Cattle and Sheep Mustering

Mustering is the process by which livestock is herded together and moved, normally to a set of yards for sorting and processing. A large number of people are required during cattle mustering on the vast pastoral properties predominantly located in the north of Western Australia. The mustering season in northern Western Australia depends entirely on the timing and length of the dry season, which generally lasts from March to November.

Sheep are mustered for shearing, crutching and lamb marking. These properties can also be very large, up to 3 million acres, and are mostly distributed throughout the Gascoyne, Midwest and Goldfields. Seasonal work is also available with contractors who carry out the shearing, crutching and lamb marking (see the Shearing & Shedhand Fact Sheet).

Mustering can be conducted in a number of ways such as aerial or trapping using motorbikes, mustering buggies or horseback, or a combination of all. People employed to carry out mustering will also be expected to conduct animal husbandry duties such as drafting, drenching and earmarking, as well as general farm/station maintenance such as fencing and water runs.

Work requirements

Mustering will involve long days working outdoors in often hot and dusty conditions. On larger properties workers 'camp out' away from the main station buildings for weeks at a time while mustering larger paddocks.

Previous experience in working with sheep or cattle and motorbike or horse riding would be an advantage. Mustering can involve strenuous work and heavy lifting requiring good physical fitness. Unskilled and female workers are taken on, but must be able to handle the tough conditions. Although the work is strenuous, it offers good opportunities for financial reward.

A driver's licence may be required for some properties. Along with work boots, a hat and suitable clothing, you may require your own swag. It is important to check what you will need before you arrive - you may be a long way from a store. Meals and accommodation will be provided.

It is important to ensure you are eligible to work in Australia, and have obtained an Australian Tax File Number. Contact the Department of Immigration & Citizenship www.immi.gov.au, the Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au or the Australian WorkPlace site www.workplace.gov.au for further information on working in Australia.

Training

Training for seasonal positions is typically conducted onsite.

Where to find seasonal work

PGA Personnel (08) 9479 4544 www.pgapersonnel.org.au
Rural Enterprises (08) 9325 8411 www.ruralenterprises.com.au
Job Network (To find an Australian Government Employment Service provider in your area) 13 62 68 www.jobnetwork.gov.au
The West Australian newspaper (look under R for Rural Employment) www.thewest.com.au
The Countryman, Farm Weekly or local newspapers

Visit the local Telecentre, Shire Council or Tourist Bureau for contacts in the local industry www.telecentres.gov.au

The National Harvest Labour Information Service 1800 062 332 www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail
Workabout Australia (02) 6884 7777 www.workaboutaustralia.com.au
Careerjet www.careerjet.com.au
The Job Shop (08) 9228 1457 www.thejobshop.com.au

Calendar of work

Region

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Goldfields/Esperance

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

Gascoyne/Midwest

CS

CS

CS

CS

CS

CS

C

Pilbara

C

C

CS

CS

CS

CS

CS

S

Kimberley

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C = Cattle Mustering
S = Sheep Mustering