This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners.

In this episode, we hear from John Hagan — someone who knows the Territory not just by map, but by memory.

Over the course of 87 years, John has witnessed the Territory change in ways few others can truly grasp. Raised on cattle stations in the VRD during World War II, he came of age in a time when cattle were still walked thousands of kilometres to market. 

He travelled vast distances across the Territory, Queensland and South Australia as a drover, working first for Peter Sherwin, before later going out on his own.

At just 27 years of age, John stepped into the role of manager at Brunchilly Station, where he spent the next 26 years quietly transforming it into a benchmark operation on the Barkly.

John has spent his life on horseback, in stock camps, and behind the scenes — quietly contributing to the backbone of Australia’s pastoral industry. It’s a story not of fanfare, but of grit, commitment, and deep knowledge earned the hard way.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

The Hayes family is one of the most iconic and historic in the Northern Territory, and in this episode, we sit down with fourth-generation Territorian, Mickey Hayes.

Born and raised on Undoolya Station, Mickey grew up immersed in the rhythms of station life, following in the footsteps of generations before him. But unlike his father and brothers, Mickey’s journey would eventually lead him beyond the boundaries of the family property. While his bond with the land has remained steadfast, his journey has taken him across Australia and abroad, shaped by a spirit of curiosity, adventure, and taking life as it comes.

To begin our conversation, I invited Mickey to reflect on the early days of the Hayes family and share some of the stories that have helped define their remarkable legacy.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we speak with Gaynor Cleary.

Gaynor first travelled to the Northern Territory in 1959 to visit distant relatives who owned Mt Riddock Station. Although the visit was brief, it left a lasting impression.

A few years later, she returned to work on the station, where she met her future husband, Tom — a part-Aboriginal stockman.

Over the next 50 years, Gaynor and Tom worked on several stations in the district. They raised a family, adapted to changes in communication, infrastructure, and the workforce, and even lived through the murder of one of their employers. They worked hard and stayed committed to their dream of one day managing a station — a goal Tom achieved at the age of 60.

It’s a story of steady dedication and a life deeply rooted in the Territory.

To start our conversation, I asked Gaynor to tell me about that first visit to Mt Riddock Station.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

The pioneering legacy of Charles and Cora Chalmers is well documented in the history books—but the story of the Chalmers family didn’t end there. In this episode, we hear from their grandson, Cameron Chalmers, who continues that legacy in his own remarkable way.

Born and raised on the very land his grandfather once settled, Cameron enjoyed a childhood rich with freedom and adventure. Following in his family's footsteps, he embraced the pastoral life, eventually purchasing a station of his own with his wife on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Driven by a restless spirit, Cameron later ventured interstate to explore what the wider country had to offer. But, like many who feel the pull of home, he eventually found his way back to where it all began.

To begin our conversation, I asked Cameron to share a bit about what he was like as a child.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we talk to Di Martin from Mt Denison Station.

Di first came to the remote Aboriginal community of Yuendumu in 1984 for what she thought would be a six-month teaching job. She never imagined she’d still be in the region more than 40 years later.

When she eventually left Yuendumu, it wasn’t to continue travelling—it was to move just 30 kilometres down the road to Mt Denison Station, where she still lives today.

In that time, Di has seen it all—raising six kids, facing loss, navigating the challenges of succession, and building a strong, lasting relationship with the local Aboriginal community. Her story is one of resilience, connection, and a deep love for the place she calls home.

To start things off, I asked Di how she ended up taking that first job in Yuendumu.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we hear the story of Gil Bowman. 

From as soon as he could walk, Gil was, as he says, always trying to “make a few bob”. 

With his strong work ethic and determination, and the few bob he had made along the way, he purchased Pine Hill Station in 1968, at just 28 years old. 

Turning Pine Hill from a relatively undeveloped block into a functioning, profitable cattle station took years of hard work, resourcefulness, and creativity - all things Gil was never short of. 

His story is a true example of a young fella just having a crack at life, with plenty of adventures along the way.

To start our conversation, I asked Gil, who was 85 at the time of this recording, the share his earliest memories from his childhood during World War 2.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we hear from Tony and Pam Davis who’s journey of land ownership has taken them from Central Australia to Queensland, South Australia, the Top End, and finally back home right to where they started.

With 6 decades of experience raising cattle, managing the landscape, and making a life from it, there’s not much these two haven’t seen.

Tony and Pam have had one heck of an adventure with plenty of ups and downs along the way, all the while fuelled by their deep connection to the land. 

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we chat with Steve and Bec Cadzow from Mt Riddock Station. The Cadzow family ventured into pastoralism more than 60 years ago with the purchase of a cattle station in the Northern Territory—despite having no prior experience living or working in the region.

Today, they’re widely respected for their high-quality Poll Hereford herd and forward-thinking approach to land management. While much has changed since Steve’s parents first arrived in the Territory, some things have stayed the same: they work hard, work smart, and always do what’s best for the land. 

To start our conversation, I asked Steve how his family came to own a cattle station in the heart of the outback.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners

In this episode, we speak with Col Stanton, a highly respected figure across the outback for his intuitive understanding of diverse landscapes and his unrivaled ability to implement interventions that improve water infiltration and repair erosion damage.

Col is in high demand, frequently flown to stations around the country to teach workshops and pass on his knowledge. He carries the wisdom and experience of a lifelong bushman—so you’d be forgiven for thinking he was born and raised on the land.

However, as Col explains, his 40-year career—one that would ultimately see him recognized as an expert in his field—began unexpectedly, following a tumultuous and traumatic start to life.

If anyone embodies the true meaning of resilience, it’s Col. And it was a true privilege to hear his story. 

**Trigger warning for sexual assault**

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*This episode was recorded as part of a Centralian Land Management Association project - which they have kindly shared with our listeners*

In this episode, we hear from Gary Prior. Between Gary and his father Bill, the Prior family managed Hamilton Downs Station for 40 years. And as Gary says, moving to the station at the age of 6 was the best thing that ever happened to him.

While he’s always called Hamilton Downs home, and working on the station was all he ever wanted to do, Gary’s path turned out to be quite different from his father’s. 

In this episode, he reflects on his journey on and off the land—how life pulled him in other directions, and how he took it all in stride. He adapted, worked hard wherever he was, and still managed to build a life he’s proud of— all of which would be key to building the resilience that helped him through his biggest challenge.

Red Centre Reflections is a Centralian Land Management Association project, supported by FRRR through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.