The workers: Shortie, Bean and Jade Olney pause for a group picture while the trio prepares for the Mansfield campdraft.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
Katunga earthmover Jade Olney used to work across the east coast as a stock handler with a team of dogs. Now Bean and Shortie are all that remains from his former profession.
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What’s Bean like?
He’s about 12 or 13 years old. He’s a straight collie and was my number one working dog, but he’s now retired.
And Shortie, the red heeler?
He’s a three-year-old boofhead. He was a gift to me.
Why take on a red heeler?
I like the nature. They get along with everyone and are half-controllable. I used to work cattle with them. They don’t like sheep too much, however.
Happy boy: Jade Olney says his red heeler Shortie is a “boofhead“.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
How did you work cattle?
I drove for the Tat abattoir, then I went up to Queensland. I had a big team back then.
Quieter life: Former stock handler Jade Olney with the last of his working team, Shortie and Bean.
Have you always had collies and heelers?
Collies, heelers, Jack Russells, koolies — we’ve had them all.
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