Central Station - True Stories from Outback Australia

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners* 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners* 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.** 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.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.** 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.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.**  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.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.** 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.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.** 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.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**This episode is part of a mini-series produced for the Gascoyne Catchment’s Group, who have kindly allowed me to share it with you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.** 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 25, 2024, a tragic helicopter mustering accident claimed the lives of Peter Ritter and Gavin U’Ren. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to our fourth episode with Garry Riggs from Lakefield Station in the Territory. When we last left Garry, he had just wrapped up his time in the stock camp at Blina Station. But the end of one chapter marked the beginning of another. Garry found himself working in mining exploration, and trust us, the adventures only got wilder from there. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to our third episode with Garry Riggs from Lakefield Station in the Territory. In his first two episodes, Garry shared tales from his adventurous childhood, filled with close calls involving snakes, motorbikes, horses, motorcars, deadly fevers, UFOs, and even circus lions! 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Munro Hardy said he wanted to be a pilot, his year 11 careers advisor shut down the idea pretty quickly. So, Munro filed the idea in the back of his mind and started thinking about other options. Once he finished school, he set off on a gap year that would turn into the adventure of a lifetime, as he spent the next decade trying his hand at various roles in agriculture, mining and tourism.  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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.