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Eumundi Voice Issue 123

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ROTARY

The Great Australian Charity Cattle Drive: A journey of generosity and community spirit

The Great Australian Charity Cattle Drive (GACCD) – organised by BeefBank Ltd – commenced in Longreach on 18 May and concluded at the Roma sale yards on 6 August. This event saw 1,680 donated cattle driven across 800km of stock routes over 80 days. BeefBank Ltd is a Rotary initiative and partners with graziers and abattoirs to provide quality meat to Foodbank Australia and FareShare. With 1 in 10 Australians now seeking relief, and 1 in 200 people homeless, the charity supports those most in need by providing fresh meat. The journey was livestreamed globally by Yandina-based company Land Watch Australia to raise awareness of the critical issue of food insecurity.

I recently had the privilege of joining the GACCD as a guest drover for 4 days between Morven and Mitchell. I was warmly welcomed into the cattle drive community by Cattle Drive Chairman Anthony (Bim) Struss, Australian championship

award-winning camp oven cooks Kerry and Jodi Harrold (Cooking with Heavy Metal), volunteers, and other paying visitor drovers. Feeling a little nervous as my riding experience was limited to a few horse treks in my early 20s, I was reassured that a horse suitable to my lack of experience would be selected. Eager to settle in I set up my swag, knowing it would be an early start the next morning.

The day began with a 5am “cowbell” wake-up call to pack up the swag, followed by a camp oven breakfast at 5.30am. By 6.30am, we were ready to saddle and mount our horses, prepared to muster the cattle along a 10-15km stretch to the next campsite. A suitable horse named Willow, affectionately referred to as a “plodder” was chosen to match my riding ability. We came to an arrangement that if I allowed her to graze sufficiently, she would eventually follow the cows and other horses.

The cattle were watered in the morning and grazed as they slowly walked along the stock route. At lunchtime, the cattle were penned up to prevent them from being spooked by wildlife such as kangaroos, emus or wild pigs, while the drovers had their lunch. This routine was repeated in the afternoon. The days which involved sitting in a saddle for up to 5 hours at a time, made for some sore bottoms and stiff legs! However, the reward of a delicious meal cooked over the open coals each evening was something special to look forward to. Sitting around an open fire and staring up at an open sky full of stars was an additional treat. After a big day, bedtime usually came by 8.30pm.

Our journey was filled with many adventures as we navigated through some challenging gidgee country, which eventually gave way to spectacular grasslands and scenic views. The sunrises and sunsets were nothing short of spectacular, as we rode beside the cattle who now had their “sparkle” – a term used to describe their coats which glitter in the sunlight. One memorable night there was even some nighttime mustering after the cattle were spooked by some wildlife and made an escape. The riding skill and expertise of Head Drover Billy and 16yo Jillaroo Jaide, along with the dogs and 21yo BJ on the bike, were truly a sight to behold.

Throughout the ride we shared many stories and experiences, and I learnt a lot about horses and cattle. For instance, I discovered that horses have an aversion to dead animals and will instinctively move in the opposite direction in an instant! Additionally, I found out that a horse knows when it is home time. Willow would triple her speed once she knew she was heading for home! The GACCD was an unforgettable, once-ina-lifetime experience, filled with wonderful country hospitality, camaraderie, hard work, and the beauty of the Qld outback – all for a great cause. The event was a true testament to all the incredible people and sponsors who made it possible. If you are interested in joining the GACCD next year visit: charitycattledrive.au. Tania Watson

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