Dillon Burke

As a Senior Station Hand at Malden Grazing, I have gained extensive experience across a wide range of station operations, contributing to the day-to-day running of a busy and diverse property. My role has encompassed all aspects of station life, including mustering, vaccinations, branding, drafting, and general livestock care, allowing me to develop a strong understanding of animal husbandry and seasonal workflows.

In addition to livestock work, I am skilled in fencing, welding, and operating a variety of machinery such as dozers, graders, tractors, and motorbikes. This hands-on experience has not only refined my technical skills but also strengthened my ability to adapt, problem-solve, and work both independently and as part of a team.

I take pride in maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and attention to detail, even in fast-paced or remote environments. My time at Malden Grazing has equipped me with a solid foundation in rural operations and a deep respect for the demands and rewards of station life.

During my time as a Station Hand at Boanbirra Station in Bollon, I took on a wide variety of roles, with no two days ever the same. My work included mustering and handling sheep, cattle, and goats, as well as performing fencing, welding, and general station maintenance. I also gained valuable hands-on experience operating machinery such as dozers, graders, tractors, and motorbikes, supporting both livestock and land management tasks.

Living in a very remote and rural environment, I adapted quickly to the demands of station life and developed a strong level of independence and resilience. At Boanbirra, I worked both individually and as part of a team—some days alongside other station hands, and other days entirely on my own—requiring initiative, self-motivation, and reliability.

This experience strengthened my ability to work efficiently in isolated settings and deepened my practical knowledge of agricultural operations. My time at Boanbirra has made me confident in my ability to take on a wide range of tasks, whether working solo or within a crew.

As a Station Hand at Greenoaks & Kindimulla, I worked closely alongside the station manager and his family, contributing to the day-to-day operations of a goat-focused property. My responsibilities included mustering, drafting, feeding, and handling goats, as well as assisting with animal health tasks such as vaccinations and husbandry. I also helped with general property maintenance, including fencing, yard work, water runs, and other seasonal duties essential to the smooth running of the station.

Working in a tight-knit, family-run environment, I developed strong teamwork skills, adaptability, and a reliable work ethic. I was trusted to work both independently and under direction, depending on the task, and always aimed to support the needs of the property with care, efficiency, and respect for the animals and land.

This experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of goat production and station life, and strengthened my practical knowledge of working in a rural, hands-on setting.

As a Tyre Fitter, I was responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of tyres on a variety of vehicles including light vehicles, heavy machinery, trucks, and agricultural equipment. My daily duties included removing and replacing tyres, balancing wheels, repairing punctures, and conducting safety checks to ensure all tyres met performance and safety standards.

I developed strong skills in using specialised equipment and tools, and followed all workplace health and safety procedures to work efficiently in both workshop and field service environments. My role required a high level of physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in fast-paced and sometimes remote conditions.

Through this position, I built a solid understanding of tyre types, wear patterns, and preventative maintenance, and consistently provided reliable and timely service to minimise downtime for clients and machinery.

During my time at Robert Eckels, I completed my 2nd and 3rd years as a Mechanical Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of mechanical tasks. My responsibilities included servicing light and heavy vehicles, replacing wheel bearings, changing tyres, and installing gearboxes and clutches. I also worked on suspension systems, brake repairs, and other essential mechanical components.

This apprenticeship provided me with a solid technical foundation, while also strengthening my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. Operating in a fast-paced workshop environment, I learned to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines without compromising on quality.

My experience at Robert Eckels has equipped me with the confidence and capability to tackle mechanical challenges with a practical and safety-conscious approach, setting a strong base for a long-term career in the industry.

As a Contract Station Hand, I worked across a range of properties and locations, gaining valuable experience in a variety of station operations. My responsibilities included mustering, drafting, branding, fencing, conducting lick runs, and checking and maintaining water supplies. I also developed skills in operating a range of machinery, contributing to both livestock management and general property upkeep.

This diverse contract work exposed me to different working styles, environments, and livestock systems, which strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in taking initiative. I consistently delivered high standards of care, safety, and efficiency, whether working independently or as part of a team.

These experiences have significantly broadened my practical knowledge of the agricultural industry and reinforced my dedication to performing reliable, hands-on work in remote and demanding conditions.