Nilmini De Silva, A Shearer’s Life Out West (PEOPLE 2025)

Life out west is so different to life in Sydney, so it was a privilege to be a fly on the wall at Callubri Station while the shearing was in full swing. I am grateful for this glimpse into a completely different way of life and thankful to the shearers who shared stories with me. While the shearing is in full swing, there is little time to exchange pleasantries. But when worked stopped for ‘smoko’ I was able to start building relationships. As the shearing came to an end, the guys were more relaxed and I was able to capture a little of the camaraderie and fun that exists in this busy workplace.

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