A WEBSITE born out of feelings of isolation is back and ready to bring people together in 2015.
Central Station came about three years ago after its editor Steph Coombes and owner Jane Sale met at an Influential Women event in Broome.
The pair heard a presentation about how producers could more effectively engage with consumers, which sparked the idea within Jane to reach out and tell their story.
It was an idea that resonated with many northern cattle producers after the hype surrounding the live export ban in
2012.
Jane, who is from Yougawalla Pastoral Co in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, said the website had introduced
her to many amazing people and was a reminder that producers were not alone in isolation.
"Although Central Station came out of a very dark time for our industry, it has come to represent to me a wonderful and positive way of dealing with the personal and financial upset it caused our family and business partners, as well as our staff and friends," she said.
"Not only has blogging on Central Station been a great way for me to tell my story without a media agenda, but it has been really cathartic to be able to speak without feeling defensive.
"I think it is really wonderful that some of us who don't write a diary have finally put words down and explained how different life is, and what pioneers and resourceful, caring people work in our industry."
Steph said Central Station had reached close to half-a-million hits so far.
It has been re-designed three times and now has sponsorship and an updated logo. She said it was important to have a variety of hosts participate, as cattle stations varied greatly in size and the way they ran.
"Last year we had over 35 hosts, from cattle stations, to a feedlot in Indonesia, contract-mustering teams - a range of people involved in the beef industry," Steph said.
"Many people are returning from last year and we have a fair number of new ones as well.
"It's super exciting that it's building this momentum."
Hosts provide content about life and operations on their property over the course of a week.
Guest contributors, who might want to write one or several posts, are also welcome.
Jane and the team from Yougawalla Pastoral Co will be the first cab off the rank when posts on the website resume on March 2.
Next up will be Helen Springs Station, owned by S Kidman & Co, on the Barkly Tableland in the Northern Territory.
Sally Towne said the crew at Helen Springs Station were very excited to be a part of Central Station for 2015.
"It will give us a chance to share our story and allow you to see a snapshot of our incredible life, the passion we have for the northern beef industry and the absolute love we have for our animals," she said.
"We truly believe we are living the dream, and we hope we can take you on a little journey into our world - sit back and enjoy!"