Sunburnt Country Photography - Jason Kimberley

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The Last Muster

In April 2005 it was my privilege to spend a week with the Stoney family of Mansfield on the annual muster of their cattle down from The Victorian High Country. The week was spent sleeping over in the various huts built by their ancestors and traditional camping spots along the Howqua River that the families of this region have utilized for over 120 years.

After commissioning me to shoot their story the Stoney’s were a little concerned that anyone could capture this muster in a meaningful way. Chris Stoney noted privately before departure, “We have had all the news programs, all the current affair mobs, even National Geographic and the like. How’s this bloke going to be any different?”

On the second evening the Stoney’s were treated to a slide show on my laptop. There were cheers and gasps throughout the slide show culminating in spontaneous applause led by none other than Chris Stoney. I was overwhelmed.

This may turn out to be the “The Last Muster” due to recent government legislation. But having gotten to know the Stoney family a little during my time with them, it may not.

Click to enlarge images.