First stop was Hillview Station (60km SE of Meekatharra).

Here’s what Aidan had to say:
On day 1, we all met up in Meekatharra and the convoy of around 10 cars made their way out to Hillview Station – a 149,000 hectare cattle station cattle. The road to Hillview was a dusty road surrounded by a landscape of never-ending red earth – classic Australian outback.

Upon arrival, we met station owners Darren and Kim and begun setting up our respective product displays. The Davey Firefighter, transfer pumps and various home pressure systems, were in position and ready for the much anticipated 3pm arrival of nearby station owners and their families.

Station owners and their families – from near and far attended the roadshow. I got to meet and speak with them about their properties, and what challenges they face in the region.

A really great education piece, and the ability to connect with the end users of our product and understand their needs. These insights will enable us to work with GNRS and serve the region better from a water management perspective.

Ground water is the main water source in the region. The availability of home pressure systems, firefighters and transfer pumps, are critical to enable constant water supply for day to day operation of the station but also for their own personal use to be able to enjoy what most people take for granted, living in the city – like running water. No pump? No water.

By mid-afternoon, it was time for us to become acquainted with the eskies and the BBQ’s. I was on BBQ duty – with snags and lamb chops on the menu. Some great conversations were had around the camp fire that day.. and night. We turned in to our swags and tents, it was to be an early start the next day.

The next morning it was an early rise to pack up/clean up and head back into Meekatharra for a refuel/resupply (and coffee!)

Second stop: Mingah Springs Station (250km N of Meekatharra)

On day 2 we left Meekatharra early after a much-needed coffee (and refuel). We had a 3.5 hour journey to Mingah Springs Station – a 205,000 hectare cattle station. 120km of red, dusty road again!

Once we arrived, we were greeted by the owners Tracy and Pete, and we were able to set up camp on the lush green lawn surrounding the station home.

A great turnout for this one. Neighbours and their families, from “just down the road” – which in outback Australian speak is 100’s of kms away!)

Again, great conversations were had, and they reinforced the learnings from the day before – effective water management in outback Australia is critical to life.

It was 5pm before we knew it, so it was time for “refreshments”. Once everyone had set up their sleeping arrangements sorted on the lawn in swags or tents, the BBQ was cranked up!! We had a choice of 3 fires to stand around and have a good yarn. Not only was this a good opportunity for the station owners and operators to speak with key suppliers, but a much needed neighbourly catch up of which they would not have otherwise had. They might only see each other once every 6 months and sometimes only once a year.

It was pleasing to hear that everyone I spoke to, had a Davey somewhere on their property serving one purpose or another.