Hello,
John and Jean Mack here.
We are currently caretaking a 26,000 acre sheep and cattle property some 70k west of
Blackall and close to the
Idalia National Park. We have been caretaking this property since Feb 2010 - and love the place. This is the second property of Ian and Deb Macdonald whose
home property is some 115k away and we have offered to assist them find good caretakers to take over from us in Feb next year when we intend to re-commence travelling again. They are a lovely couple, very professional in their management of both properties and great people to work for.
The role is pretty straight forward and includes doing water runs to ensure the stock have water. There are only two small Honda 5 hp petrol engine pumps, one
bore with a diesel generator engine and ten dams. The next most important role is keeping an eye on the stock and advising the owners of any issues or sickness. Watering and looking after
the gardens and doing routine maintenance jobs. This will include servicing the Honda engines and diesel generator for the
bore pump, repairing poly pipes using standard poly joiners, occasional slashing or spraying for weed control and other general handyman jobs.
The ability to confidently ride a motorbike or quad bike is an advantage as we help out with the cattle and sheep mustering several times a year. This usually involves mustering the stock from the paddocks and walking them up to the yards and assisting with the stock in the yards. We also do the occasional fence run and repair any broken wires etc. The owners do all the stock work but you are encouraged to help out where you feel confident.
The role is part-time and not onerous and there will be plenty of time for you to pursue your hobbies – it’s a great place for writers, painters, photographers or whatever your hobby. The dams have fish – mainly spangled perch and are one is reputed to have Yellow Belly Cod. I have stocked one dame with yabbies and another has native shrimps.
This is a great opportunity to take a break from travelling and immerse yourself in a lovely rural community.
Blackall is a pleasant and very active country town and has all the usual facilities; it also boasts one of the best aquatic centres I have seen - all heated artesian water including a great spa. Culturally there is a lot going on - a very strong quilting group and the artistic community is
well catered for with visiting artists and workshops and a very
well equipped Men’s Shed. Add to this the many small regional country shows – we have enjoyed some great weekends at these.
Longreach is about 2.2 hrs by tar road to north and the road is 90% tarred.
The Caretakers have their own two bed roomed cottage - old but sound condition with pressed tin ceilings. The kitchen has all the usual mod-cons electric stove, large modern fridge and microwave and slow cooker etc. There is digital
satellite TV and an
internet connection. The garden has a small lawn and plenty of space for a veggies garden plus shady trees and a bush BBQ.
The Ian and Deb supply meat from their property and also provide a modest wage which has allowed us to save a significant amount since we have been here. They are looking for an active couple rather than a single person and hope to attract someone for a minimum of one year so they would get to see and experience the whole cycle of operations. Should you feel you would enjoy this lifestyle for a year and have some relevant experience then contact us with a resume detailing your experience and we will pass it onto the Ian.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have I can also supply some photo's
Regards
John and Jean
themacks1@bigpond.com