to have my first child in July – so by the time you’re listening to this, I’ll be well and truly knee deep in nappies!

Before I go on maternity leave, I decided to make hay while the sun shines, and I teamed up with the legends at Territory Natural Resource Management to produce a podcast series.

It’s called Our Territory, Our Future, and you can find it on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. I’ll be sure to link it in the shownotes below.

Today, I’m sharing one of those episodes – and it’s actually Part 1 of 3 episodes. A couple of weeks ago I sat down with two legends by the name of Stu and Brett, and they are experts in all things feral animals, and they run an incredible wildlife and feral animal management business.

If you enjoy the episode, make sure you head over to the Our Territory, Our Future podcast to listen to parts 2 and 3, as well as all the other episodes – including Lakefield, Mataranka and Mainoru Stations!

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I want to take a moment and acknowledge that our community has lost too many people through helicopter mustering accidents, and safety while flying is something that both Danny and I take very seriously. So while he recounts these stories with a laugh, we want you to know that we are not trying to ignore the seriousness of each incident. At the time of recording, I'm 34 weeks pregnant and my partner is also a helicopter mustering pilot, so you can imagine the anxiety these yarns gave me.

I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you take anything away, it's that safety is everything.

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So, at 8 months pregnant, I headed out to Mainoru Station, north-east of Katherine, to sit down with Danny and hear some of his yarns.

This episode is the first of two episodes with Danny. In this episode he shares yarns from his childhood and early days as a pilot. In the second episode Danny recounts his history of finding himself in some hairy situations while flying, and how experience and a bit of good luck prevailed so he could live to tell the tale.

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But, it was a role she never intended on holding -  in fact, it wasn’t in her career plan at all.

Born and bred on a cattle station in the far north of South Australia, staying on the land was all Tracey ever wanted to do.

But, sometimes life throws curveballs and when that happens you have two choices - resist change, or adapt.

And, as you’ll hear in this episode, adapting to the unexpected is something Tracey does very well. 

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An environmental scientist by trade, Khory was born and raised on a large cattle property in Queensland.

It was his belief that agriculture, in particular cattle farming, was a part of the solution to environmental problems, not the cause, that led him down the path of advocacy.

Khory knew it wouldn’t be easy to draw a crowd talking about the environment, so he created an online alter ego called The Environmental Cowboy. By his own admission, the Environmental Cowboy was an oversexualised, self-deprecating character, who used humour and sex appeal to draw an audience.

But, it worked. It really did – and he was reaching millions of people around the world each week.

So, why did he walk away from the Environmental Cowboy and leave his advocacy mission behind?

In this episode, for the first time ever, Khory shares the tale of the birth and death of the Environmental Cowboy. It was an absolute privilege to be the first platform he has shared this story with, and I think you’ll be surprised throughout our chat.

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So, here is an oldie but a goodie, and one we get requested all the time!

This episode is based on one of the most popular stories on the Central Station website, called “Tips for station newbies”. From advice when applying for a job, to what to pack and how to behave once you’ve got the job – we cover a lot in this episode! We even cover … sex! So, if you have little ones around, it might be best to plug in some headphones.

Whether you’re heading out to a station for the first time, or you’ve been around for a while, there’s something for everything in this episode. If you have any advice you think we should include on our website, send us a message through our website or any of our social media accounts.

Ok, here is the mandatory disclaimer… The views reflected in this episode are those of the author and podcast host, and do not necessarily represent the views of Central Station staff, people who contribute to our website or our wonderful sponsors. The original blog was written in good humor and that is the same for this episode – we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and you shouldn’t either – we encourage you to take the following with a grain of salt and make up your own mind.

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After a gap year around Australia saw him fall in love with agriculture (Episode 190, Part 1), he kept on that path, trying his hand at all he could (Episode 193, Part 2). 

But, at some point, Munro decided to step away from the cattle industry and try his hand at all sorts of jobs, including pearling, roadworks, mining, and construction. 

It's not a pathway anyone would necessarily advise someone who wants a career in the beef industry, but as you'll see in this episode, it all came together and contributed to the success he is experiencing today.

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While he's only 35 years young, holy hatbox he has managed to fit a lot into a short space of time!

In this episode he shares stories from his time working in live export, contract mustering, and a pretty hairy tale from a trip to Egypt...

If you haven't listened to Part 1, go back and listen first!

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So... enjoy this preview of Part 2, and please, don’t try this at home!

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While stories about fertility challenges are becoming more common, no two are the same.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kim and Gus from Umbearra Station, 4 hours south of Alice Springs.

Fertility challenges don’t discriminate, and I don’t think it’s as black and white as saying that someone’s journey is easier or harder than anyone else’s – they all have their unique aspects. For Kim and Gus, their remote location meant that they ended up traveling in excess of 40,000 km to conceive their first two children.

To start our conversation, I asked them to take me back to the very start of their journey trying to start a family.

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At just 35 years old, Munro’s career has taken him from fencing croc-infested rivers in the Top End, to mustering cattle from a helicopter, to boardrooms in Sydney, and most recently around the world as a Nuffield Scholar.

It took a bit of convincing, but we managed to wrangle Munro to sit down and share his story. In this episode, he tells tales from the gap year that took him around Australia, and all the adventures that came with it.

Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Parts 2 and 3, to hear all about his helicopter mustering escapades, why he chose to leave the Territory for the big smoke, and how it led him right back to where he started.

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The job? Freelance journalist and photographer.

It's a far cry from his humble beginnings as a corporate accountant in the metropolis of Melbourne. 

In this episode, Nathan shares the unconventional path he took to land a job so many of us dream of, and some of the life changing experiences he's had so far.

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But, simply selling cattle to the market wasn’t enough for her - she wanted to be involved in the entire process, and watch as people picked up packets of her beef from the supermarket.

She wanted them to know that what they were about to cook wasn’t just any old Aussie beef, but that from Yarrie Station - a property her family had been nuturing for 5 generations.

In this episode, Annabelle shares the highs and lows of starting a branded beef business, and how she keeps her dream alive.

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If you’re imagining a relative, or a friend’s child - the answer might be a simple, straightforward, “yes, of course!”

But what if you didn’t know the child? And, if, once you get to know them, bond with them, and love them, they could be taken away?

That’s the reality of foster parents across the world.

In today’s episode, we hear the story of one family who are raising their 5 children, including 2 foster children, on a remote cattle station in Australia.

To add an extra layer of complexity to the situation, the foster children are Indigenous and the foster family are not. 

As you’ll hear today, it has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences for our guest.   

**Please note, that we have chosen to de-identify all names and locations in this episode, to ensure anonymity. While the family was consulted about doing the episode, this is one person’s story, and we need to respect the privacy of the children involved.**

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In this episode, we sit down with Matt and Connie Wood, who we last heard from in episode 123, as they prepared to leave their job as managers at Blina Station in the Kimberley, also owned by Jumbuck Pastoral, to move to Wave Hill Station and take on the mammoth job of managers.

In this episode, Matt and Connie fill us in on the busiest 12 months of their life - which included a new baby, lockdowns, a significant amount of capital expenditure on development works, and all the adventures that have come with it.

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When Jess and Nat entered the world’s toughest horse race, they knew it would be hard. Finishing the race itself was as big a deal as winning. But, these women were from the Northern Territory - they’d spent their lives working in rugged conditions in remote areas. Surely, they’d be fine?

In this episode, they share how no amount of planning can truly prepare anyone for the Mongol Derby.

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However, Lochy’s start in the Kimberley was anything but smooth sailing.

Over the past 40 years, Lochy has lived a life full of adventure and learning. There’s not many places in the Kimberley he hasn’t set foot on, either as a stockman, or running his own bull catching business.

For our final episode of 2022, Lochy shares stories that only a few people have heard while sitting around a campfire, and it’s a true privilege to have him on the show.

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In Part 1, Chico shared the story of his adoption from Brazil into a family from Bondi Beach, and how he ended up working on a cattle station in the Gulf of Queensland.

In this episode, Chico shares stories from his time working in the Northern Territory, why he left the industry for almost 10 years, his battles with mental health, and what it's like working not just with your partner, but for them.

Please note that this episode may be triggering for some people, so it may be best to listen in the company of support.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/
• Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au
• Virtual Psychologist is a free service that offers qualified and experienced counselling via phone, chat, email and text. It is available 24/7. Contact this service via PHONE on 1300 665 234 or TEXT on 0488 807 266. http://virtualpsychologist.com.au/home/ 

Please help spread this message to help others understand help is just a phone call or text away and they are not alone.

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Today, that baby boy is a grown man living and working on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, Australia. 

“Blessed”, is how Chico Shaw describes his life. A life that could have turned out so differently.

In this episode Chico shares the story of his adoption into a family from Bondi beach, how he ended up working on a cattle station in the Gulf of Queensland, and the challenges and adventures that that experience entailed.

Make sure you tune in next week for part two to hear Chico share more yarns about his time working up north, why he left the industry for almost a decade, his challenges with anxiety and depression, and how he’s come full circle to find love and build a life that truly makes him happy.

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Claudia Hiscox has spent the last three years living and working on cattle stations in remote parts of the Northern Territory. The days are long, and the work is tough. It’s a physically and mentally demanding job at the best of times.   

In amongst mustering cattle and fixing fences, Claudia has been handling another challenge: managing her mental health after experiencing anxiety, depression and an eating disorder in her teenage years.

It’s no easy task, especially when the nearest medical professional is hundreds of kilometers away, and internet service isn’t always reliable. In this special episode, Claudia shares her story with immense candor.

Make sure you find and subscribe to the Pieces of the Mind podcast.

Please note that this episode may be triggering for some people, so it may be best to listen in the company of support.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/
• Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au
• Virtual Psychologist is a free service that offers qualified and experienced counselling via phone, chat, email and text. It is available 24/7. Contact this service via PHONE on 1300 665 234 or TEXT on 0488 807 266. http://virtualpsychologist.com.au/home/ 

Please help spread this message to help others understand help is just a phone call or text away and they are not alone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That trip changed not only the trajectory of Rocky’s life, but some of the students as well. Rob Mann was one of those students.

In this episode, Rocky and Rob share the story about the trip that took place 20 years ago, how it impacted their lives, and how they went from student and teacher to mates and colleagues all these years later.

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Olivia is a prime example of the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it's cover”. Beyond her beautiful smile and polished look that you’ll see on “For Sale” signs is one of the grittiest, hardworking people I have had the fortune of meeting and calling a friend.

In this episode I sat down with Liv to learn about the incredibly diverse range of experiences she has had so far, from growing up on cattle stations, winning a kick boxing title, training cutting horses in America, and having to learn to walk again.

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Unlike others in his position, Haydn wasn’t born into the northern cattle industry. Nor did he do a gap year up north straight out of boarding school for one of the big corporates. He also wasn’t a General Manager or CEO of some other company in some other industry in a previous life.

Haydn’s journey is unlike any other I have come across. It is uniquely his. 

In this episode, I managed to pin this incredibly busy man down to learn how he got to where he is, what he considers important and non-negotiable in life, and what keeps him going.

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She has also released a best-selling book, 'Our sunburnt country', and co-founded the Farmers for Climate Action movement.

The incredible thing is that Anika has achieved all of this from her geographically and technologically isolated home of Rupee Station in far, far west New South Wales.

I sat down with Anika on the weekend to learn more about what makes her tick, what keeps her going, and how she stays grounded while fighting for climate action.

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So, last night I sat down with Tom and Annabel for take two.

My plan was to rerecord just our first episode in better sound quality, but plans changed. So, in this episode you will hear some condensed versions of stories that were covered in episode one, including Tom’s childhood, how Tom and Annabel met, and the Katherine Outback Experience origin story. 

There’s also a few new stories from those times, and then we catch up on what’s been happening since Tom and Annabel last appeared on the show – including the birth of two children, a number of national tours, and the new album which is released in a couple of weeks. 

Sometimes you can’t connect the dots looking forward – you can only do that while looking back. And looking back on this episode, and the experiences that Tom and Annabel have had, it’s clear that these two have given everything in their path a good crack, and when times have been tough their resilience and sense of adventure shines through.

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Now, two of those episodes were recorded with Debbie, and Ashley only recorded one... or did he?

For those of you who don't know, we actually have two podcast series. Central Station, the one you're listening to right now, and the other one is called Cattle Station Classroom. Within that podcast, I launched a mini series called "Station Stickybeak", where I sit down with station owners and managers across the country to... well... have a massive stickybeak into their station and business.

And so today, I invite you to join me in having a stickybeak into Challa Station. For more episodes, make sure you search Cattle Station Classroom wherever you get your podcasts, or you can find it on our website.

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Where do I begin? Tourists are part and parcel of life in the outback. And, while some are worth their weight in gold, others make life just that little bit harder...

In this [best of] episode, I’ve pulled together a few yarns about tourists from previous episodes. 

And to any tourists listening... we do love you... sort of… but please, plan ahead, have back ups of everything, and let someone know where you’re going! 

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The Alice Springs identity spent his formative years traveling between large properties in South Australia and the Northern Territory, so it’s not surprising that he ended up working as a station manager.

But, then Robbie and his partner chose to step away from working in agriculture for 5 long years. 

In this episode, Robbie shares yarns about the experiences which have shaped his life and why he came back to life on the land. He also speaks about his passion for nurturing a community around the sport of bronco branding, and why he has chosen to leave Alice Springs after all these years.

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But, not everyone who lives in the outback wears a big hat and cowboy boots.

Renee McBryde lives in Alice Springs, Australia’s red centre.

It’s a world away from the housing commission in Sydney where she spent her childhood.

Renee’s story is unlike any we have ever come across. At the age of 6 she learnt that her father, who has been absent her entire life, wasn’t working away, but indeed serving a prison sentence for murder.

Her relationship with her young mother was turbulent at times, which she was yet to realise was a part of a cycle within her family.

It’s easy to imagine how Renee’s life could have turned out.

What’s harder to wrap your mind around is how it did turn out. 

Today Renee is the author of two best selling memoirs, “House of Lies”, and “Unravelling Us”, and by day she works in the Child Protection unit as a social worker.

In this episode Renee shares the path that led her to this role, and what working in child protection is really like.

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And then it all came crashing down.

In this episode, Willie shares the story of how the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 saw he and his family lose absolutely everything they had, and how he came to Australia for a fresh start.

Willie, his wife Liz, and their two young sons have been in Australia for less than a decade, and they’ve already made serious headway in rebuilding their lives, as well as capturing the hearts of the nation through their time on the ABC tv series Outback Ringer.

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In this episode, Nikita opens up about love of history, tradition and growing up on ‘Undoolya Station’ - the Northern Territory’s oldest pastoral lease.

She talks about hitting the road droving with her future husband Luke, becoming a new mother to her son Wylie - and why opening up on social media about her experiences helps her deal with the highs and lows.

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Today’s story is just that, and so much more. It’s a story of trauma, courage, resilience, and vulnerability.

It’s the story of Jane and Haydn Sale, who’s lives were changed irrevocably one July morning in 2010, and the road to recovery they walked together.

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Well, as it turns out, a lot – because in this case, they are one and the same people.

Our guest today is Dr Gregory Winterflood – an esteemed doctor who began his medical career in Alice Springs. Even though he was born and raised in Queensland, and practiced medicine around Australia and overseas, he always seemed to find his way back to the red centre.

In this episode, Gregory shares stories from his days as a young fella hitchhiking through New Zealand and Australia, his unconventional pathway into a medical degree, and memories from his time working as a District Medical Officer in Central Australia, including working as a flying doctor.

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In the years that followed Jimmy progressed through the ranks to leadership roles, even winning the Territory’s Best Ringer competition.

But, ultimately his journey would be marked by 2 significant accidents – a traumatic brain injury, and a broken back. In this episode, Jimmy shares the stories of those two accidents which occurred almost exactly 10 years apart.

We also discuss the cattle industry’s attitude towards work health and safety, the culture around alcohol, and taking on responsibility at a young age.

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Campbell ‘Cozy’ Costello didn’t think he had what it took to get into veterinary medicine, but life has a funny way of working out.

In just over a decade, Cozy has built a career which sees him treating animals across the world. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that took him down the path of being a nomad, shares stories of some unbelievable adventures, and discusses what his future looks like.

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Veterinarian’s are one of the most loved professionals in Australia – they’re the superhumans who keep our best mates and fur babies healthy, and step up to save them if the unbearable occurs.

So, why is it that veterinarians have almost four times the suicide rate of the Australian population? This equates to a veterinarian taking their own life on average every 12 weeks in Australia.

In this episode, Dr Campbell Costello, who you’ll remember from last week’s episode, discusses his perspective on the retention, renumeration, and mental health crises plaguing the Australian veterinary industry. 

Make sure you stick around as Cozy also shares insights into the major biosecurity threats Australia is currently facing, and why we needs our vets now more than ever.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/
• Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au
• Virtual Psychologist is a free service that offers qualified and experienced counselling via phone, chat, email and text. It is available 24/7. Contact this service via PHONE on 1300 665 234 or TEXT on 0488 807 266. http://virtualpsychologist.com.au/home/ 

Please help spread this message to help others understand help is just a phone call or text away and they are not alone.

****

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In this episode, Cozy reflects on the time he spent 9 months in Kazakhstan, managing a cattle ranch that was being built from scratch.

From language barriers and cultural differences, to finding workers drunk on the job before lunch and trying to keep the cattle healthy and safe from freezing snow and wild wolves – Cozy sure had one hell of a challenge ahead of him.

So, sit back and enjoy this episode full of yarns that will put Kazakhstan on your travel bucket list!

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Ben is the fifth generation of the Hayes family on ‘Undoolya Station’, the oldest pastoral lease in the Northern Territory. And while being a steward of the land  and active member of his local community comes with countless responsibilities, Ben doesn’t let them weigh him down or get in the way of having a bit of fun.

In this episode, Ben shares yarns from throughout his life and as you’ll come to see, while his heart is made of pure gold, there’s always room for a little mischief to be made!

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Raised on a crocodile farm in the Victoria River district, Raine developed a love for life on the land which eventually saw her running a contracting business with that took her and her husband to cattle stations across the territory. They spent years living out of a portable set-up, with no fixed address, and trips to town were not only few and far between, but often half a day’s drive away.

So, when Raine and her husband Potter found themselves struggling to conceive their first child, the idea of traveling to Darwin for medical assistance wasn’t ideal, but also not incomprehensible. Little did the pair know that they would end up traveling across Australia in search of answers about their infertility.

In this episode, Raine speaks candidly about her experience with infertility, and how it took years of persistence, tens of thousands of kilometres, and backing herself each step of the way, to finally get the answers she needed. 

**We actually recorded this episode sitting in the back of Raine’s horse truck while she was at a campdraft, so you will be hearing some very authentic background noises from time to time during this recording.**

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In this episode we sit down with Ben Hayes, who’s family have been at the helm for most of that time.

Ben shares insights into life at Undoolya throughout the decades, which the family have learnt about through a collection of detailed diaries and memorabilia. 

We also discuss the impact of urban sprawl and other events which have seen Undoolya’s size decline in recent years, and what it means for the future of the station.

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The job? Junior Instructing Solicitor for the Crown on the Lindy Chamberlain Inquiry – the inquiry which ultimately saw all convictions against Lindy Chamberlain quashed. 

In this episode, Tanya speaks about her experience working on the Chamberlain inquiry and how it shaped her career as a lawyer. 

We explore how Tanya’s upbring in the 1960s led her to choose a sensible career over her passions, and how she found the courage to follow her heart later on in life.

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The first time Meg lived on a cattle station when she was 18. She didn't work on another station until 10 years later - and realised she saw things quite differently as a 28 year old.

In this episode Meg discusses some of the important things she has learnt over the years living remote which may help people that have been remote for a while, people looking to make the move to remote parts of Australia, or anyone who’s been through a lockdown during COVID-19.

Ironically we recorded this episode just weeks before COVID-19 hit!

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Ashley Dowden learnt that lesson at age 11, when he survived an accident that claimed his mothers life and left his father with one arm.

Ashley’s childhood was cut short as he stepped up to support his father in running the family sheep station. 

In the 4 decades since, Ashley has continued to face his share of challenges, but his commitment to the family property has never wavered.

In this episode Ashley shares parts of his journey, and we explore how his deep love of the land he calls home has allowed him to not just persevere through the hard times, but build a life full of joy and love.

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But, did you know that the education system hasn't undergone significant changes since before the industrial revolution? We know that everyone learns differently, and there's different ways to demonstrate knowledge - but our education system is incredibly rigid. If you cant sit in a classroom for 8 hours and demonstrate your knowledge through essays and exams, then... well.... bad luck.

In today's episode we hear the story of Evan Casey, who, after leaving high school in year 11, has gone on to build an incredible life and career, filled with opportunities and experiences that many of us dream about.

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Growing up on a sheep station in the isolated Goldfields region of Western Australia, Libby developed an affinity for horses, livestock, and all things to do with the bush. It's no surprise that she ended up running a farming business with her husband and young family.

But, sometimes life has other plans.

"I want a divorce". Those four words spoken by her husband changed Libby's life irrevocably, and in this episode we are truly privileged to hear Libby speak about it with such candor.

We explore the differences between urban and rural divorces, how Libby's upbringing influenced her recovery, and how she rebuilt her life and found a whole new career.

We recommend tuning into the Courage Unravelled podcast where we first heard Libby's story.

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In this episode we are again joined by Hamish & Jodie McTaggart as they share insights into the 1.4 million acre pastoral property which has been in the family for 75 years.

We'll hear stories about the early days of Bidgemia and how life has changed throughout the generations of McTaggarts at the helm. Jodie and Hamish also share their thoughts about the future of the station.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-challa-mustering-ndp/

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That life was centred around her new husband’s family sheep station in Outback WA. A vast property that had been in the family for over a century, where everyone knew their roles, and had the skills to do the job. Everyone, but Debbie.

So, Debbie began to navigate her new life, trying to find her place within her new family, home, and business. And, find her place she did – Debbie is a seasoned professional when it comes to running that same vast family property, and in 2022 she was named as a State Finalist for the Rural Woman of the Year award.

In this episode Debbie shares how she found her not just her place, but also her purpose. 

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Debbie Dowden’s life has been shaped by a series serendipitous moments. The fixed-wing pilot was working as a flight theory instructor when her future husband enrolled in her class. In what can only be described as a whirlwind romance, Debbie soon found herself living 600km away on a sheep station in Mount Magnet, WA. 

This is part one of a two part chat with Debbie, where she tells the story of how she found herself living a life she’d never planned on, but at the same time it seemed like everything in her life had been leading her there.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/till-the-cows-come-home/

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But with the introduction of synthetic fibres the industry gradually lost its shine, and when the wool market crashed in 1991 most stations started transitioning to cattle.

Sean D’Arcy of Lyndon Station was in the first wave of cattlemen in the region. Sean is a truly progressive pastoralist, and has been incredibly proactive when it comes to all things natural resource management.

In this episode we explore the unique challenges of managing country in the Upper Gascoyne from both social and economic perspectives.

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Your job? To communicate the significant rules changes as to how these people can transport their sheep from the market to their home – namely, that sheep cannot be transported in a car boot.

You’re in another country, where you don’t speak the language or share the culture, and your job is communicate these changes that have been imposed by another country.

So, what do you do?

Well, this is the situation today’s guest Blythe Calnan found herself in the very first time she worked in the live export industry.

An industry that is highly contentious and known by its failures rather than its successes.

But there have been successes, and Australia has achieved things that no other country in the world has.

That is in part due to people like Blythe, who have invested significant amounts of their time and energy to build relationships and drive change in countries where Australian livestock are sold to. 

In this episode Blythe speaks candidly about the 5 years she spent working overseas in the live export industry, her decision to move on, and how she found her new normal after such an all-consuming, challenging, and rewarding job.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/doggone-kangaroos/

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Just over 20 years ago, her brother Christian’s Toyota was hit by a train at a passive crossing, killing him and his two young passengers. This wasn’t a case of drink driving, speeding or being distracted. The findings from coronial inquest showed countless safety issues at both the crossing and the train itself.

On that fateful Saturday night, those kids did not stand a chance.

Since then, Lara hasn’t stopped fighting to make rail crossings safe – and she now represents a dozen families across Australia who have lost loved ones in similar circumstances.

This is an episode about grief, public safety and holding authorities to account. 

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It took a stint in a Territory stock camp for Peter's fixation to take shape: by then he knew he wanted to become a helicopter mustering pilot, but the road to get there wouldn’t be straight forward.

In this episode Peter shares his story, from coming off second-best against a bull to spending several years working away from helicopters - all while never taking his eyes off the sky. He reveals exactly what it took to get behind the controls of a chopper, land his career as a mustering pilot, and all the lessons and adventures that have come with it ever since.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/welcome-to-wooleen/

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In this episode, I speak with Waddi Robinson – son of Spencer, and father of Matilda from Episode 66 and Kristy from Episode 126.

Needless to say, Waddi has seen and done a fair bit over the past 50 years; from being a mustering pilot, taking over the family station and purchasing more country, and of course raising a family.

And, let’s not forget the crash of the wool market, the tuberculosis eradication campaign, a flood which wiped out their homestead, and of course the live export ban – just to name a few.

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Twenty years before the bright lights of the big apple called her name, Flic was working in a stock camp in the Northern Territory.

In this episode Flic reflects on her time working on cattle stations, even though it was never a part of her plan...

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-crash-of-wool-and-birth-of-tourism/

The LIVEXchange conference is your chance to find out what’s happening in the livestock export industry, with a program that features thought-provoking and informative speakers. Open to all members of the supply chain, you can network with around 400 delegates from across the country, with several social events and a variety of trade exhibits. LIVEXchange is being held the 9th and 10th of November 2022. Visit www.LIVEXchange.com.au to get your tickets. 

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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So, when news of rain in the forecast came through the Bush Telegraph, the sense of relief and joy was palpable.

However, those feelings were to be short lived, as floodwaters began to exceed anything experienced in the stations’ 130 years.

What happened next was both catastrophic, and the literal definition of a water-shed moment.

In this episode, both Jodie and Hamish recount their experience of the flood, 10 years later.

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This episode is the first in a new sub-series we are launching on our other Podcast (CATTLE STATION CLASSROOM) called “Station Stickybeak”, because it is exactly that – a stickybeak.

No two cattle stations are the same, and as such, neither are management strategies.

I wanted to create this series to share an insight into why pastoralists do what they do, given their circumstances – whether it be location, country type, rainfall zone, infrastructure, ownership model, market, or any of the many other factors influencing management decisions.

In each Station Stickybeak episode I’ll chat to Station owners and managers about a range of topics, broadly covering country, infrastructure, cattle, and people. Now, as this was the first episode, I didn’t realise until partway through that the order of topics I had planned for didn’t really make sense, so we did a bit of a shuffle.

The purpose of this sub-series is not to demonstrate the best or only way of doing things – it’s quite the opposite. To share the who, what, where, when and why of different pastoral enterprises around the country, and show that there are many ways to achieve positive outcomes for people, livestock, the land and business.

For our first episode, I sat down with Col Greenfield from Billa Kalina Station in South Australia. 

If you enjoy listening, be sure to find the Cattle Station Classroom and subscribe!

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In this episode I’m sitting down with Dave McQuie from Bulga Downs Station in the Goldfields region of WA.  Dave has a carbon project on his station, and in our chat he explains how it works, and what the benefits have been to the landscape, business, and people involved. 

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/we-shouldnt-be-here/

The team you know and love from Landmark Broome are now operating as Northern Rural Supplies. Its business as usual with the same team, same phone number and same location - the only thing they’ve changed is the colour of their shirts (which is blue, if you were wondering!) Northern Rural Supplies proudly service the Kimberley and Pilbara regions specializing in livestock sales, real estate, animal health and management, fencing, fertilizer, water and all other requirements. They stock your everyday needs to feed your dogs, cats, horses, chooks, camels and even goats. The whole team is based in Broome so make sure you give them a call for all of your agricultural and semi-rural needs.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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When Damon Kaylock didn’t have success in landing a job as a jackeroo, he didn’t give up – he just came up with plan B. 

The plan? To work as a station cook, get on to a station, and work his way into the stock camp.

Spoiler alert – it worked. Damon has worked for the same company in the NT for 8 years now, and has been a station cook, jackeroo, and bore runner.

In this episode, Damon reflects on his experiences so far – both good, and the not-so-good. Our conversation took an unexpected turn, with Damon choosing to be very candid about his mental health, and I am incredibly grateful to him for this. We’ve had a few people share their mental health experiences on this podcast, and afterwards I receive messages of appreciation through our Facebook, Instagram and email. So, Damo – thank you for sharing your story, and letting others know they aren’t alone.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/
• Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au
• Virtual Psychologist is a free service that offers qualified and experienced counselling via phone, chat, email and text. It is available 24/7. Contact this service via PHONE on 1300 665 234 or TEXT on 0488 807 266. http://virtualpsychologist.com.au/home/ 

Please help spread this message to help others understand help is just a phone call or text away and they are not alone.

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In this episode, David discusses his thoughts on the “Dingos vs Wild Dogs” debate, and why he has chosen to stop killing all dogs.

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Within months of taking over management of Wooleen, David began implementing a plan to completely destock the station. It was a move he believed was critical to ensure the long-term sustainability of the station.

Over the past 15 years David has implemented a number of management techniques which have drawn both praise and criticism, been featured on two episodes of the television show Australian Story, and resulted in a book.

In part 1 of my chat with David, he takes us along the journey as to how and why he made these decisions.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/when-it-all-goes-wrong-call-the-flying-doctors/ 

The team you know and love from Landmark Broome are now operating as Northern Rural Supplies. Its business as usual with the same team, same phone number and same location - the only thing they’ve changed is the colour of their shirts (which is blue, if you were wondering!) Northern Rural Supplies proudly service the Kimberley and Pilbara regions specializing in livestock sales, real estate, animal health and management, fencing, fertilizer, water and all other requirements. They stock your everyday needs to feed your dogs, cats, horses, chooks, camels and even goats. The whole team is based in Broome so make sure you give them a call for all of your agricultural and semi-rural needs.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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This isn’t your typical city girl goes country story though. Frances didn’t travel to Wooleen Station because she wanted experience in the stockcamp – she wanted to see their tourism operation.

However, Wooleen was so much more than she expected, and she began to bond with the station manager over his focus on environmental conservation. 

You may have seen Frances on the tv show Australian Story, which has aired two episodes on Wooleen, but in this episode I wanted to go beyond the usual Wooleen story, and learn more about Frances and her experiences.

To start our episode, I asked Frances to tell me about life before Wooleen.

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You’re probably picturing a young man in his twenties, footloose and fancy free, living one heck of an adventure.

The first time Dean Maughan drove 2000km to the Kimberley to work on a cattle station, he was 45 years old, with a wife, three children, a mortgage and working full-time in the dairy industry.

In this episode, Dean shares the story of how his dream to be a ringer on a cattle station took almost 30 years to become reality, and how you just never know where life will take you.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/when-it-all-goes-wrong-call-the-flying-doctors/ 

This episode is brought to you by Murranji Water Drilling, a family owned and operated team of fully licensed, insured and experienced drillers in the construction, mining and water services. They are licensed to drill and service in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. They ensure all water bores are installed correctly and professionally first time, every time! Quality bores tested and guaranteed! Learn more at murranjiwaterdrilling.com.au or find them on Facebook.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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The first year out of school is equally exciting and terrifying – you’re considered an adult by society, and with that comes both freedoms and responsibilities.

With her high school experience not being the best, and her first job on a station getting off to a rocky start, Pip Bain felt like she had finally found her feet only to learn that her mother had passed away by suicide.

The profound loss of her mother was only amplified by the shock, as Pip learnt she had been sheltered from her mother’s mental health struggles.

In this episode Pip shares her story of how the next decade of her life would be shaped by losing her mother, and how it led her to take the long away around to find her place in this world.

Head back to Episode 35 to hear our first episode with Pip, where she discusses her early life growing up on a cattle station in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

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Well, the answer is, that no matter who you are, where you’ve been, and what you know – there’s always more to be learnt.

This is the essence of today’s episode with our guest Kristie dePledge. Kristie and her husband Rory own the Koordarrie Station, situated on the Pilbara coast in Western Australia. Kristie was one of the original contributors to the Central Station website, and you can find some of her stories in our book too.

In this episode, Kristie shares parts of her story, including working away from home, meeting her husband, raising a family, and building a cattle station from scratch.

Central Station is supported by ThinkWater Broome, your local water experts for irrigation projects big and small. Their fully stocked retail store sells the latest irrigation products, including fittings, pipe, filtration and solar supplies. Covering the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, their knowledgeable and passionate team are experts in the design and implementation of the most water efficient irrigation and water management programs across all sectors.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-dream-that-took-a-while/ 

This episode is supported by Milne Feeds. Milne feeds has been the leading provider of livestock feed in WA for over 100 years, and is now proudly servicing the NT too. Their early weaner product is a nutritionally balanced pellet for feeding to pastoral calves and young weaners, and has been developed with their hyfibre technology to reduce the risk of acidosis. Milne feeds also have a range of products available for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and horses. Find out more at milne.com.au 

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In this episode we chat about Clare’s role as a Stock Inspector and what that actually is -  because, really, who knows what that means or what they do. Clare discusses the responsibility of upholding WA’s biosecurity laws, and also the unexpected adventures that came with it.

The team you know and love from Landmark Broome are now operating as Northern Rural Supplies. Its business as usual with the same team, same phone number and same location - the only thing they’ve changed is the colour of their shirts (which is blue, if you were wondering!) Northern Rural Supplies proudly service the Kimberley and Pilbara regions specializing in livestock sales, real estate, animal health and management, fencing, fertilizer, water and all other requirements. They stock your everyday needs to feed your dogs, cats, horses, chooks, camels and even goats. The whole team is based in Broome so make sure you give them a call for all of your agricultural and semi-rural needs.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Connie recently said a fond farewell to Blina Station, where they have called home for the past 13 and 9 years, respectively, as they make the move to manage the historic Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory.

In this episode, Matt and Connie reflect on their time at Blina – the good, the bad, and the bloody funny.

This episode is brought to you by Murranji Water Drilling, a family owned and operated team of fully licensed, insured and experienced drillers in the construction, mining and water services. They are licensed to drill and service in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. They ensure all water bores are installed correctly and professionally first time, every time! Quality bores tested and guaranteed! Learn more at murranjiwaterdrilling.com.au or find them on Facebook.

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, Immi shares stories about what it’s been like growing up on a cattle station, and how it prepared her to move interstate to attend boarding school.

This episode is supported by Direct Drilling. Direct Drilling is a locally owned family drilling company based in Kununurra, servicing the Kimberley and Northern Territory. All Drillers are nationally licensed with the Australian Drilling Industry Association ensuring best practice, the protection of water resources, and guaranteeing the life of the bore. Find out more at directdrill.com.au

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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But, what about when you’re dating the boss?

And the boss is a station manager, and you’re a jillaroo in the stock camp.

Ok, before your imagination starts running wild – this is not a tale of some forbidden love affair!

When Connie Wood started dating her future husband Matt, he was managing Blina Station and she was graduating university before going to work on a different station on the other side of the Kimberley.

While separated by vast geographical distances, their relationship grew, and they made the decision for Connie to move to Blina.

Connie went to work in the stockcamp, but also live in the manager’s house. It was a tricky and at times very challenging dynamic, and today she shares her story.

This episode is supported by Milne Feeds. Milne feeds has been the leading provider of livestock feed in WA for over 100 years, and is now proudly servicing the NT too. Their early weaner product is a nutritionally balanced pellet for feeding to pastoral calves and young weaners, and has been developed with their hyfibre technology to reduce the risk of acidosis. Milne feeds also have a range of products available for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and horses. Find out more at milne.com.au 

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike her last episode (#54) which she recorded solo, in this episode Steph is joined by Pip Bain from Episode 35, as Pip "attempts" to interview Steph. Turns out that Steph belongs on one side of the microphone only!

This episode is supported by Direct Drilling. Direct Drilling is a locally owned family drilling company based in Kununurra, servicing the Kimberley and Northern Territory. All Drillers are nationally licensed with the Australian Drilling Industry Association ensuring best practice, the protection of water resources, and guaranteeing the life of the bore. Find out more at directdrill.com.au

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/my-poddy-calf-is-an-asshole/ 

This episode is brought to you by GME. Since 1959 GME has been an Australian owned family company and remains the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB radios, with their products designed, engineered, and manufactured in Sydney’s North West.

GME’s products cover a range of recreational activities from fishing to 4WDing and touring, in addition to catering for heavy vehicles and agriculture.

GME have released limited-edition range of pink products to raise money for the McGrath Foundation to assist in their tireless efforts of funding regional Breast Care Nurses and supporting families in communities across regional Australia. You can find out more by finding them on Facebook, Instagram, or at gme.net.au

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

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It means taking great deal of pride, and giving your all for the brand. Cowboys would ride the extra mile and fight, if necessary, for the brand.

I suppose you could say that the ranch hands on the tv series Yellowstone are a prime example of riding for the brand, even if it is a little far-fetched.

But, down here in Australia, it’s not something I’ve ever heard anyone say – until I met Linda Evans.

Linda manages Napier Downs Station alongside her husband Boof. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she was a guest on episode 108.

Linda has been taught to ride for the brand since she was a child, and it’s at the core of how her and Boof have managed themselves, and their stockcamp, for over 20 years.

In this episode I sat down with Linda to learn a little more about her story, and why she is so fiercely passionate about riding for the Napier Downs brand, and why she thinks they have the best team in Australia.

This episode is brought to you by GME. Since 1959 GME has been an Australian owned family company and remains the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB radios, with their products designed, engineered, and manufactured in Sydney’s North West.

GME’s products cover a range of recreational activities from fishing to 4WDing and touring, in addition to catering for heavy vehicles and agriculture.

GME have released limited-edition range of pink products to raise money for the McGrath Foundation to assist in their tireless efforts of funding regional Breast Care Nurses and supporting families in communities across regional Australia. You can find out more by finding them on Facebook, Instagram, or at gme.net.au

This podcast is brought to you by Ariat Australia: the perfect choice for the tough jobs. Ariat boots and clothing work hard, look good and are so comfortable there’s never a need to slow down. Visit ariat.com.au today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Located just south of Halls Creek in the Kimberley region, Lamboo is owned by the Ngunjiwirri Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) on behalf of the Jaru people. The property was purchased in 1994 by the (then) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) through the WA Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) and handed over to the local people in the same year.

At the time of the purchase of Lamboo Station, the primary focus of the WA Government was to provide land for the Jaru people on which to live, rather than as a business enterprise. Little attention was paid to the standard of infrastructure or the number and quality of the cattle that were included in the sale.

For almost 30 years the Ngunjiwirri Aboriginal Corporation has been trying to turn Lamboo into a viable pastoral enterprise, and it hasn’t been smooth sailing.

In today’s episode I am speaking with Darrylin Gordon, who, quite frankly, is one of the most admirable, inspiring people that I know. Every time I catch up with Darrylin I find myself sitting in awe at her resilient nature, and the strength and conviction with which she speaks.

Darrylin is a Jaru woman who grew up on Lamboo and is the current station manager. Darrylin came on the podcast to share some of her personal story, the story of Lamboo, and the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/lost/

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Dave grew up on cattle stations between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek in the 1960’s, and returned to the Kimberley to set up the first vet practice in Broome. From operating on animals on his kitchen table under the light of a torch, to treating exotic animals from across the globe - there there isn’t much he hasn’t seen or done. He has been an instrumental part of the pastoral industry for over 40 years.

As if being an extremely handy veterinarian is enough – Dave is a Brilliant bush poet. He recently released his first, and long awaited book, titled Johnny James and other verses.

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However, that is not the story of Haydn Sale. In this episode Haydn shares his journey from growing up in Melbourne to running one of the largest aggregates of cattle stations in Western Australia. Haydn speaks candidly about overcoming both personal and financial losses, the importance of mentors, having a different approach to business, and what is truly important to him.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this episode contains names and discussions of deceased persons.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/rain-man/ 

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John also speaks about how an experience in the early 1980’s led him to change his management style, and become the first pastoralist to develop a rotational grazing system in the Kimberley – and take the pathway to practicing regenerative agriculture.

We were joined in this episode by a mutual friend Jardine McDonald, so you will hear him pop up occasionally in the conversation!

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I can honestly say that this is the most impromptu recording I’ve ever done – and its packed full of yarns and even a few nuggets of wisdom.

I would like to note that this episode was intended to be a bit of light-hearted fun, and you’ll be able to tell that none of us are taking ourselves too seriously during the recording. Ben and Archie are honest and smart young blokes, and I could have crafted a much more serious discussion to show a different side of them, but that wasn’t what we wanted this episode to be – so please keep that in mind when listening.

You can check out Archie's music here: https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/spa-avenue.html 

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/commuting/ 

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This is the story of a young lad from the city who headed north seeking opportunity and adventure, and boy, did he find it.

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The days were long, hot, and gruelling at times – but like many bush kids, Jessie loved the adventure and challenges that station life offered.

Little did she know, the fortitude and resilience she developed during her younger years would be tested years later, across the other side of the country, a literal and figurative world away from her childhood home.

Learn more about SMA at https://smaaustralia.org.au 

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While Danyelle is the first to say she loves her life, and she truly does, it wasn’t anything she’d ever dreamed of. So, instead of thinking about what she didn’t have, and what could have been, this incredible woman decided to carve out time to pursue one of her greatest passions.

If you haven’t already, make sure you catch Danyelle’s first appearance on our podcast in Episode 58.

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In this episode Steve shares the story of how his family came to be at Mt Riddock, and why how they chose to do things differently to bring the property to where it is today.

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Not one to do things in the traditional order, Kylie waited until after university and the start of her teaching career to take a gap year, taking on the role of a Governess on Helens Springs Station in the Northern Territory. Little did she know, that as it does for so many others, that choice would change the trajectory of her life.

In this episode, Kylie shares the story of how after her time as a Governess she came to realise that the structure of mainstream schooling wasn’t the right fit for her, and found herself back in the outback, launching a not-for-profit organization from scratch.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/baby-can-you-handle-the-heat/ 

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However, as fate would have it, a spur of the moment trip to visit the rellies in the bush would seal James’s fate and he hasn’t been able to leave since, cementing his commitment to the industry by purchasing his own mob of cattle in partnership with his cousin.

James always brings a unique perspective to discussions about rural Australia and the cattle industry, so we hope you enjoy hearing his story and point of view.

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Cam Williams is a 3rd generation pastoralist and manager of Peake Station. With his wife Kirsty, who featured on our podcast back in Episode 87, and their four kids – Cam is living his dream and there isn’t anywhere else he wants to be.

When I was visiting the William’s earlier this year, I pretty much forced Cam to come on the podcast and share an insight into his life, what he gets up to in the desert, and also a few yarns about the entertaining encounters he’s had on the rare occasion that he swaps the desert for the ocean.

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This episode features an excerpt from the book Beyond Alice, read by the author Tanya Heaslip. Tanya has published Alice to Prague (2019), An Alice Girl (2020), and Beyond Alice (2021) is her third memoir. 

Tanya's memoir is a humorous and inspiring story of strength, resilience and the realities of Australian outback life. 

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But what happens when we are faced with our own mortality, and that of the ones we love?

Today’s story is just that, and so much more. It’s a story of trauma, courage, resilience, and vulnerability. It’s the story of Jane and Haydn Sale, who’s lives were changed irrevocably one July morning in 2010, and the road to recovery they walked together.

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While Bulls Sales are a dime a dozen in the Eastern States, the Fitzroy Crossing Sale is the only bull sale in Northern Western Australia.

This is because the majority of cattle in the pastoral regions of Western Australia are commercial cattle, bred to go direct to market. There are very few cattle studs in the pastoral region, so when pastoralists want to improve their herd genetics, they often have to source herd bulls from the Eastern States – mostly Queelsand, which runs similar breeds in similar environments to northern WA. This means that pastoralists often have to travel to Queensland and inspect bulls on various properties, and then have the bulls trucked back to WA. As you can imagine, there are a huge number of cattle studs on the East Coast – how would you even know where to start?

The Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale began over a decade ago, with the aim of bringing quality bulls directly to pastoralists in the Kimberley region of WA. The bulls are selected by an impressive team of people, including livestock agents who live and breathe the Kimberley cattle industry, and know exacrtly what their clients are looking for, and a great man by the name of Jimmy Edwards who spent many years flying in the Kimberley and Pilbara, as well as running his own stations, and also knows what type of cattle will do well in the regions.

Each year the event continues to grow, and this year was no different, with total sales exceeding one million dollars. This year also boasted the highest number of registered bidders, including a number from the Northern Territory and Queensland, and a record price of $20,000.

I attended the event and had a quick chat to Jim Edwards, who started the sale all those years ago, Andrew Stewart – one of the livestock agents and auctioneers who runs the event each year, and Rusty Cook, one of the many buyers.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/new-tricks/ 

Central Station is supported by ThinkWater Broome, your local water experts for irrigation projects big and small. Their fully stocked retail store sells the latest irrigation products, including fittings, pipe, filtration and solar supplies. Covering the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, their knowledgeable and passionate team are experts in the design and implementation of the most water efficient irrigation and water management programs across all sectors.

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In this episode, we discuss the Book Beyond Alice, which takes place when at the age of 12 years old, Tanya was sent sixteen hundred kilometres away from her outback home to boarding school, a traumatic and life changing experience – not just for her, but her family also.

Tanya's memoir is a humorous and inspiring story of strength, resilience and the realities of Australian outback life. 

And, to be honest, it’s hard to believe that some of what she lived through is a true story.

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***

Use the code CENTRAL10 for 10% off your Ezijak!

Ezijak is a 3-in-1 product that will make changing tyres a dream and have you back on the road within minutes.

The Ezijak has a jack, air compressor, and rattle gun!

The air compressor plugs into your 12 volt outlet or it can hook up to your battery and you can pump up the tyre if you have a small leak and drive to your closest Tyre Repair shop, or if you’re out whoop whoop you can slowly make your way back to the nearest homestead!

The Jack will lift your vehicle off the ground with a simple press of a button and lifts up to 3 ton, so easily lifts a 200 series Landcruiser – not that I can afford one of those, but it’s nice to know if I ever upgrade I’ll still be able to use my Ezijak.

And the Rattle Gun will loosen the tightest of wheel nuts with no effort at all – meaning I no longer have to carry a piece of pipe to put over my wheel brace and jump up and down on to loosen and tighten nuts, and then be paranoid that I haven’t tightened them properly as I drive off.

The Ezijak is super easy to use, and if I can do it, then I think we all know that anyone can do it. 

The Ezijak has been tested, approved and improved to Australian standards, and you should be careful of imitations. Just like you, the Ezijak team want to keep your family safe on the road.

Learn more at ezijak.com.au

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-other-east/ 

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These brothers live on Durham Downs Station in South West Queensland, and while they all love station life, they’re chalk and cheese. Jacob is the creative up and coming movie director, Lachy is the cattleman, and Clem, well - Clem is Clem!

Keep your ears peeled for some absolute pearlers in this episode – because we all know that no one can tell a story like a kid!

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It’s so rare that we hear someone speak so candidly about their experience with succession planning, even though its something that every Australian farming family experiences at one point. So, to Tannas, I say thank you for being willing to share your story.

Find the Nuffield Scholarship report on Succession Planning by Alison Larard here: https://www.nuffield.com.au/alison-larard-2018

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/dont-dwell-on-the-small-things/ 

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In today’s episode, I sit down with one of the most adaptable people I have ever met – Sally Jolly.

Sally’s family has a long and rich history in the Pilbara pastoral industry, and it’s no surprise that cattle and red dirt run through her veins.

But, just because she started her life on a Pilbara cattle station, it doesn't mean that it was where she was going to stay.

From the wide open spaces of the WA rangelands, to an intensive horticultural farming region in Qld, with many other steps in-between, Sally has shown that her upbringing in the outback has set her up to adapt to any environment.

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Well, that was the order of things for Hayley Price – in just over 12 months, she met and married the man of her dreams, falling pregnant just before their wedding.

But during her pregnancy, Hayley was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, and ended up in a hospital 600km from home for over 6 omnths. That wasn't a part of the plan of all.

In this episode, Hayley shares the story of the best and worst year of her life, and what she’s learnt from it.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/little-people-huge-hearts/ 

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I recently caught up with Eddie to discuss her incredible adventures, and we ended up having a very candid discussion about how her experience as a jillaroo was far from picture perfect.

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But what you’ll learn in this episode is that that couldn’t be farther from the truth. To start the episode, I asked Kirsty to tell me about the summer of 2018, when her return back to the station with her 4th child didn’t go exactly as planned...

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/little-people-huge-hearts/ 

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Today, Tony is in his 40th year as the manager of Mt Barry Station, near the town of Coober Pedy in SA. In this episode, he shares yarns from the past 5 decades and what he has learnt along the way about life, love, and loss.

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In this episode we talk about the 600km round trip he makes twice a week to deliver mail to small towns and remote cattle stations along the Oodnadatta Track, and the tourist business he runs alongside it.

Once again, Rowie not only spins some great stories, but imparts wisdom which can only be acquired from living life to the fullest.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/woulda-coulda-shoulda/ 

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Rowie is an incredible gentleman who’s story is, well, incredible. I had such a great time yarning with him that we ended up recording for 2 hours, so this episode will be release in 2 parts.

In this first part Rowie shares the story of how he came to Coober Pedy to become a millionaire, and why he swapped Opal Mining for Pottery. It was such a privilege to hear these stories, and holy hatbox this fella drops some gold nuggets of wisdom along the way!

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But that was the reality for Jill Greenfield, when a bystander saved her life during a medical emergency. In this episode, we learn about who Jill is and how she came to live at Billa Kalina Station, how a stranger saved her life, and what impact it has had on her life.

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Pastoralist Col Greenfield shares what it's like running a cattle station that is inside the Woomera Prohibited Area, and outside the dog fence.

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In this episode, the granddaughter of Ernest Ravenscroft Kempe, Helen, shares the story of her grandfather and father.

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So, you might think that a podcast episode with Doug would involve all sorts of wild yarns about mustering a helicopter – but that couldn’t be any further from what this episode is about – although don’t worry – we’ve convinced him to come back on the show for one of those episodes!

In this episode, Doug reflects on what he has learnt from his time in the pastoral game, and where he sees an opportunity to strengthen the sustainability of the industry. It’s a really interesting conversation, and similar to one I’ve had with many people across the country – but no one has been willing to speak about it openly… until now. So, be sure to join our Central Station podcast group on facebook and let us know what you think about this episode.  

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But, that’s not the end of Abbro’s story. He then went on to work as a park ranger across Australia, swapping cattle for crocs and endangered marsuipials.

In this episode Abbro shares insights into his story so far, and why he chose to come back to the station.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-story-of-groom-zilla-and-bride-doe-banger/  

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/lessons-from-a-little-cat/ 

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At the age of 16 Helen moved to the Northern Territory and to this day she has never left. 

Everyone knows Miss Helen, and Miss Helen knows everyone. She is a true treasure of the Territory, and in this episode she shares yarns from the early days when her family started working for Sidney Kidman to where she is today – and what she has seen and learnt over the past seven decades.

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That’s the predicament Mitch Scott found himself in when he was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome –a rare genetic disorder primarily characterized by deafness and a progressive loss of vision.

In this episode, Mitch speaks about his diagnosis, and the decision to leave the life he had planned behind to head north and work on outback cattle stations.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/cowboys-bulls-broncs-and-a-diamond-ring/ 

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On paper, Fran’s life looked like hard work and success. But… something was missing.

So, in her late 20’s she took off to Africa – a decision that would lead to a series of experiences and choices in her life that would see her settle down on Mt Riddock Station in Central Australia. No, Fran is not a “backpacker”, but a full-time long-term employee of the station.

This is her story.

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We think it’s time for the conversation to move forward from simplying saying “It’s ok not to be ok”, and to discuss what we can do to look after ourselves when we aren’t ok.

We also think that it’s time to acknowledge the spectrum of mental health issues we all face, because the conversation generally tends to sit around the extremes of depression, anxiery and suicicde. We aren’t minimizing these at all, but want to make space for ogther issues too.

In this episode I sit down with Matilda Robinson, who grew up on her family’s cattle station in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Matilda first started experiencing anxiety around the age of 9, but didn’t recognise what it was until her late teens.

We speak about her experience trying to balance seeking help for anxiety and depression, while living in remote parts of Australia, finding the right mental health professional, and what she does on a day to day basis to maintain her mental health.

Please note that this episode may be triggering for some people, so it may be best to listen in the company of support.

**Quick note guys – I’ve had this episode reviewed by a mental health professional, and as such you’re going to hear a couple of edits in this episode where I’m going to add in some commentary after the fact. Matilda and I did the best we could during recording, but upon reflection there’s a few things we’d like to clarify and language we think that needs to be changed. **

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mindspot: 1800 61 44 34 http://mindspot.org.au/
• Men’s Shed: www.mensheds.org.au
• Virtual Psychologist is a free service that offers qualified and experienced counselling via phone, chat, email and text. It is available 24/7. Contact this service via PHONE on 1300 665 234 or TEXT on 0488 807 266. http://virtualpsychologist.com.au/home/ 

Please help spread this message to help others understand help is just a phone call or text away and they are not alone.

****

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/it-takes-a-community/ 

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If you’re in the desert country, it might be camels and donkeys – and if you’re way up high in the top end, you’ll probably see water buffalo, and if you’re lucky… or … well… unlucky… a crocodile.

Norman Fisher was born and bred in the Top End of the Northern Territory, and his family not only ran cattle, but domesticated their own herd of buffalo.

However, seeing as one of their stations also had its own supply of saltwater crocodiles – Norman thought he’d try his hand working with them too!

In this episode, I ask Norman about what it’s like to work with both livestock and crocs – this is a yarn you don’t want to miss!

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/180km-just-to-check-the-mail/ 

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She didn’t travel to the north for a gap year, but to start her career in the pastoral industry.

In this episode Tylah and I speak about her time in the industry so far, and how she moved into role of Headstockwoman at Victoria River Downs Station in the northern territory.

In particular, we speak about her experience in a leadership as a woman, and how what shes learnt so far.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/its-on/

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In social science, this phenomenon is called schema are mental structures that an individual uses to organize knowledge and guide cognitive processes and behaviour. So what that means, is that we use Schema to categorize objects and events based on common elements and characteristics and thus interpret and predict the world. New information is processed according to how it fits into these mental structures, or rules. So, you see a man in a dark alley way holding a knife, and instead of having to stop and think about it, you immediately think “danger”!

Here’s the thing though, while face value assumptions can be helpful, they can also be counter-productive and even destructive.

Take Danyelle Haigh – at first sight, we see this gorgeous blonde woman, beautifully dressed, with nice jewellry, and her hair, makeup and nails done. The kind of woman who stands out in a crowd with her bubbly laugh and unfiltered comments.

This isn’t an act. Danyelle is as authentic as they come. And in this episode, I sat down with her to learn more about the real Danyelle, not the one we predetermine in our minds.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/dating-in-the-bush-a-tinderella-story/ 

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In this episode, we chat about what Tanyas childhood on a remote cattle station was like back in those days, and how it shaped the rest of her life.

Because, as you’ll come to learn in this episode, Tanya went on to become an accomplished lawyer who worked on the Azaria Chamberlain inquiry, she travelled the world and even lived in Prague, and is now the author of 2 books. Not bad for someone who used to go to school for 30 minutes a day over a 2 way radio...

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/the-kimberley-chicken-muster-er/ 

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She is incredibly humble and didn’t think her story was worth being told, but I think by the end of this episode you’ll agree with me when I say that Lucy is an inspiration who has just rolled up her sleeves and had a crack at life, and I daresay, a little bit of a dark horse!

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/lessons-learned-in-the-kimberley/ 

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In todays episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Cook, who manages a cattle station in the Northern Territory and is the President of the NT Isolated Children's Parents' Association.

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Find the story from this episode here: https://www.centralstation.net.au/when-a-pregnancy-is-followed-by-a-cancer-diagnosis/ 

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But what we see of Mel online is her work, photos of animals and other people – so I wanted to know who this person behind the camera actually was. So, while I was in the town where Mel currently lives, I reached out to her and asked to meet. And, surprise surprise, I invited her on the podcast. I hope you enjoy hearing some yarns from this incredible woman, and learning that there’s so much more to her than the great photos she takes.

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In this episode, we’re going to hear from Jaimie Jenkins, who had some unbelievable experiences before she headed up north. I had absolutely no idea what direction this episode was going to go in, as you’l l hear from my genuine reactions throughout the episode, but I think you’ll agree that it’s an absolute cracker, and really demonstrates how everyone does have a story.

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