All for one and one for all!

The Sustainable Land Management on Central Australian Rangelands Field Days were held from 12 to 13 October 2021.

Event organiser Mike Clarke described them as filled with good quality presenters covering a wide range of relevant topics.

Nicknamed ‘the three musketeers’, presenters Tim Wiley, Lance Mudgeway and Col Stanton were united during the first day where the main focus was landscape rehydration through erosion control. They connected through a deep understanding of how the landscape works and, even though they had different techniques, they were able to work together to provide valuable information for people to take home.

“During these COVID times it was a great opportunity for people to be learning these skills face-to-face,” Col Stanton said.

He hopes that, once restrictions ease, presenters who couldn’t make the day will have the opportunity to come together in the future.

Pastoralist Sarah Cook was thrilled to host such a notable agenda.

“There was a big crowd that took full advantage of this local opportunity where presenters went to great lengths to travel, prepare and share their knowledge in a relatable way for Central Australian pastoralists.”

The department’s Regional Director Agriculture - Southern, Angus Duguid, was impressed by the quality of the presentations, describing the highlight of the event as the opportunity to be out in the field with producers from several stations and experts from interstate.

Landcare NT Excecutive Officer, Madonna Wuttke, and pastoralist Craig Cooboth enjoyed the small-scale ‘hosepipe’ demonstration of Landscape Rehydration led by Tim Wiley and Lance Mudeway. It involved letting a hosepipe run down a very gentle dirt slope next to the presentation shed. Participants were fascinated to see how the water found pathways, how grass and leaves built up and diverted water, and how the presenters simulated erosion gullies and erosion control banks.

After a busy Tuesday, attendees made their way down to a gorgeous spot at Aileron Station near the dam, where they enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to taste a variety of cheeses made by the very talented Rebecca Cadzow from Mt Riddock.

Pastoralist Liz Bird appreciated the ‘Dinner Under the Stars’.

“It brought participants together to network, relax and enjoy the natural environment at the Aileron Dam.”

Liz was one of the key organisers of the field days and also chose the music for the dinner, culminating in an outbreak of dancing with the stars (actual stars in the sky). The fantastic dinner would not have been possible without the efforts of Aileron Pastoral Holdings Team, who hosted the evening – many thanks from all who attended.

Pastoral Production Officer Alison Kain summed up the feelings of department staff after the event.

“We found it exciting to see the next generation there and actively participating throughout the event. It was refreshing to come to an event where everyone was welcomed, respected and willing to share knowledge.”

On behalf of the team, we would like to congratulate Landcare NT, the Centralian Land Management Association, Aileron Bush Club, Aileron Pastoral Holdings, Rebecca Cadzow, all the presenters who could attend physically and virtually, the attendees and, of course, Mike Clarke who was the catalyst for this whole event.