Carlton Hill takes out CPC Stations Challenge + PICS

Meg McNamee, Tom Hawkins, Ed Johnstone, Flynn Brook and Mick Salt.

Consolidated Pastoral Company’s (CPCs) recent Stations Challenge brought together teams from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland to compete in a spirited program of events blending team work, horsemanship, cattle skills, innovation, education and camaraderie.

This year’s challenge drew a record 140 participants, set against the red dirt backdrop of Daly Waters.

The Challenge has become a highlight on the CPC annual calendar, with events designed to showcase the breadth of station life, from practical cattle handling, cattle judging and machinery know-how, through to camp drafting, bull riding, cooking, stockmanship, team presentations and training sessions. This year’s competition once again demonstrated the depth of talent across the company, while honouring the legacy of those who have left their mark on team members and the industry.

“The Stations Challenge is a unique celebration of who we are as a company. To see more than 140 of our people come together at Daly Waters, showcasing horsemanship, cattle handling, innovation, and even a bit of fun like beef jerky competitions, bull riding reminds us that our strength lies not only in skill, but in our teamwork,” CPC’s CEO, Troy Setter said.

Innovation took centre stage, with Kelly Shotton (Bunda Station) earning the Innovations Challenge win for her app, BoreWatch, aimed at improving efficiency in bore monitoring, a tangible example of technology meeting station life. It wasn’t just about tech and stock, though. In a nod to lighter competition, the station community flexed its culinary skills in beef jerky contests and creative photography, with Lucy Gurner (Carlton Hill) taking out Best Jerky.

Still, the traditional contests held firm. Newcastle Waters impressed with a themed Horse Troop Drill to Music; Bunda earned victory in the Dave Shearer Memorial Maintenance Relay; Walter Tinkler (Carlton Hill) claimed the Gymkhana Final Showdown in a thrilling horse-versus-motorbike race; and Bunda’s trio of Luca, Lilly and Georgia secured the Stockman’s Challenge on foot with cattle. The Cattle Judging Open was won by Bex Wall (Bunda), who also shared the Overall Highest Points Score with Lucy Gurner (Carlton Hill). Other highlights included Campdraft – Open (Suzie Shearer, Brisbane) and Highest Cut-Out (Open) (Terrena Salt, Isis Downs).

A celebration of culture and connection

Beyond trophies and titles, the CPC Station Challenge showcased an evolving station culture, one that balances tradition, creativity, tech innovation and community spirit. From jerky flavours to app development, from camp cleanliness to cattle finesse, the next generation of pastoralists are blending heritage with fresh thinking.

“It was fantastic to see Carlton Hill take out the overall station points, they have been close to being the overall winner for several years now, but what impressed me most was the teamwork and spirit shown across every station. Whether it was cattle judging, tidy camp awards, cattle judging, or the innovations challenge, each person played a role in making this event a success,” Troy added.

Carlton Hill’s overall victory reflects the strength of teamwork, but every participating station contributed to a memorable week that highlighted the skills, resilience, and creativity of CPC’s people across Australia.

Event highlights and winners

Station Presentation: Newcastle Waters impressed with a themed horse troop drill activity to music, combining horsemanship and creative flair.
Dave Shearer Memorial Maintenance Relay: Bunda took out this event, a special fixture held in memory of Dave Shearer.
Innovations Challenge: Won by Kelly Shotton of Bunda for forward-thinking ideas on station efficiency.
Station Showcase Video: Wrotham Park captured the judges’ attention with a strong video entry.
Gymkhana – Final Showdown: Carlton Hill’s Walter Tinkler thrilled the crowd in a motorbike-versus-horse race, with the horse taking line honours.
Stockman’s Challenge: Bunda’s team of Luca, Lilly and Georgia worked cattle on foot to secure the win.
Cattle Judging (Open): Bex Wall (Bunda) claimed top honours.
Cattle Judging (Overall Highest Point Score): Shared between Bex Wall (Bunda) and Lucy Gurner (Carlton Hill).
Campdraft – Open: Suzie Shearer (Brisbane) rode strongly to secure the win.
Highest Cut Out – Open Class Only: Terrena Salt (Isis Downs) earned the title.

Smoko & Kitchen Challenges

Our cooks and creators kept the judges smiling (and well-fed!):

Day 1 Smoko – Sweet: Anna Cochrane (NCW)
Day 2 Smoko – Sweet: Dani Peterson (Dungowan)
Day 1 Smoko – Savoury: Jodie Mitchell (Carlton Hill)
Day 2 Smoko – Savoury: Jodie Mitchell (Carlton Hill)
Savoury Preserves & Condiments: Anna Cochrane (NCW)
Sweet Sauce/Preserved Product: Kate Murphy (Dungowan)

Special Event Awards

Alongside the major competitions, a series of special awards recognised standout contributions across the week:

Overall Station Points: Carlton Hill, securing a fishing trip.
Animal Welfare Award: Maitie Webb (Carlton Hill).
CEO’s Special Prizes: Sarah Woolfe (Newcastle Waters), Aaron Taylor (Newcastle Waters), and Walter Tinkler (Carlton Hill) as Most Improved.
Encouragement Awards: Juert Eerkens (Bunda) – Male; Kate Bradford (Carlton Hill) – Female.
Best on Ground: Amanda Neilen (Brisbane).
Tidy Camp Award: Isis Downs.
Highest Individual Point Scorer: Dani Peterson (Dungowan), receiving a saddle funded by CPC social clubs.
Ronny Wall Prize: Awarded to Tom Cobb, presented by DJ and Bex Wall in memory of Ronny Wall.

These acknowledgements reflected not only technical skill, but also the values of animal welfare, improvement, teamwork and community that underpin station life across CPC.

Source: Ali Mitchell, CPC

More pics from the CPC Stations Challenge below