Consolidated Pastoral Company’s Exciting Stations Challenge 2025

Consolidated Pastoral Company’s (CPC) recent Stations Challenge showcased the vibrant spirit of teamwork and agricultural expertise among teams from Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. With this year’s event taking place against the stunning red dirt backdrop of Daly Waters, a record 140 participants competed in a series of events designed to celebrate station life.

A Festival of Skills and Camaraderie

The Stations Challenge has quickly become a highlight on the CPC annual calendar, offering events that range from practical cattle handling and cattle judging to camp drafting and culinary competitions. This year’s challenge was a true testament to the depth of talent within the company, reminiscing on the legacy of past contributors to the industry.

“The Stations Challenge is a unique celebration of who we are as a company,” said CPC CEO Troy Setter. “To see more than 140 of our people come together, showcasing horsemanship, cattle handling, and innovation, truly reminds us of the strength derived from teamwork.”

Innovation Takes Center Stage

This year, innovation shone brightly with Kelly Shotton from Bunda Station earning the Innovations Challenge title for her app, BoreWatch, aimed at improving efficiency in bore monitoring. Alongside tech innovations, culinary skills were also on display, with Lucy Gurner from Carlton Hill winning the Best Jerky contest.

Traditional Contests and Station Spirit

In addition to innovation, traditional competitions thrived. Notably, Newcastle Waters impressed judges with a themed Horse Troop Drill to Music, while Bunda clinched victories in several events including the Dave Shearer Memorial Maintenance Relay and the Stockman’s Challenge. Bex Wall from Bunda also won the Cattle Judging Open, sharing the Overall Highest Points Score with Lucy Gurner from Carlton Hill.

A Celebration of Culture and Connection

The CPC Stations Challenge embraced an evolving station culture that values tradition, creativity, tech innovation, and community spirit. “It was fantastic to see Carlton Hill take out the overall station points, but the highlight for me was the teamwork displayed across each station,” said Troy Setter.

Event Highlights and Winners

• Station Presentation: Newcastle Waters’ themed horse troop drill activity to music.
• Dave Shearer Memorial Maintenance Relay: Bunda prevailed in a poignant tribute.
• Innovations Challenge: Kelly Shotton (Bunda) showcased forward-thinking ideas for efficiency.
• Stockman’s Challenge: Bunda’s trio of Luca, Lilly, and Georgia excelled in a foot-based cattle handling challenge.
• Cattle Judging: Bex Wall (Bunda) won the open category.
• Campdraft – Open: Suzie Shearer from Brisbane rode to victory.

Special Event Awards

Beyond the major competitions, special awards celebrated outstanding contributions:

• Overall Station Points: Carlton Hill, who won a fishing trip.
• Animal Welfare Award: Maitie Webb (Carlton Hill).
• CEO’s Special Prizes: Acknowledging Sarah Woolfe, Aaron Taylor, and Walter Tinkler as the Most Improved.
• Best on Ground: Amanda Neilen (Brisbane).

These recognitions not only highlight technical excellence but also the core values of animal welfare, teamwork, and community spirit that define station life at CPC.

More Highlights from the CPC Stations Challenge

Michaela Biggin. Picture credit: Suzie Shearer

Source: Ali Mitchell, CPC