Martin Clunes Islands of Australia on ABC – Mundoo Island is like a slice of classic Aussie outback life, but in the middle of a river estuary.
Colin and Sally Grundy are fourth generation farmers of this land, herding Angus beef cattle on horseback, the first in their family to work this breed on the island.
As Martin joins them for a day of cattle mustering, he learns more about the unique possibilities and challenges of farming on an island.
They’re joined by Rob Virgo, an 79 year old cowboy from Adelaide, who regularly lends a hand here and shows Martin the ropes.
There’s no doubt it’s a beautiful place, with an impressive population of water birds, but like so many Australian farmers, Colin and Sally are intensely aware of changing weather patterns and how they’re threatening traditional farm life.
Less than ten years ago, drought brought heartbreaking devastation to Mundoo, and wiped out hundreds of cattle. It’s a delicate ecosystem but with care, hard graft and luck it can be made to work.
Production credit: Prospero Productions
Martin Clunes Islands of Australia on ABC and ABC iview – Thursday 9 May at 8.30pm
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