With the incessant heat drawing to a close Thargomindah couple, Greg and Toni Sherwin, will soon be opening Kilcowera Station’s gates to adventurers traversing outback Queensland.
By showing country hospitality to travellers, the pair act as rural ambassadors, explaining life on the organic beef property and the synergy that exists between agriculture, native vegetation and wildlife.
“We love our place and love showing people around,” Mrs Sherwin said.
The Sherwins’ work ethic and passion for the bush was recognised by South West NRM when they were awarded the 2016 Mulga Award for Innovation.
South West NRM focuses on achieving sustainable landscapes for rural communities through economic, environmental, cultural and social projects.
“We get across a message that we are looking after the environment,” Mrs Sherwin said.
“Some city people have the perception that we may flog the land. We educate them about food production.”
When the tourist season starts in April, caravans, motor-bikes and planes will inundate Kilcowera Station, keeping the Sherwins busy as hosts, tour guides and educators.
Mrs Sherwin is certain of one thing when tourists visit: they are amazed at how well sheep and cattle do even if drought persists.
“Here we have them on our place and they can check fences, sheds, and cattle,” Mrs Sherwin says.
“It opens many people’s eyes to see how we live and how things are done.”
The pair currently run 400 head of cattle spread across 81,0000 hectares on Kilcowera Station and neighbouring Zenonie.
Kilcowera Station, noted for its mulga rangelands, wetlands and birdlife, averages 1000 guests a year.
“We have been doing this for 17 years and some people come and say they have never stayed on a cattle property before because many just stay in caravan parks.
“The environment and cattle are drawcards,” she said.