Put a bend in them!

Over the years I've seen various social posts lay claim as to who took the shots below, and where they were taken... most have been incorrect... so I'll put the myths to rest!

These fantastic images are by Alice Springs photographer Hans Boessem at Helen Springs station number 1 yards, near Tennant Creek in September, 2001. The 5,200km2 Helen Springs Station sits on the western end of the Barkly Tablelands, and is now owned and run by S. Kidman and Co, one of their two properties located in the Northern Territory.

Speaking with John O'Kane from QLD, who was the Manager of Helen Springs at that time, he mentioned that the cattle were transported directly to Darwin Port for shipment due to the station's proximity being less than 1,000km away.

He added, half the mob were yarded up the night before and put on hay, whilst the second half of the mob were yarded up from the paddock by ringers on horses and bikes, as the first half were loading.

Loading onto the RTA road trains started at 8am and was completed 5 hours and 45 minutes later! I wonder if that has ever been bettered!?

It must have been one hell of a day in the yards! Some stats:

• Road Train Decks: 102

• Head of cattle: 3060

• Owner (in 2001): Stanbroke

• Trucking Company: RTA (one Hayfield Station truck used in one shift)

• Helen Springs Crew consisted of Manager: John & Delia O'Kane; Head Stockman: Lee Young and the Stock Camp was: Nathan McDonald, Andrew Scott, Terry Selfe, Rebecca Lathwell and Sydney King.

Hans took the shots from a mustering helicopter on the day...

Newsletter 12th July 2024: https://bit.ly/RFTTEBoessem