Dougall Hughes with dad Fred, at Kars Station. This is mum, Pip's entry:
"A wise person once shared with me the simple truth that if you boil it all down, the best thing you can offer your child is time. Raising children in the country gives us that. It means freedom, and space and adventure... what more could we ask for? And as for my self critical ‘friend’ that sits on my shoulder and whispers negative thoughts that aim to erode my confidence as a mother ( I think most of us have one!). It is immediately quietened when I look at my son with his father playing, learning, laughing and I know that I have given him the best gift of all."
Millie and Poppy Bell - this from mum Rebel:
"My twin girls Millie & Poppy are 22-months-old, and already I know they love living in the bush. Our home is on the Darling River and is nestled amongst some grand old River Gum trees that provide some lovely shade over their swings in our backyard. The girls love our many huge ‘sandpits’ aka sheepyards and creeks that provide plenty of hours of fun. They also enjoy going for walks with mum and collecting leaves, sticks and wool for our arts and crafts. The girls favorite time of the year I think would be shearing when they get to have a cuddle with the lambs, and climb through all the shorn wool. I think growing up in the bush is magical and is going to provide my girls with many life skills. At such a young age they know where their vegetables and meat come from and as they grow they will learn that water is such a valuable resource as we are reliant on rain water not only for our stock but also the running of our home. Living in isolation also means that family also have an amazing bond and closeness. We are so lucky to have twins, they are so lucky, to have playmate from sun-up to sun-down is super special. Living out bush I hope we can raise happy, self-reliant, independent girls who would want to continue to run the family property when they have families of their own."
Meet Reagan Fleetwood who has just turned one. Her mum says she is very keen on all animals and especially loves the family horses. "She thinks being in the feed bin handing Punk the horse his hay is a load of fun, lucky for us she doesn't get the sneezes from the hay or chaff as she is always amongst it!"
Grace Wakefield, Turlee Station...baby sister Willow in the background. This is mum, Sophie's entry:
"Living in the bush you will find no stronger sense of community. Our neighbours are more than just our peers but our dear life-long friends also. Our children are raised with freedom to explore and enjoy their natural environment whilst growing up with old fashioned values and morals. They learn invaluable life skills and independence whilst gaining an education in and around their home and family. Life in general seems to move at a slower pace in the bush giving us the chance to enjoy the fresh air, peaceful surrounds and more importantly the non-material things in life. I hope that one day our children can too experience this wonderful upbringing for their families at home in the bush!"
Maggie Palmer, Overnewton Station. This from mum Shirralee:
"I have only lived 'in the bush' for just on three years, moving out here with my husband to his family's property. And to be honest I would rather be no where else. Its such a magical lifestyle, it is a lot of hard work, dust, sweat and tears but so worth it, who wouldn't want their children growing up surrounded by space, to be free, to run, ride a bike. To live like we are meant to live with out massive buildings, smog and over crowded places. To breath fresh air, to learn to grow you own food, and most of all work hard for what you want. Its a great place to raise our children for many reasons, it teaches them a lot of life's lessons, and I hope they look back one day and appreciate what they have been lucky enough to experience."
Lachlan, Reece & Zac Scott, the next generation of shearers? This was taken at Stathavon Station at Mossgiel, near Ivanhoe.
George Smith at Scarsdale Station, helping pick olives. This was mum, Jane's entry:
"For me personally one of the most valuable lessons children can learn from an upbringing in the bush is a strong connection & understanding of where their food comes from. On a regular basis our children are involved with slaughtering sheep, cattle & chooks. This is followed by preparing the meat to eat, making sausages & even cooking up the bones for stock. For them this is completely normal & at a young age they have a great understanding of what they are eating."
Lilli Anderson, and friend, keep a close eye on the sheep, at Cymbric Vale Station.
Sam and Archie Jackson, cropping up! From Rowena Station.
Jack Siemer goes for a surf with dad Sam, on the Coally causeway, 70 kilometres south of Tibooburra.This from mum Tennille:
"This was the start of the drought breaking, I am positive that Jack could feel the relief that Sam and I were feeling. This photo always puts a smile on my face, finally we could all play like kids, be a family and not worry about feeding cattle and pumping water to thirsty, starving stock!"
Annabella Higgins, Langwell Station.
"Hi my Name is Annabella and I turn two in October! Mummy and daddy think I am very cute so we thought we would send this picture of me on my uncle's Landcruiser at our house! Mummy and daddy and me love living on our station because it is quiet and mummy says it's like another life out here everything is slowed down and you can see the bigger picture in life."
