CATTLE DRIVE CHARACTER PROFILES
The Australian Outback's rich colour comes not only from the landscape, but from its heroes and Outback identities. The men and women of the Outback define the very best in the Australian character - they are resourceful, resilient, energetic and friendly.
Drover Profiles for The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive - 2007 Event
Daryl Bell: Boss Drover
Daryl Bell OAM was the Boss Drover of The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007.
For more than 25 years Daryl Bell worked tirelessly for the Marree community and surrounding areas. Last year he was rewarded for his service by being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. The OAM medal is presented to individuals who have given service worthy of particular recognition, and in Mr Bell's case this is for service to primary industry, particularly as an advocate for rangeland management and conservation initiatives.
David Bell: Droving Liaison
David Bell lives on Dulkaninna Station with his parents, Daryl and Sharon, younger sister Shannon, and girlfriend Jess Kemp. Like his younger sister, David has spent much of his life living and working on his family's property, and other neighbouring properties in the South Australian Outback. Born in Adelaide, and educated at Westminster College, David lists one of his career highlights as owning and managing a butcher shop in Glenelg for two years, and seeing the business work and become profitable.
David says that the best part about living in the Outback is the wide, open spaces, and his favourite Outback icon is Slim Dusty, who he says told it like it was, with true stories of real people in the Outback.
Shannon Bell: Drover/Tailer
Shannon Bell formed part of the droving team for the 2007 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. Shannon is the youngest member of the Bell family, and works on the family's property, Dulkannina Station, situated on the Birdsville Track. Shannon, who was born in Adelaide, has spent her whole life living and working in the Outback, and lists horse trainer Gordan McKinglay, and her family, as inspirational figures in her life. Shannon's advice to 'city slickers' visiting the Outback for The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, is to have an open mind, and to relax and enjoy the unique experience that the event offers.
Jess Kemp: Drover/Tailer
Born and raised in South Australia's Riverland region, 24-year old Jess Kemp has lived and worked in the Outback for two years at Dulkaninna Station with her boyfriend David Bell, and his family. She has had experience working in the area for seven years. Her family are still based in the Riverland, but Jess says they love coming up to visit her at her Outback home.
A highlight of Jess's career experience to date is working with leading scientists at Adelaide University whilst completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with honours degree. Jess's advice to visitors to the Outback is to expect a good time and enjoy the experience that presents itself without too many expectations.
Prue Fargher: Drover/Tailer
Prue Fargher grew up in the saddle. Prue was born in Adelaide, before going back to her family's station near Blinman, in the Flinders Ranges. The 22 year old loves the country life and the people that come with it.
Prue is currently in her final year of studying Tourism at Flinders University in Adelaide. In between finding time to 'go bush' and studying, Prue works part time for 'Outback Encounter' a travel organisation in Adelaide. When Prue finishes her degree in Adelaide, she hopes to move back to the country, and be part of showing and promoting what the Outback has to offer.
Chris Reynolds: Drover/Tailer
Chris is from Willow Springs Station, in the Flinders Ranges. Chris currently works on his home property, as well as neighbouring properties in the Flinders chasing both sheep and cattle. He has previously worked in the Kimberly's in the Northern Territory. Chris is a budding talent in the rodeo industry, and a well-known name around the pastoral areas. This is Chris's first time working on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive and he is looking forward to working hard, and playing even harder.
Tom Morphett: Hay
Tom was the hay and yardman for The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. He grew up on Callanna Station via Marree, with his three brothers before attending boarding school in Adelaide. When he finished his studies in Adelaide, Tom couldn't get back to the bush quick enough, and he headed to the Northern Territory for a change of scenery. Tom is now based back at Callanna, working at home and contract mustering around South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Charlie Webb: Drover/Tailer
Charlie Webb is the cowboy from Vespers Station, near Hawker. He lives and works on his family's property, when he is not chasing cattle in South Australia's northeast or in the Northern Territory.
2007 was Charlie's second involvement with The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive as a drover. Charlie looked forward to meeting people on the event, and sharing a few stories over a cold beer. Charlie is a natural horseman, riding since he can remember. Charlie advises people visiting the bush to make your handshake a little firmer and let your smile linger a little longer.
Rodney Fullarton: Drover
The 2007 event was not be the first time Rodney had been a drover along the Oodnadatta Track. Rodney was born in Adelaide, but spent his life living and working on Anna Creek Station, between Coober Pedy and William Creek. Rodney and his partner Narelle (who is The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive cook) currently live in Quorn.
Rodney's has many hobbies ranging from racing horses to camel and brumby running. When it has anything to do with wild animals, Rodney will be there. Rodney is looking forward to The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive to meet new people. He says the Outback is a peaceful place and his advice to city people is to "get in the bush more often!"
Narelle Black: Stock Camp Cook
Narelle was the cook for the drovers on the 2007 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. The drovers will be dining on traditional camp oven meals, which she has prepared many times before.
Narelle grew up at Bollards Lagoon, near Cameron's Corner in the North East of South Australia. She currently lives in Quorn, with her partner Rodney who is a drover on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive and her four children. The country is a relaxed and quiet place for Narelle. The lifestyle is steady, but don't be mistaken, it gets very busy! "The good thing about the bush is everyone knows everyone and you make such good friends," Narelle says.
Nick White: Drover/Horse Tailer
Nick White is a builder from the Limestone Coast of South Australia. He was born in Naracoorte, and now lives in Robe with his partner Nicky, who is also a drover on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive.
Nick is a 'blokes bloke' and enjoys hunting and fishing. Nick has previously worked on a station in the north of Queensland, and when the opportunity came about to lay down the bricks and saddle up, he jumped at the opportunity. Nick's advice to guests of The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, especially international guests, is to admire the sunsets, "because they are the best you will ever see."
Nicky Stuart: Drover/Horse Tailer
Nicky was born in Adelaide and lives in Robe, on the Limestone Coast of South Australia with her partner Nick. Nick and Nicky were both drovers on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, having had experience working on a cattle property in the north of Queensland.
Nicky has her own business in Robe, as an interior design draftsman and building designer. Nicky rides horses as often as she can, doing dressage or 'hacking'. Nicky is drawn to the natural wonders of the Outback because of the minimal impact of human interference, and the changing of colours. Nicky's advice to visitors is to 'take a camera and expect a good time!'
Lyn Litchfield: Drover/Horse Tailer
Lyn Litchfield, along with her husband Gordon, runs Wilporinna Station, situated in between Marree and Lyndhurst. The 2007 event was Lyn's second time as part of The Great Australian Outback Cattle droving team. Lyn has incredible horsemanship and is always keen to share her experiences.
Lyn works and helps Gordon and Adam on their home station, working and breaking in horses for stock work on the station and events such as picnic gymkhanas, bronco branding and camp drafting. Lyn also breeds 'Arabians' for endurance riding. Lyn plays a vital role in the community of Marree as the health service officer for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Rossi Finn: Drover
Rossi Finn is an experienced stockman from the Oodnadatta area who formed part of the droving team for The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007.
Corey Ferguson: Drover/Boss Horse Tailer
Corey is the drover from east of Leigh Creek. Corey is a high demand contract musterer, when he is not at home working on his family's station. The Ferguson family are a well-known name in the area. Corey and his younger sister Bridie were drovers on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2005. Corey is an experienced cattleman with a horse or motorbike. Corey, as you will discover from your first conversation, is a typical outback cowboy. His advice is to take a breath of the fresh air and look up at the stars at night.
'Whitey': Drover
Whitey brings a wealth of experience to the droving team for The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, describing himself as 'an old drover', with extensive knowledge of the droving methods of days gone by.
Born in Adelaide, and raised in Koonibba, near Port Lincoln, Whitey has a home in Adelaide, but picks up work as a stockman in the Outback, frequently around Oodnadatta and Alice Springs. He is married to June, with three grown up children, Vicki, Steven and Gregory, and has a much-loved grey horse, ironically called Blacky.
A friendly, hard working character, Whitey has been involved with The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, since its inception. Whitey urges visitors to the Outback to have a good look at the country: "When you wakeup in the morning, and see the first sunrise, it's just another day in heaven."
Ian Litchfield: Farrier/Horse Tailer
Ian was the farrier on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. Ian was part of the first event and made sure all the horses were shoed before the long trek down the Oodnadatta Track.
Ian grew up at Mundowdna and Wilporinna station, south of Marree. As riding horses was a main part of his upbringing with stock work on the station, he gained a large amount of experience shoeing the horses. Ian worked as a farrier with Brickie Pretlove around the Cheltenham area. He completed his accreditation as a farrier and blacksmith. Ian lives in Adelaide, and is looking forward to getting out of the building industry and working with animals again for a while. His advice for visitors to The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive is to relax when you are on the horse, because the animal can feel your tension. Ian also advises to bring insect repellent, because the mosquitoes and flies can make things uncomfortable.
Bill Harbison: Vet
Bill Harbison was the dedicated vet on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007, bringing some 30 years of experience in horse practice to his role.Bill was involved with The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2005, and the 2006 Cattle Camp, and while his primary role is to look after the health of the horse team, he also has the capacity to look after cattle problems.
Born in Adelaide, and based in Gawler, South Australia, Bill undertakes regular work in the Outback, and has lived and worked in most areas of South Australia in his life. Bill's advice to visitors to the Outback is to pay attention to the clothing you pack, as you will need comfortable riding gear, and clothing to cater for all extremes of the weather, from warm days, to cold nights.
The Outback is a place that is rich in colour, not only by landscape, but by the heroes and Outback identities it has created over the years. The men and women of the Outback define the very best in the Australian character: resourceful, resilient, colourful and friendly. Meet them all on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive.
Daryl Bell OAM
Daryl Bell OAM has been appointed as Boss Drover of The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007 event.
For more than 25-years Daryl Bell has worked tirelessly for the Marree community and surrounding areas. Last year he was rewarded for his service by being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
The OAM medal is presented to individuals who have given service worthy of particular recognition, and in Mr Bell's case this is for service to primary industry, particularly as an advocate for rangeland management and conservation initiatives.
In 2007 Daryl Bell will be leading a team of drovers to teach guests on The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive the art of droving cattle, an experience of a lifetime.
He was among 464 people across the nation receiving this award, and one of only 12 receiving it for service to primary industry. A pastoralist on Dulkaninna Station, 84km from Marree, Mr Bell has been heavily involved with various community groups in the region.
Daryl is a South Australian Pastoral Representative for the National Livestock Identification Scheme Implementation Working Group, and has been a supporter and contributor to the Lake Eyre Basin Group for over 10 years.
He has been a member of the Marree Soil Conservation Board for 14 years, and was chairman for six years, and he is a former member of the Regional Consultative Committee for National Radioactive Waste Site Selection Study. He is also a former president and vice-president of the Marree Race Club.
His involvement in all of these organisations has meant Daryl has spent many hours travelling around the region, particularly to and from Adelaide. But a modest Daryl insists he hasn't done anything more than others have done. Not only has Mr Bell put in an incredible amount of time and effort on these committees, but he also has a 2000sq km property to run. Dulkaninna Station, situated on the Birdsville Track, has been in the Bell family for more than 100 years. The property is just outside the Dog Fence, meaning that they only run cattle rather than sheep. Helping him out are his children David and Shannon, who he hopes will one day take over the running of the property.
Keith Rasheed
The isolation of life on an Australian Outback stations calls for a special breed - it calls for people like Keith Rasheed.
Keith's pink jeep is one of the unnatural wonders you can come across in the Outback. It adds to the colourful and fascinating history that is often unknown to many people.
Born in the 1940s to owners of grazing property in South Australia's mid north, Keith grew up in the Outback and went to boarding school in Adelaide. Keith and his family moved to Wilpena Pound while he was still completing his education - and the family has been there ever since.
Upon completion of his education in Adelaide, Keith spent a year working as a Jackeroo at Wilpena Pound. Then the spirit of adventure beckoned as he headed north-east towards the Channel Country in Queensland. There, he worked as a Jackeroo on an Outback station. Coincidentally, the family of a young girl he met at boarding school owned this station. Some may say he followed his heart not only through the Outback but also to that of his true love.
Keith eventually became Station Manager and married Lynette, the boss's daughter, spending the next 15 years running the station. As time moved on, he went from running the station to owning it, and eventually selling up for an offer too good to refuse. Keith and Lynette now run the family resort business at Wilpena Pound.
Now with two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren, Keith and Lynette play an active role in making sure the Wilpena Pound business is a truly extraordinary and inspiring experience for all who visit.
Keith was instrumental in the concept, development and operation of the inaugural Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive in 2002 as part of the Year of the Outback celebrations. In 2005, he was Cattle Drive stock route manager, in charge of the drovers and tailers, as well as making sure the cattle moved down the track. He shared Australia's Outback with others, as one of the world's truly unspoilt areas.
Print this page
