Nockatunga Station, some 150 kms West of Thargomindah, far West Queensland, is a bullock fattening station owned by the Consolidated Pastoral Company. Rob Teague has been the manager there for 7 years, and in 2008 has taken up the challenge of managing “Elleston” near Scone, NSW, close to where he was reared. He is also the Pastoral Inspector for the CPC’s South Queensland stations, as well as 2 properties in NSW.
Rob along with Michelle, and 2 children, Chase and Madison, have come to love Nockatunga, the country, and its’ people. The Teague family will be missed in the area around Thargomindah; where they have been active in all aspects of community life, and have made many friends. Rob describes life at Nockatunga as “remote, but not really remote”, because of the great community spirit and the determination of the people to get together for as many events as possible.
Along with Rusty Ferguson, Rob has initiated the Colt Challenge in Thargo, and the community have got right behind it to a point where it is the highlight of the yearly calendar. Its popularity is due largely to the fact that it’s a family orientated occasion for up and coming riders. The town of Thargo receives a financial boost, and the local council gets right behind the event.
Rob is quick to promote Nockatunga as a unique and prized station and refers to three factors which he describes as “3 bites at the cherry”.
Nockatunga can benefit from general rain, the Cooper Creek flood, and the bonus of water from the Wilson River when it floods. Nockatunga had experienced severe drought for 6 years before 2006/07, when the far South West corner finally received drought breaking rains.
Nockatunga has varying country types, and historically has always been naturally organically run. The Channel Country is renowned for the best grass fattened bullocks in Australia, and the Nockatunga bullocks are proof of what can be done on low rainfall country.
Rob met Shelley in 1992. She was the governess at Hayfield near Elliot NT, and they both went to the ‘Junction Function’ at the Junction Hotel at Newcastle Waters. He was running the camp at Humbert River Station at the time, and along with the other workers left 400 cattle in the yard one afternoon, drove 400km to Newcastle Waters, met his future wife, and drove 400kms back to Humbert to begin processing the cattle next morning. Rob adds, with a grin, “I couldn’t do it now!” Rob is an experienced pilot and regards the plane as a useful work vehicle – like a flying Toyota. He got his pilot licence during a time of recovery from a broken arm, when instead of having 6 weeks off, the general manager of CPC, Ken Warrener told him he’d better go and get his pilots licence.
We have always looked forward to visiting Nockatunga; we’re always made to feel welcome, and Rob is never too busy to come and have a yarn. He maintained a positive attitude through the drought years, and his enthusiasm and energy must have encouraged others during an extremely tough time.
We will miss seeing him and his big smile, and Michelle and their two terrific children and hope that, in the years ahead, our paths will cross.
We are grateful to Rob for his comments about Kent Saddlery.
“Kent Saddlery comes here every year; in doom and gloom in the drought when our employee numbers were right down. We appreciate that you travel the country in all seasons and still be the link with the outside world with general saddlery goods. You’re relevant with the industry because of your travels. Your mail order is very good, I’ve received orders in a week to 10 days. You’re a phone call away from getting gear, which is a big thing.”
Kent Saddles
“I’ve judged campdrafts from Halls Creek right across the top end, down through most of Queensland and I see Kent Saddles everywhere. We’ve got 7 or 8, and they’re versatile work saddles.”