R.M.Williams OUTBACK

Rebecca Henry, a dedicated horsewoman and owner of Sugarbag Station in North Queensland, shares her journey from managing a family cattle station to becoming an accomplished equestrian coach and course designer. She discusses her deep connection with horses, her experiences in show jumping, and her commitment to retraining ex-racehorses for new lives. Rebecca reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, the importance of community, and her future aspirations in the equestrian world. Some key takeaways Rebecca Henry manages Sugarbag Station, a family legacy. She has a deep connection with horses, starting from childhood. Show jumping became her passion after her first competition. Rebecca retrains ex-racehorses to help them adjust to life off the track. She emphasises the importance of trust between horse and rider. Her education in business management empowered her coaching career. Rebecca is actively involved in course design for equestrian events. She has international experience in course design, including in Germany. Rebecca finds joy in helping horses find their forever homes.

Brad and Belinda Seymour have reopened the Arltunga Bush Pub in the NT's East Macdonell Ranges, sharing their journey of revitalising this historical site. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges of running a business in a remote area, and their vision for creating a unique outback experience that combines history, hospitality, and nature. The conversation highlights their commitment to preserving local heritage while providing modern amenities, including glamping accommodations and a flexible dining experience. They also reflect on the beauty of the surrounding landscape and their aspirations for the future. Some highlights: The ArltUnga Bush Pub is a historical site in central Australia. Brad and Belinda have deep connections to the land and its history. They aim to revitalise the pub and preserve its heritage. The couple has experience in aviation and customer service. Renovations were extensive and involved local tradespeople. Glamping accommodations offer a unique outback experience. They provide a flexible dining experience without a set menu. The East Macdonell Ranges are often overshadowed by the West Macs. They attract both local and international travelers. The couple envisions a future filled with events and community engagement.

This conversation delves into the concept of gap years in Australia, exploring the diverse experiences of young people who take a year off between school and further education or work. Journalist Kirsty McKenzie shares insights from her feature in Outback Magazine, highlighting the motivations, benefits, and challenges faced by gappers, including financial considerations, personal growth, and the impact on future studies. The discussion also touches on the emerging trend of 'golden gappers' – older individuals seeking new experiences after retirement. Overall, the podcast emphasises the value of gap years in shaping young people's lives and careers. Key takeaways: Many Australian school leavers are taking gap years. Gap years are not just for school leavers; older individuals are also participating. Attitude is more important than background for gap year success. Rural students find gap years particularly appealing for financial reasons. Research shows gap years have little effect on degree completion. Students return from gap years more motivated and focused. The gap year industry is growing, with many businesses offering programs. Volunteering during a gap year can be costly. Career opportunities in agriculture and hospitality are abundant for gappers. Golden gappers are redefining the concept of taking a break later in life.

This fascinating conversation between author Vicki Hastrich and host Terri Cowley delves into the final years of Hollywood legend Zane Grey and his trips to Australia to go game fishing and make films. Some key takeaways: Grey filmed the first Jaws-type move on Hayman Island called White Death Grey overcame a stroke to come back to Australia to hunt for great white sharks When the popular Grey arrived in Australia the response was akin to Beatlemania Grey's legacy in Australia included putting it on the map as a fishing destination Grey questioned Australia's treatment of its Aborignal peoples

In this engaging conversation, Terri Cowley interviews Allan Hood, CEO of Bulla, who shares his journey from the alcohol industry to leading one of Australia's oldest dairy companies. The discussion covers Bulla's partnership with R.M.Williams, the importance of farmer relationships, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the future of the dairy industry in Australia. Allan emphasises the significance of family values, product innovation, and the need for sustainable practices in the dairy sector. Some key takeaways: Allan Hood transitioned from the alcohol industry to ice cream. Bulla has a long-standing partnership with R.M.Williams. The collaboration has fostered pride and unity among employees. Bulla sources milk from over 270 family farms. The new ice cream factory will enhance production capacity. COVID-19 led to unexpected growth in ice cream sales. The dairy industry faces challenges from rising costs and competition. Bulla is committed to remaining a family-owned business. Sustainability is crucial for the future of dairy. There are opportunities for growth in the Australian dairy market.

Race caller John 'Bluey' Forsyth fell in love with racing aged seven, and it’s been a lifelong dream run since then. Known as the voice of Queensland racing, Bluey has spent more than a quarter of a century presiding over country tracks, and loving every minute of it. Bluey features in Issue 163 of OUTBACK magazine. You can see a photo of Bluey, and read an excerpt of his story here: https://www.outbackmag.com.au/track-record/  

Matthew Flinders' 1914 Terra Australis map was the first to name Australia and the first to picture it as a self-contained island continent. In this talk with Flinders biographer Grantlee Kieza we delve into the man behind the map. Why did he do what he did and who was he? What is his relevance today?

From making tracks in the Coorong, SA, to joining a charity cattle drive across Queensland, appreciating silo art in a small town and immersing herself in a garden with a difference in northern NSW – these are just some of the recent stories Mandy McKeesick has contributed to OUTBACK. Hear about these adventures and more from the intrepid photojournalist who is always on the go.

Charity Little Wings connects children with lifesaving healthcare services – for free, in NSW and Queensland. Last year, they travelled 250,000km by road and 500,000km by air to transport children to their five partner hospitals and essential medical services in major cities. Hear from CEO Clare Pearson about what it's like to lift little lives.

Whether on a cattle station in the Kimberley, WA, or a sheep property in Victoria, Mark Muller delights in telling stories and has done so for more than 20 years at the helm of OUTBACK magazine. In this discussion we catch up on Mark's recent travels and explore the many diverse connections between remarkable people across rural, regional and remote Australia.

Jackie Elliott has created the type of events she wanted for herself, to be able to make connections and find friendships with like-minded rural women. Since a one-off event seven years ago, Rural Woman's Day has evolved into a multi-state events calendar centred on celebrating rural women and building lasting networks that reduce isolation and build capacity.

The 110-stand Toganmain woolshed, one of the largest in Australia, has been lovingly restored by a community of dedicated volunteers in the NSW Riverina. But how did they do it? Councillor Christine Chirgwin, one of the powerhouses behind the project, shares the highs and lows of this impressive endeavour, which is ensuring that much more than an historic building is preserved.

With thriving horticulture and pastoralism industries, and 2.4 million tourist visitor nights a year, the Gascoyne region is an often-forgotten powerhouse. Hear from one of its champions, Gascoyne Development Commission CEO Tim Bray.

From her studio in regional Victoria, Becky-Jane Fortin is one of just a few milliners lovingly restoring Akubras. It was working with fur felt during her training in Germany and at a millinery master’s workshop in France, that the seed for working with Akubra was planted. In any given week there could be up to 10 hats at various stages of repair within her studio in the northern Victorian town of Shepparton. 

Tiny Holly is one of WA's most sought after auctioneers, whether of livestock or at a corporate gig. He has helped raise more than $45 million for charity, which is so impressive by any measure. That Tiny has done this through a life with dyslexia, depression, anxiety, and type 2 diabetes resulting in the loss of both legs, is pretty incredible. These challenges led to a new purpose – speaking up about mental health in order to help others.

The FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Australia) has raised and distributed more than $180 million across the bush in Australia over the past 25 years. It is currently helping parts of Queensland and NSW recover from massive floods. FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton takes us behind the organisation, which was set up with the mission of helping to ensure the viability of Australia communities, beyond our cities.

Beautifully windswept King Island – a flat, green oval emerging from Bass Strait about halfway between Victoria and Tasmania – is best known for 3 things: cheese, golf and beef. The owners of a new business that makes much of the place’s wide-open spaces, bracing Roaring Forties, abundant wildlife and oceanic proximity, wants to add one more: walks! We talk to Adam Hely, one of the owners of King Island Walks, about his love for his island home.

In 2022, Longreach vets was set to close, which would have meant locals had to travel over three hours to keep their animals healthy. Enter fifth-generation cattle farmer James Walker and his family, who bought the practice, taking their business diversification to a whole new level.

Hear from the author of the recent book Mrs and Mrs Gould about the grand story of the famous 'Birdman' John Gould and his talented wife Elizabeth, who revealed the astonishing world of Australian birds and wildlife in one of the most important naturalist expeditions in history.

John Wright has led a fast-paced adult life of farming, shearing, tank-building, studying, truck-driving and a host of other jobs – before giving them all up to be a bush nurse. He is now a passionate advocate for remote health, teaching the next generation of outback healthcare professionals.

The peaks and troughs of a life in leadership have prepared Mike Guerin well for his role as CEO of Queensland's AgForce where he spearheaded the case to save the Great Artesian Basin from mining interests.

Michael Williams worked at R.M.Williams for more than 40 years, progressing from apprentice boot maker as a teenager, through to head of production and master craftsman. Now semi-retired, he takes visitors to the R.M.Williams workshop in Adelaide on a maker's tour they will never forget.

Associate Editor Ken Eastwood meets our live-exported cattle in Indonesia and concludes that positive change continues following the shock live export ban of 2011.

Every year, on April 25 Australians gather to make a promise. That at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. But memory is a slippery thing, and some stories slide through the cracks, lost to time and history. Among them is Harry Freame – a name that barely registers when we speak of the legend of the Anzacs, even though, in his day, he was celebrated in the Australian press as the “Marvel of Gallipoli.” Hear from Ryan Butta, the author of a new book about the truly amazing Harry Freame. His feats at Gallipoli are only one part of this man's truly incredible story.

Fire is our best friend and our biggest foe. Associate Editor Ken Eastwood interviews Tim and Sally Haslam about the devastating paddock fire that nearly claimed Tim's life in Popanyinning, WA.

Chris Collins ia craft team leader in the amazingly productive R.M.Williams workshop in Adelaide. in this first episode of a number we'll be doing to look behind the scenes of the iconic boot and apparel maker, Chris talks about his love for the iconic premium brand and the careful leatherwork that goes into producing some of Australia's most beautiful belts.

The new owners of Darwin’s Cape Adieu Harbour Cruises – Munro Hardy and Grace McLeod – have adapted their impressive agricultural backgrounds to the business of unforgettable sunsets and delectable cuisine.

Ron Moon is one of the bigest names in the Australian 4-wheel-drive community, having led hundreds of expeditions and written a list of guidebooks. Recently he followed the course of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt’s first big expedition, from the Darling Downs to Port Essington on the NT coast. Ron recounts this journey and many others from over the years.

In what’s believed to be a world first, small-scale Australian investors are putting money into farm production, placing needed cash in the pockets of farmers.

Humble, hardworking alternative country singer-songwriter Fanny Lumsden has reignited the genre with her honest storytelling and strong melodies.

The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest groundwater reservoirs in the world, sustaining life wherever its ancient waters come to the surface. Mandy McKeesick takes a deep dive into this fascinating resource in the wake of threats to its future.

Birdsville Track veteran John Dunn unearths the story of the little-known first mailman on this challenging desert route.

Step brothers David Freedman and Richard Steele hadn’t seen each other for more than 50 years due to a family estrangement. However, when artist David needed a fellow bird enthusiast to write the text to go with his beautiful illustrations for Australia’s Birds in Watercolour, Richard was just the man.

Brendan Eblen is known across the South Australian outback as a house painter, a cook, a storyteller and an RFDS fundraiser.

Australian agtech is ushering in a new era for the way we farm. There are now over 500 agritech companies now in Australia, with the industry entering a critical period when the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) is being realised.

Ecologist Katherine Moseby has spent her career working to solve one of Australia’s most complex environmental challenges – feral animals.

OUTBACK’s art director Peter Pap recently captured the Akubra workshop in action to mark its 50th year in Kempsey, NSW. He says that on entering the corrugated-iron building, the nearly 150-year history of this Aussie icon was apparent.

Gone are the days of libraries being stuffy, silent book repositories. Today’s libraries, especially in rural and regional Australia, are vibrant community hubs.

Conventional farming is not in Nan Bray’s lexicon. Instead, the Tasmanian scientist-turned sheep farmer uses a range of sustainable and ethical practices that led to her wool being snapped up by a high-end New York fashion label.

Eileen Breen is at the forefront of efforts to create more sustainable Northern Territory businesses.

Mark Coombe’s experience around cattle and horses infuses a relatable authenticity to his paintings.

From the architecture of the Limestone Coast of South Australia to the life of a great adventurer and a surprising trip to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, editor in chief Mark Muller shares his recent preoccupations with an eloquent behind-the-scenes conversation.

If you’re looking for that extra ‘wow’ factor for your next holiday, look no further. Author of Ultimate Adventures Australia, Andrew Bain, shares the many amazing adventures he covered, from wildlife encounters, hikes and kayaking, to heli-mountain biking and a sleepover you can do while suspended off the side of a mountain.

On the front hoof: Merchandise and a social media presence are keeping the slightly madcap Deshon Goat Depot afloat in a challenging market.

From the salt of the coast to sands of the desert, via the breezy tropics and the tempestuous grasslands, the architecture of our nation is as much a function of the landscape, as an attempt to live in it.

For the past 30 years, Launceston-based Lenah Game Meats – represented by John and Katrina Kelly – has been at the forefront of the wallaby industry, pioneering the meat for human consumption in Tasmania.

Iconic Wave Hill station in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory is now under the care of only its fourth owner in 140 years. At the heart of Wave Hill’s 1.25 million hectares are the people living and working there under the MacLachlan Pastoral Group banner.

Although it’s faced some negative publicity in recent years, the Red Centre is as vibrant as ever. From the area’s cattle industry to the world’s biggest permanent drone show, this is OUTBACK’s love letter to the heart of the country.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson has spent her career building connections and helping create safe places, particularly for women victims of domestic violence, in the remote Northern Territory.

After years of touring the country with their funny, acrobatic show, the Crackup Sisters have found a home for their energetic act in Winton, Qld.