Shopping List...

Hi everyone! this is the first edition of a shopping list when you are starting your journey, whether it be for a gap year or not.

For those who are contracting...

*** I would highly recommend people who come from a somewhat rural background to apply for a contracting job - as much fun as it is, it can also be a lot more demanding in knowledge.

*** If you don't know exactly what it is, go to another page of what roles it may include.

• Bring your small luxuries! You are going to be living out in the middle of nowhere and unless you are terrible at looking after goods, bring all the good things. This includes things like:

  • an extra pair of thongs for comfort

  • spare caps

  • bedside mat

  • moisturizers/ conditioners

• Make sure you pack at least 2-3 pairs of clothes you can sleep in. A good routine = shower; comfy clothes (that are able to get a bit dirty); then before bed, get changed into sleeping clothes.

• Bring at least 3 pairs of everything... basically, what ever you think you might get need, bring even more. Because you might not want to keep asking the store runner to get you some stuff

• Headlamp

• Good quality camp chair. I like the round egg ones, and some that are canvas. You might like ones that you can pack light to smoko or one that you can practically sleep in for the camp.

  • I find the ones with the most cushioning are the more deteriorating ones as they are more frail to the sun and weather.

For those applying as station hands...

Same goes for station hands.

First years' (people beginning on the job)

• The first thing you need is a spongy brain. The faster you can learn, the better. It isn't always a fast paced environment working at the station but when it is, it can get pretty hectic.

• Definitely bring a diary. Keeping log of what you do when you do it is so helpful. Plus you get to keep the memories in the end.

  • this is also a key part of timing, helping you grow your knowledge what time of the year the industry operates certain functions/ processes.

• A saddle bag. Just incase, you might need one to travel and not get your luggage dirty. This may come in very helpful. (Get them at Kent Saddlery, Angus Barrett, Ariat or local saddlers - common in QLD and at Rodeos/shows/ campdrafts)

• Keep all your stuff the same colour so it is identifiable.

  • for example, most of my things are hot pink, Savannahs are all bright purple, Colton owns the rainbow but he is mostly lime green.

• Keep all your work gear BRIGHT. Last thing you want is for your water bottle, hat, bullstrap, radio pouch to fly off the back of the ute and into the grass... Never to be seen again.

• Portable charger, if you can, get a speaker that is also a charger.

• A speaker (preferably JBL or even Milwaukee)

• Put your name on EVERYTHING. Leave no stone unturned.