Callanna Station

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Akubra is an icon of the Australian outback. For generations, it has been part of my bush life and it represents the resilience of life on the land.

In 2014, I moved to the station to be with my now husband. We met while working in the Northern Territory and later moved to his family property. For five years, we did contract mustering along the Birdsville Track until the drought in 2019 forced many to send their cattle away on agistment, leading us to explore alternative work.

With two young children and a part-time role as Director of Corporate Events and Engagement at Tactic, my days revolve around the homestead. It’s just my husband, our two kids, and me out here, so when Tom needs a hand, we pack up snacks and toys and go help. Our kids are used to sleeping in the car during bore runs and have a childhood full of choices—whether working on the station with their dad or making memories at home with me. Mustering happens twice a year, and they love being part of it—having ‘smoko with the fellas’ or helping in the yards. Even at just 2 and 4 years old, they’re up before dawn, sharing breakfast with the workers, and staying up late to yarn in the evenings. Our eldest is already eager to take his Honda XR50 out next muster to tail cattle with his dad and pa.

We moved into the homestead the same week our first baby was born. Suddenly, we were alone on the station with a newborn, managing the property and trying to make it a home. It took time to find our rhythm. For the first 12 months, my husband worked every second day for a neighbour doing earthworks, which meant I was often running the waters while he was away, and he took care of maintenance when he was home. The biggest challenge? No help. No staff, no grandparents—just us. On tough days, when Tom was gone, there was no one to hold the baby so I could take a shower or finish cooking a meal. It was a culture shock, but after a few months, we settled into a routine. Out here, station life doesn’t wait—no matter how exhausted you are.

Life on the land is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give your children. It’s not for everyone—it’s tough, unpredictable, and requires resilience. But bush kids develop a maturity and grounded perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere. They learn to be adaptable, value hard work, and build a deep connection to the land and their community. My advice? Embrace the adventure, be ready to adapt, and build strong connections with your local community. It’s an incredible way of life—if you’re willing to dive in.

Filmmaking has always been a passion of mine. Before I turned it into a career two years ago, I was constantly filming and editing videos—anything that caught my eye. I just wanted to keep improving. The idea of creating films while traveling the world drew me in. So, I took a leap, moved from Darwin to Adelaide, and completed a film course. Looking back, I can see how each project has helped me grow—not just in skill but in the incredible people I’ve met along the way.

The thrill starts in pre-production—whether I’m working solo or collaborating with a team, bouncing ideas, and mapping out the shots. Planning specific angles and crafting the feel of the video is something I love. Then comes the magic of filming. There’s nothing like capturing “the shot”—a fleeting moment you might only get once. Whether it’s a storm rolling in or the perfect sunset, those moments are exhilarating. Finally, everything comes together in the edit. Choosing the right clips, colour grading, sound design—it all brings the vision to life. Seeing the final cut match what I imagined? That’s the most rewarding part.

Storytelling is at the heart of everything I create. I love crafting videos that take viewers on a journey—whether it’s showcasing what it’s like to work with a brand, attend an event, or experience a product firsthand. Over time, I’ve refined my own unique style so that when people see a Reel Gold Films video, they know it’s mine.

One of my favourite memories takes me back to mustering on our family property in Central West NSW. After a long morning, we’d stop for a barbecue lunch by a spring-fed creek—the perfect place to cool off and relax. Our dog, Blade, was always part of the adventure. He’d jump in and out of the waterholes, chasing sticks we tossed. But what made him special? He refused to drink from the stream. Instead, he’d wait for us to fill an Akubra hat with water—his preferred drinking bowl. It was his little ritual, and it always felt like a well-earned reward after a hard day’s work.

I draw inspiration from so many incredible creators, but three stand out:

Noah Parry – His raw, unpolished style and stunning colour grading pull me in every time. Watching his cabin builds, F-150 adventures, and storytelling keeps me inspired.

Elliott Grafton – He tells stories through beautifully cinematic visuals. Traveling the world, working with brands like Sony and Porsche, his work sets the bar high.

Gakuyen – His unique use of transitions and wide lenses instantly sets his videos apart. He also shares his techniques, which have helped shape my own style.

Learning from others is crucial in this industry. Whether it’s studying a shot technique and adding my own spin or improving my storytelling, I’m always evolving. And just as I learn from others, I love sharing my own tips to help fellow creators grow.

CREDITS
Levi Goldspink, Reel Gold Films
Harry Gruttner, Photographer
Lucy Morphett, Callanna Station Manager
Tom Morphett, Callanna Station Manager
Lincoln Goldspink, Jackaroo
Nadine Patterson, Jillaroo