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No One's Safe: The Hilariously Harsh World of Outback Nicknames

27 Jan, 2026

If there's one thing that defines Australian rural work culture, it's the art of the nickname. Whether you're a ringer, chopper pilot, labourer or working on a mine site, chances are you've either got a nickname or you've given one to someone else. And let's be honest – they're rarely flattering. We recently asked our RFTTE community to share the best (and worst) nicknames they've come across in their working lives, and boy, did you...

How To Get A Job On A Cattle Station?

11 Jan, 2026

So you’ve heard the stories from those who have experienced working on an Australian cattle station – it could be Mum or Dad or brothers or sisters or mates… or some old fella ‘holding up the bar’ down the pub telling a few bronco branding yarns from his ringing days on a Kimberley cattle station. People love to talk about their time on stations, sharing tales of hard work, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Working on a cattle...

What To Bring To A Cattle Station: Packing List

01 Jan, 2026

Heading to a cattle station for the first time can feel daunting, especially when it comes to knowing what gear to pack. If you’re wondering what to bring to a cattle station, you’re not alone—many first-timers have the same question. With the help of RFTTE members and a few stations, we’ve put together a list of essential items and recommendations to make life easier. For example, if you’re flying in, you may be limited to one checked...

Why some stations don't take dogs

01 Jan, 2026

Here's a succinctly and well written piece telling us why a lot of properties won’t allow you to bring your dogs with you. In a nutshell, some employers do take dogs and some don't... it's a simple case of asking before you go... so there are no surprises! NO DOGS ALLOWED Let's talk about dogs. Everyone loves them, and so do we. The 'no dogs' condition is very common on cattle stations and every time we advertise a position vacant, we...

Should I work on a cattle station?

24 Dec, 2025

3 Ringers | Wave Hill Station 2022 by Emma Moss Former Kimberley-based ringer Emma Moss shares her advice for those seeking to work on cattle stations ‘up north’… Maybe you have left high school, finished university, had a quarter life crisis, watched ‘Territory’ on Netflix, or want to find yourself a dinky-di cowboy or cowgirl. So, now what? You may find yourself asking: Should I go up north? Okay, the idea of uprooting your life to a...

Your Actions Will Dictate What Jobs You Get...

08 Dec, 2025

Ben Reardon at Stanbroke’s Kamilaroi Station, QLD Ben Reardon was the Head Stockman at Kamilaroi Station, one of Stanbroke’s 7 stations in far north Queensland, altogether comprising over 1.2 million hectares of prime grazing country. Kamilaroi Station is located on the traditional lands of the Gamilaraay people, near the Leichhardt River in northern Queensland. The main building at Kamilaroi Station stands as a testament to its rich...

Sarawak Stock Take (1985) – A Rare Look Back at Northern Australia’s Cattle Heritage

26 Nov, 2025

Every now and then, a piece of outback history resurfaces that perfectly captures the spirit, scale and character of cattle station life. Sarawak Stock Take (1985) is one of those gems - a classic documentary featuring the Malaysian-owned Rosewood stockcamp and the very first live exports to Malaysia, paired with breathtaking aerial footage across some of northern Australia’s most iconic country. I first discovered this documentary a...

Top Tips When Applying For a Job

11 Nov, 2025

Take the time to identify your relevant skills, key achievements, and transferable skills that align with the requirements of the job ad. Research the company and business to understand their core activities, mission, and values, so you can tailor your application and interview responses accordingly. When tailoring your cover letter and resume, make sure your application aligns with the organisation's mission and culture to show genuine...

Christmas Creek Love Story

31 Oct, 2025

Kris Utech these days in his trusty hat Clancy Utech , 24, from the NT contacted RFTTE by Instagram saying: 'I showed my Dad the photos that Lynette Wood shared recently and he loved them! He speaks of life on the stations daily so was excited to take another trip down memory lane. My dad, Kris Utech, was the Head Stockman of Christmas Creek station in the Kimberley from 1985 - 1989. He met my mum, Christine, who was the Govie on...

Cattle Station Jobs in Australia: Your Guide to Working in the Outback

15 Sep, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the heart of the Australian outback, cattle station jobs in Australia offer an experience like no other. From hands-on farm work to roles that develop life skills and independence, these positions are perfect for adventurous job seekers looking to immerse themselves in rural life. Why Consider Cattle Station Jobs in Australia? Working on a cattle station is more than just a job – it’s a lifestyle....

Rewriting the script for men...

02 Sep, 2025

International Men’s Day, November 19th, celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for 2025 is “Celebrating Men and Boys”. In a recent podcast called ' People I (Mostly) Admire' Steven Levitt speaks with Richard V. Reeves about Why are Boys and Men in Trouble? Reeves says: "I think for men, there is...

In the Middle of Nowhere

24 May, 2025

Terry with faithful shadow Kyber at her Riveren beginnings – the camp fire stove, the bough shed living area and the tent master bedroom – in the middle of nowhere." If you're not living on a cattle station, then you'll get transported to one on every page you read in Terry Underwood's epic autobiography 'In the Middle of Nowhere'. Earlier this year in Darwin at the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association Conference I had the pleasure...

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