Dionne Prigg
Katherine,Australia
Summary
Results-driven manager with over 25 years of experience in the rural industry, specializing in cattle station management across northern Australia. Proven track record of developing and leading high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Committed to mentoring young people and enhancing operational efficiency through effective training and support. Recognized for strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to build productive relationships in fast-paced environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Florina Station
Katherine, NT
05.2023 - Current
- Transformed Florina station by restoring operational water points from two to thirteen.
- Rescued emaciated cattle, feeding and providing care while humanely ending suffering of unviable stock.
- Revitalized 170 hectares of overgrown farmland, achieving five point five tonnes per hectare of sorghum.
- Executed major infrastructure repairs, including cattle yards, fencing, and machinery maintenance.
- Established a breeding program that increased calving rate from fifty-five percent to seventy-nine percent in two years.
- Expanded cropping area from 170 hectares to nearly 300 hectares, boosting yield to seven point nine tonnes per hectare.
- Developed strong community ties through effective communication with local businesses and foreign stakeholders.
- Implemented a long-term property plan focused on profitability and sustainability over five years.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Conducted performance reviews for team members.
Station Manager
Beryl Aggregation
Western QLD
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed beryl aggregation of four cattle properties with approximately 17,000 head.
- Implemented thorough breeding and weaning program for weaners from northern Queensland stations, educating up to 7,000 annually.
- Drafted weaners by gender and weight; heifers maintained on property until two years old at 300-350 kg.
- Joined maiden heifers, Brahman x heifers and Brangus bulls, achieving highest pregnancy test in company history with over 95% rate.
- Culled and sold empty heifers post-joining, transporting pregnant heifers back north for calving.
- Managed infrastructure, including 487 km of poly pipeline, 143 troughs, 59 paddocks, and 139 water points.
- Oversaw machinery maintenance and staff management; conducted all grading and bore maintenance independently.
- Coordinated ordering of parts, developed work programs, and implemented infrastructure improvements.
Manager
Karbar Station
Cue, WA
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Executed standard station duties, including mustering, drafting, fencing, and preg testing cattle.
- Implemented rangeland regeneration tactics to enhance sustainability and prevent erosion.
- Facilitated training programs for local Indigenous people to promote agriculture industry participation.
- Engaged local schools in hands-on activities to educate youth about modern grazing practices.
- Trained staff in low-stress cattle handling, horse riding, and property maintenance tasks.
- Promoted a culture of safety by adhering to HSE standards with a zero-harm commitment.
- Oversaw rehydration and erosion prevention initiatives to improve soil quality and water retention.
- Supported local community through employment of predominantly Indigenous staff.
Manager
Emu Creek Station
Pilbara, WA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed Emu Creek Station operations in Pilbara region, overseeing tourist camp bookings and management.
- Conducted mustering, drafting, and trucking of cattle while maintaining all water supplies and infrastructure.
- Ensured proper maintenance of fencing, both new and old, to secure property boundaries.
- Maintained accurate records for operations, including staff inductions and weekly reports.
- Performed bookkeeping functions to track financial transactions effectively.
- Supervised day-to-day activities at tourist park to enhance visitor experience.
- Oversaw infrastructure upkeep to ensure safety and functionality of facilities.
Manager
Agnes Vale Station
Childers, QLD
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Transformed underperforming cattle station in southeast QLD into a profitable operation.
- Conducted regrowth clearing and grass planting to improve land usability.
Quality Assurance Manager
Abbotsleigh Citrus
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Ensured quality assurance of blueberry picking operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Developed quality assurance protocols for citrus processing operations.
- Analyzed product samples to ensure adherence to standards.
- Implemented corrective actions for identified quality issues.
- Maintained documentation of quality control procedures and results.
- Managed a team of 30-40 staff, including local workers and international backpackers.
- Developed people management skills through effective team leadership and communication.
- Gained expertise in dispute resolution while addressing team dynamics and challenges.
- Created reports detailing results from inspections, tests, investigations that were used by senior management for decision-making purposes.
- Troubleshot product issues and fixed problems.
- Supervised and guided inspectors, technicians, and other staff.
- Documented all findings from investigations into non-conformances in order to track progress towards resolution.
Owner Manager
DJD Equine Connections
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Operated a comprehensive equine business specializing in farriery across Queensland.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Provided horse breaking, horsemanship, and riding lessons for children and adults.
- Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
Head Stockman
DeGray Station
Port Headland, WA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed stock camp operations with a focus on productivity and safety.
Facilitated mustering efforts using diverse equipment like choppers, buggies, horses, and bikes.
Performed crucial tasks including drafting, branding, and weaning of livestock.
Executed maintenance on fencing and bore runs to ensure water availability.
Provided training for staff in horse shoeing and breaking practices.
Coordinated trucking services for the efficient movement of livestock and feed supplies.
Oversaw feeding routines alongside lick runs to enhance animal nutrition.
Developed feeder steer program on marine flood plains from Broome to Port Hedland.
Head Stockman
Kalmeta Station
Julia Creek
01.2006 - 01.2007
- All for mentioned station duties in above roll.
Head Stockman
Antion Station
Cloncurry
01.2004 - 01.2005
- All for mentioned duties in above rolls.
Station Hand
Toolibuc Station
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Station hand for 2001 then head stockman for remainder of employment, All above mentioned duties.
Education
Pastoral Skills And Production
Longreach Pastoral Collage
Longreach, QLD11-2000
Capricornia distance ed - to grade ten
Skills
- Machinery operation and maintenance
- Water management
- Staff training and mentoring
- Infrastructure development
- Chainsaw operation
- Slaughtering and butchering
- Horsemanship and farrier skills
- Computer literacy and bookkeeping
- Crop development and harvesting
- Breeding program management
- Effective communication
- Safety management
References
- Andrew Owens, 0437798214
- Kevin, 0428432666
- Ben, 0429867520
- Linton Batt, 0400900454
- Roger Hayden, 0458121095
- Abin Segrin, 0491351950
- Shane Hibbid, 0438282088
- Kehren Collingwood, 0427059682
- Ben Settertrombie, 0460801747
- Matilda Fry, 0475556758
Affiliations
- campdrafting
- fishing
- detailed work in preserving the bloodlines and genetics in austrailian working koolies
- beekeeping
Certification
- HR truck license
- A and B firearms license
- cert. 4 and 5 pastoral skills and production
- cert. 5 in horsemanship
- chemcert
- cert. in windmill maintenance and construction
- cert. In building and construction, rural application
- cert. slaughtering and butchering
- diploma in applied sciences, beef cattle production
- cert in herd management, bull selection, preg testing, bovine and equine nutrition, and bovine and equine genetics
- cert. in canine and equine acupuncture
- Cert in small business management
- cert. in welding
- extensive knowledge of fencing and all aspects of property development and motorbike andling
Timeline
Manager
Florina Station
05.2023 - Current
Station Manager
Beryl Aggregation
01.2022 - 01.2023
Manager
Karbar Station
01.2019 - 12.2021
Manager
Emu Creek Station
01.2018 - 01.2019
Manager
Agnes Vale Station
01.2015 - 01.2018
Quality Assurance Manager
Abbotsleigh Citrus
01.2014 - 01.2015
Owner Manager
DJD Equine Connections
01.2010 - 01.2014
Head Stockman
DeGray Station
01.2008 - 01.2010
Head Stockman
Kalmeta Station
01.2006 - 01.2007
Head Stockman
Antion Station
01.2004 - 01.2005
Station Hand
Toolibuc Station
01.2001 - 01.2003
Pastoral Skills And Production
Longreach Pastoral Collage