Caretakers for Lilyveil property central Qld

We worked as caretakers on this 27,000 acre sheep and cattle property, initially for a 6 month period but stayed for two years and just loved it. It is located about 70k from Blackall between there and Longreach and fairly close to the Idalia National Park.

It is the second property of Ian (AKA 'Cracker' ) and Deb Macdonald whose home property is closer to Blackall. They are absolutely delightful people and are always upbeat in their outlook. They run about 6000 sheep and some 700 head of cattle on Lilyveil.

At the moment the cattle are all away on adjustment and the sheep are being fed a mix of cotton seed and maize every second day. As you would expect there is a serious drought in the region. Not much grass on the property and the dams are either dry or very low - but they have some bores that reticulate the water around the property.

The caretakers are well looked after. Ian and Deb supply beef and mutton and the cottage is old but well maintained. It has satellite TV and ditto internet and all the usual amenities. There will be a Nissan ute and we also had the use of a new quad bike. We were paid a nominal wage when we started. There is plenty of room to grow your own veggies etc.

They would like caretakers to stay at least for six months - and the previous two have stayed for over a year as they also enjoyed it immensely. The current caretakers depart at the end of October and it would be good to have a week or more if you need it handover. Say around the 20th to 24th would be good.

The work is not arduous by any means, check the waters, keep an eye on the stock and run the bore pumps when required, water the gardens and mow the grass. We were welcomed, but not required, to join in and lend a hand on any of the of the other jobs like mustering and moving stock, shearing, lamb marking and cattle work. We would phone Ian every evening with any news on what was happening and caught up on average every couple of weeks, when they would come out for a day.

If you would like more information you can contact us at: themacks1@bigpond.com or 0429 679 671 anytime or Ian or Deb on 0427 574 178 - evenings are best to contact them.

John and Jean