Willalooka Pastoral / Thyne and Kate McGregor
Please note that this information may not be general in nature and not necessarily completely relevant to the role that you may be offered or asked to do. It is intended as a guide and a starting point for your discussions. Roles may change as employers get to know you and understand your abilities and interests better.
WORKER REQUEST posted on 13/09/2023
Willalooka Pastoral / Thyne and Kate McGregor
JOB / ROLE
Farm Hand
Start date: 18/09/2023
CONTACT
Thyne McGregor
thyne@willalooka.com.au
0407 971 894
www.willalooka.com.au
Address
PMB 154 Naracoorte SA
Willalooka Pastoral / Thyne and Kate McGregor
JOB / ROLE
Farm Hand
Start date: 18/09/2023
CONTACT
Thyne McGregor
thyne@willalooka.com.au
0407 971 894
www.willalooka.com.au
Address
PMB 154 Naracoorte SA
GENERAL INFO
COMPANY HISTORY
Willalooka Pastoral Company is situated on the Bordertown Kingston Road in the mid South East of South
Australia. The 10,000 hectare property is owned and operated by the McGregor family and was established in
the mid 1950's. It is renowned for producing quality Angus Beef Cattle and Merino Sheep. The beef operation
has a stud herd to produce bulls.
The owners and managers goal is to operate an economically top performing business within the constraints of
the eco system. The goal is to improve the ecological health of the land, to have a happy and stimulated staff
and quiet, content livestock.
Willalooka Pastoral Company has the scale and depth within its breeding herd of cattle to provide quality
product that suits a range of end markets, the genetics produce a marbled product that traditionally has gone
to export markets, the herd is also grass fed accredited which is gaining in popularity both domestically and
overseas. More recently the fine wool merino business has been diversified, and a prime lamb business has
been added to the mix, which utilises the irrigated country to finish lambs for the domestic market.
Core Breeding Stock
Cattle -2000 Angus cows and replacement heifers.
Sheep – 10,000 micron merino ewes have a deep body and large frame for their type, with soft white wool.
Currently, approximately half of these are joined to a terminal sire to produce a domestic lamb, the remaining
kept for self-replacement.
Environmental Sustainability
As part of Willalooka's integrated approach to modern farming and the need for sustainability, a wetland
precinct has been created covering over 810 Hectares, comprising of 8 connected wetlands along the Marcollat
Watercourse.
This area is fenced and re-sown to native vegetation. There are a series of weirs that allows the complex to be
managed so as to best recreate the natural flow through the wetlands. This regeneration project is one of the
largest and most significant in South Australia, with the planning and implementation project being done in
conjunction with the Department for Environment and Heritage and the Department for Water, Land and
Biodiversity Conservation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Prime Function
To assist the Farm Manager with the implementation of the day-to-day activities of running this livestock
enterprise including all tasks associated with the sheep and cattle herd’s health and wellbeing and general farm
maintenance
Location
5355 Rowney Road, Macollat (13km towards Kingston from the Desert Camp Corner), Approx. 20km from
Padthaway. It is 30 to 40 minutess drive from Naracoorte, Keith, Kingston and Bordertown.
Accountability
The Farm Hand will reports directly to the Farm Manger and will work closely with the Overseer’s and is
actively involved in handling livestock, operating machinery and general farm repairs and maintenance.
Activities, Duties & Responsibilities
You will be required to:
∙Work closely with managers and other steff to undergo all animal husbandry tasks, with both sheep and
cattle.
∙Assist with stock movements in paddocks which includes checking and cleaning stock waters, monitoring
pastures and recording growth so that information can be recorded on grazing charts within stock
management software
∙Assist in the maintenance of yards, fences and general infrastructure
∙Service and of plant and machinery
∙At all times adhere to Work, Health and Safety (WH&S) policies, ensuring the safe working environment for
all staff and visitors to Willalooka
∙Be able to work alone and with other members of staff within the team of 5 to 6 employees
∙Take pride in the property and maintain its presentation in a tidy and aesthetically attractive state at all
times
EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATIONS
Experience
∙Machinery operation and maintenance experience, specifically front end loaders and telehandler, ideally
worked with hay
∙Previous livestock handling experience
∙Observation skills and attention to detail
∙General Farm Infrastructure maintenance
∙Electric Fence experience
∙frasture Farm fencing maintenance skills
Person Profile
∙A friendly, happy and enthusiastic demeanour
∙Self-motivated, trustworthy, reliable and cooperative
∙Punctual with good personal presentation
∙Excellent organisational skills and the ability to plan your day
∙Have a willingness to learn and adopt new concepts
∙Strong written and verbal communication skills
Education & Training
∙Current unrestricted car licence (HR and motorbike licence desirable)
∙Completion of High School to at least Year 11 highly regarded.
COMPANY HISTORY
Willalooka Pastoral Company is situated on the Bordertown Kingston Road in the mid South East of South
Australia. The 10,000 hectare property is owned and operated by the McGregor family and was established in
the mid 1950's. It is renowned for producing quality Angus Beef Cattle and Merino Sheep. The beef operation
has a stud herd to produce bulls.
The owners and managers goal is to operate an economically top performing business within the constraints of
the eco system. The goal is to improve the ecological health of the land, to have a happy and stimulated staff
and quiet, content livestock.
Willalooka Pastoral Company has the scale and depth within its breeding herd of cattle to provide quality
product that suits a range of end markets, the genetics produce a marbled product that traditionally has gone
to export markets, the herd is also grass fed accredited which is gaining in popularity both domestically and
overseas. More recently the fine wool merino business has been diversified, and a prime lamb business has
been added to the mix, which utilises the irrigated country to finish lambs for the domestic market.
Core Breeding Stock
Cattle -2000 Angus cows and replacement heifers.
Sheep – 10,000 micron merino ewes have a deep body and large frame for their type, with soft white wool.
Currently, approximately half of these are joined to a terminal sire to produce a domestic lamb, the remaining
kept for self-replacement.
Environmental Sustainability
As part of Willalooka's integrated approach to modern farming and the need for sustainability, a wetland
precinct has been created covering over 810 Hectares, comprising of 8 connected wetlands along the Marcollat
Watercourse.
This area is fenced and re-sown to native vegetation. There are a series of weirs that allows the complex to be
managed so as to best recreate the natural flow through the wetlands. This regeneration project is one of the
largest and most significant in South Australia, with the planning and implementation project being done in
conjunction with the Department for Environment and Heritage and the Department for Water, Land and
Biodiversity Conservation.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Prime Function
To assist the Farm Manager with the implementation of the day-to-day activities of running this livestock
enterprise including all tasks associated with the sheep and cattle herd’s health and wellbeing and general farm
maintenance
Location
5355 Rowney Road, Macollat (13km towards Kingston from the Desert Camp Corner), Approx. 20km from
Padthaway. It is 30 to 40 minutess drive from Naracoorte, Keith, Kingston and Bordertown.
Accountability
The Farm Hand will reports directly to the Farm Manger and will work closely with the Overseer’s and is
actively involved in handling livestock, operating machinery and general farm repairs and maintenance.
Activities, Duties & Responsibilities
You will be required to:
∙Work closely with managers and other steff to undergo all animal husbandry tasks, with both sheep and
cattle.
∙Assist with stock movements in paddocks which includes checking and cleaning stock waters, monitoring
pastures and recording growth so that information can be recorded on grazing charts within stock
management software
∙Assist in the maintenance of yards, fences and general infrastructure
∙Service and of plant and machinery
∙At all times adhere to Work, Health and Safety (WH&S) policies, ensuring the safe working environment for
all staff and visitors to Willalooka
∙Be able to work alone and with other members of staff within the team of 5 to 6 employees
∙Take pride in the property and maintain its presentation in a tidy and aesthetically attractive state at all
times
EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATIONS
Experience
∙Machinery operation and maintenance experience, specifically front end loaders and telehandler, ideally
worked with hay
∙Previous livestock handling experience
∙Observation skills and attention to detail
∙General Farm Infrastructure maintenance
∙Electric Fence experience
∙frasture Farm fencing maintenance skills
Person Profile
∙A friendly, happy and enthusiastic demeanour
∙Self-motivated, trustworthy, reliable and cooperative
∙Punctual with good personal presentation
∙Excellent organisational skills and the ability to plan your day
∙Have a willingness to learn and adopt new concepts
∙Strong written and verbal communication skills
Education & Training
∙Current unrestricted car licence (HR and motorbike licence desirable)
∙Completion of High School to at least Year 11 highly regarded.
