Take even the unexpected opportunities, as you never know where they may take you.

Patricia (Patty) Byrnes lives in the Western Division on a large outback station, ‘Wamberra’, with her husband Ned and his two sons. ‘Wamberra‘ has been in the Byrnes family for five generations and produces beef cattle, Dorper and Merino sheep and dryland cereals. The property covers an area 50 km by 13 km, and is located 40 km north-east of Mildura on the road to Lake Mungo National Park. In 2000 the Byrnes family devoted 21 per cent of the property to private conservation. Patty and Ned believe that by diversifying and preserving large areas of remnant vegetation they will ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. In 1999 Patty established the biannual Pooncarie Field Day—Pooncarie is a small village of just 84 people. The field day in 2005 attracted over 1000 people and 100 exhibitors. Patty is currently on the board of the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Authority.

What gave you the motivation/inspiration to follow your dream?

In 1994 I moved to a horticultural property on the Darling River, halfway between Wentworth and Pooncarie, having previously been involved in horticulture. As a newcomer to a grazing region I saw lots of potential to do things differently. I participated in a leadership course at a time when wool prices were really down, the area was in severe drought and people were feeling very negative about the grazing industry. At the end of the course we had to do a project to demonstrate our learning and leadership skills. Initially I thought of organising a landholder bus tour. I thought we could learn about new sheep breeds and how to market our products to get a few extra dollars by visiting successful enterprises. However, after some research I realised a bus tour could only cater for about 25 husband-and-wife teams and was going to be expensive. So I decided to plan a field day at Pooncarie as a more efficient way of achieving my goal.

At what point did you realise that your dream was actually possible and what was it that made you think you could really do it?

I spoke to other people about my idea. Some people took a bit of convincing but I had enough interest to get the first one organised. I chose Pooncarie because of its long pastoral history. It is also very central, has an airstrip and has good facilities at the race track. The first field day was deemed a huge success, with over 400 people and 30 exhibitors attending. We had lots of the newer sheep breeds such as Damaras, Wilkshire Horn, Van Rooys and Dorpers. Graziers who came were sceptical, but at each successive field day, interest in these breeds has grown. They are now being taken seriously because of their resilience in the harsh western climate. It is good to see some of the staunch Merino people thinking differently about what they can graze out here. The Pooncarie Field Day has grown and we are starting to plan our fifth one for 2007. Two years ago we introduced the national blade shearing competition and sheep dog trials. These create added interest. From the very start I only wanted positive things and an affordable event that would appeal to the whole family.

When you were a child, what did you want to ‘be’ when you grew up?

I grew up in a small rural village (three houses!) in South Australia. I was always a real tomboy and wasn’t interested in being inside playing with dolls and lipstick. I preferred to be out with my brother. I’ve always had a positive attitude. I never considered myself as a leader, though I had lots of ideas but I was always too shy to have my say.

How did your childhood influence you in later life?

My Mum died when I was 14. This had a profound influence on the way I developed. Mum constantly reinforced how short life can be and that I needed to make the most of every day. I grew up very quickly, and, being the eldest of four children, I had to leave school and take on the responsibility of the family, which included my brother and two sisters, Dad and my grandfather. Sometimes I overdo my Mum’s advice and try to cram too much in. I don’t dwell on the past. I believe you have to look forward.

Who are your role models?

Before she died, Mum spent a lot of time telling me about things I would need to know and do, so she is a role model. I also admire Janet Holmes à Court. She is very successful but still takes the time to visit her properties, when she helps with the stock work and gets her hands dirty. She mixes with everyone involved in her business. I think it is important to treat everybody as an equal and take the time to talk to and listen to others, regardless of what position they hold.

What does success mean to you?

I get a lot of happiness out of seeing other people happy. I also try to learn something new every year and see that I’ve achieved something. The Field Days have given me a great sense of achievement. Seeing people mixing and coming together for a day and forgetting any worries has been great. Setting up the private reserves on Wamberra, and the Aboriginal training, have also given me a lot of satisfaction.

What has been one of the biggest barriers you have had to face, what happened, and how did you overcome it?

Sourcing funding has always been a big challenge and, in the earlier days, convincing people that the Field Day would work in a small town in the middle of nowhere. I am a very positive person and like a challenge. If someone says it won’t work I am more determined that it will!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? What is your vision for the future?

I’d like to develop an ecotourism–educational business working with kids. I’d especially like to continue to help young Aboriginals realise their potential. I believe there are lots of positives in living in the Western Division. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. I love being out in our reserves and enjoy monitoring the mallee fowl. I’d like to show more people how they can integrate their remnant bush into their whole-farm planning.

What would you like to say to other women who may be just starting out on a ‘daring to dream’ journey?

Don’t give up. Use your contacts and never burn your bridges. Do your research and look at the financials closely before leaping in. Aim for the top, as you can always come down a little peg or two. Take even the unexpected opportunities, as you never know where they may take you. You are never too old to learn. I enjoyed school but had to leave early. I went back to school when I was 35 and that was one of the best things I ever did.