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G'day ,
I came across Donal Sullivan's story from the website Didimeri, which has some great stories in the 'Jillaroo Journals' section.
At 31, Donal Sullivan (pictured above) has had quite the journey working on cattle stations on the ground and in the air... here is part of her story so far...
I grew up on a cattle station near Katherine, my first 'job' on a cattle station was when I was 10 years old and my father finally said I could go mustering after what felt like years of me humbugging.
As a child I loved horses, so I thoroughly enjoyed learning to work cattle with a horse and being involved with the stock camp. I did a lot of tailing weaners and working the race with my siblings. Since then I have been involved in a range of aspects of the beef industry including camp cooking, contract mustering and flying.
I got my helicopter licence in my early 20's and as a mustering pilot for many years I enjoyed the challenge involved with coordinating a muster from the air; though a little less enthusiastic about the dusty yard work!
At the end of 2022 I left mustering life, and after some 'fill in' work collecting croc eggs and flying for ranger groups in Arnhem Land, I took on a role in WA.
As part of that job I travelled to Fort Worth in the USA for training in the Bell 505 Helicopter I was going to fly. Once I was back in WA, I flew scenic flights and wine tours and was based off a super yacht for stints in the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley coast. It was an incredible job and not something I ever thought I'd end up doing given I'd started flying because I loved working cattle.
In mid 2024 I made the difficult choice to take a break from flying. I've been working for my family back on the property near Katherine where I grew up, looking after calves, mustering and managing weeds. Right back where I started!
I've also had the chance to pursue other projects, including organising a workshop at Top Springs Roadhouse in the NT for stations to learn the law's around workplace bullying, discrimination and sexual consent. There was excellent attendance and support from stations with a crowd of 70 ringers, managers and station staff.
My advice to those going to work on a station: take every opportunity to build your skills. Welding and small motor courses are great ways to get some basic knowledge about essential station skills. CHEM cert courses, MLA Nutrition Edge, Breeding Edge and Business Edge are some more great courses which offer more in depth look at certain aspects of the industry.
Furthermore, know your worth and remember that being treated unfairly, bullied, or pressured beyond reason is never acceptable - even if it's coming from someone in a position of authority. It can take years to recognise what treatment is and isn’t okay, so talk to someone you trust, reflect on your experiences, and don’t be afraid to make a change if a workplace isn’t right for you.
Hooroo for now,
Simon
Please note: These are extracts from Donal's original 'Jillaroos Journal' story.
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