GEORGE MAN FONG AND WATTY BATHERN IN FRONT OF JONES’ STORE AT NEWCASTLE WATERS. SIGN READS ‘QANTAS AIRWAYS AGENT’. (GEORGE MAN FONG WAS THE LAST OWNER OF JONES’ STORE BEFORE THE NATIONAL TRUST BOUGHT IT.).

Their stories are ones of grit, endurance and an unbreakable bond with the land – a way of life that, though now consigned to history, remains an essential part of Australia’s cultural identity.

Through reaserch for a new book titled, Mates of the Murranji, I have sought to do justice to the remarkable individuals who forged a living along this track, especially the Boss Drovers who pushed cattle across the unforgiving landscape with little more than their skill, determination and an intimate knowledge of the country. Their resilience was legendary, their ability to endure hardship unmatched. Yet they did not do it alone.

It is impossible to tell the story of the Northern Territory’s cattle industry without acknowledging the vital role played by Aboriginal stockmen and their families. For generations, they were the backbone of the industry, bringing unparalleled knowledge of the land, a deep connection to Country, and exceptional horsemanship. Despite facing prejudice, restrictive legislation and unjust working conditions, they persevered, carving their place in history. Their contribution deserves recognition, and I hope this book helps ensure that their legacy is never forgotten.

GROUP OF FIVE ABORIGINAL STOCKMEN AT NIGHT CAMP ON NEWCASTLE WATERS STATION NORTH OF ELLIOTT.
FRONT, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, JOHNNY GAADJIDAR JIMIJA, JOHNNY SANDY JANGARI, PHARLAP DIXON JALYIRRI, DICK KINGSTON JAMBIJINBA, AND LEFTHAND TOMMY JIMIJA ON HORSEBACK.

Equally, I have sought to honour the women whose efforts so often went unrecorded. Whether they were supporting drovers, running remote homesteads, or raising families in conditions few today could imagine, their strength and adaptability were just as critical to life on the frontier.

They were not merely bystanders in this history –- they were its architects, its steadying force.

Beyond the individual stories, Mates of the Murranji also provides a broader historical context. The legislative measures introduced by well-meaning but often misguided authorities – missionaries, bureaucrats and policymakers –- had profound consequences for those living and working in the Territory. Many of these policies were completely out of touch with reality, failing to consider the harshness of the environment or the needs of the people they sought to govern. Understanding this background is crucial to appreciating how the cattle industry evolved, and ultimately, what led to the end of the droving era.

Life on the Murranji was not just about hardship and toil it was also about community. The social and sporting events that brought people together played a crucial role in maintaining morale and forging lifelong friendships. Race meetings, rodeos and impromptu gatherings in the stock camps created a camaraderie that defined the droving experience. This spirit of mateship, of looking out for one another, remains one of the great legacies of the droving era.

A DROVER 1954 CHASES BACK INTO THE MOB A YOUNG STEER THAT HAS BROKEN AWAY.

A YOUNG FEMALE ABORIGINAL RINGER

Of course, no history of the Murranji would be complete without acknowledging what led to its decline. The rise of road trains, improved infrastructure and changing economic conditions all played a part. Within a few short years, the sound of horsebells and the sight of dust trailing a long mob of cattle became memories rather than realities. The droving way of life, which had endured for over a century, was gone.

However, thanks to the efforts of the Mates of the Murranji organisation, those memories have not faded into obscurity. Their commitment to preserving the history of the track and the people who lived it has ensured that this chapter of Australia’s past is not forgotten. Through their dedication, reunions and sponsorship of projects, such as this book, they have played a vital role in keeping the spirit of the Murranji alive. Without their support, writing this book would not be possible, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

STOCKMEN AT NEWCASTLE WATERS 1930

The men and women of the Murranji were of a rare breed – resilient, resourceful, and unshakeably loyal to each other and the land they worked. They did not seek recognition, nor did they consider themselves extraordinary. But extraordinary they were, and their story is one worth telling.

This book will serve as both a tribute and a reminder of their legacy. Their ilk will not pass this way again.

SUPPORT YOUR MATES
If you would like to contribute to the printing of Mates of the Murranji book or new interpetive panels at Newcastle Waters we would love to hear from you. Levels of sponsorships are available and your contribution will be recognised.
contact@matesofthemurranji.com.au matesofthemurranji.com.au