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.
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2:08:47
Mickey Hayes - Red Centre Reflections
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.
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1:02:16
Gaynor Cleary - Red Centre Reflections
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.
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1:19:45
Cameron Chalmers - Red Centre Reflections
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.
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1:23:25
Di Martin - Red Centre Reflections
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.
About Central Station - True Stories from Outback Australia
True stories from the Australian Outback, told by the people who live them.
Meet the men and women who live and work on some of Australia’s most remote cattle stations.
There are tales of mustering, stock camps, working dogs, rogue cattle and hard bloody yakka, but also the fun of a bush wedding or kicking back at a rodeo.
There’s the simple wonder of living in an amazing landscape, but also the downside: the ravages of flood, fire and drought.
And always there’s the inherent danger of isolation – times when the Flying Doctor came to the rescue, but also times when lives have been tragically cut short.
These compelling true-life stories show what outback life is really like – and why many wouldn’t live anywhere else.
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