My name is Charlotte Armstrong (Class of 2023) and at the beginning of 2024 I was fortunate enough to be offered a station hand job on Walhallow Station. Walhallow is located roughly 600 km south east of Katherine NT, on the Barkly Tablelands. It is 2.5 million acres, running mainly Brahman and cross Brahman cattle.
Originally coming from the Northern Territory, I have always loved working and living on the land, therefore my choice to be a Jillaroo on my gap year came very naturally. I had heard and witnessed incredible experiences of working with cattle my entire life and my experiences this year have allowed me to gain significant knowledge and a unique work ethic.
Amongst the crew of three girls and four boys, we have successfully processed 89 000 cattle this year with the help of contractors. This was not easy work, however it was extremely rewarding and satisfying. Being one of the three girls in the crew, working alongside the boys and the girls has been a truly amazing experience in order to explore different ways of working and different work ethics.
Some of the jobs during work days include, mustering cattle on motorbikes/horses, fencing new paddocks, branding weaner, drafting breeder and sale mobs, pulling bores and replacing them, putting out lick blocks, repairing damaged or broken machinery or yards, fighting fires. Some of the skills I have learnt this year, I will have for the rest of my life. I also have the lucky role of feeding 52 baby calves every morning and night which has certainly made the beginning and end of my days a lot cuter.
The support network in the Northern Territory is extraordinary. Growing up in the Northern Territory has certainly played a significant role in the knowledge I had at the beginning of the year, however that knowledge has been expanded and has allowed me to feel comfortable in many different situations throughout the Agriculture industry.
As a general rule, the social life in the Northern Territory is a lot of fun. I have attended 5 camp drafts this year, competing in most of them. My older brother who graduated from Joeys in 2022 works at the property next door, and my older sister who graduated from Frensham in 2021 works on a property only 4 hours away on the QLD/NT boarder. Attending social events such as camp drafts have allowed me to see my siblings, which makes the isolation of Walhallow more bearable. I have met so many new people this year from all over the country which has been excellent.
This year I have faced some very difficult challenges. In particular as it was coming towards the end of the season and we were processing cattle in high 40 degree weather. However, these experiences have only made me love the type of work I am doing more, as it is a more rewarding feeling at the end of the day.
I have loved working at Walhallow this year. I have formed lifelong connections with my crew and developed a serious passion in an industry that allows for lots of opportunities. I will be returning to Walhallow Station in 2025 as my older sister and her partner will be working as the head stockmen.