Govie tells her tales of the bush

Coming from a sheep and cattle property with a Shorthorn stud and Angus commercial herd, Katherine, or Kat as she prefers, said she has always had a passion for rural life. 

Now she is in charge of four young children, with Isleigh, eight, Brody, seven, Nate, five, and Elsi Moran, 18 months, keeping her busy. 

“After travelling and working on different properties, I was ready to settle down a bit and find a more permanent position so I could start studying business and marketing,” she said. 

“When I saw a governess position advertised on Facebook with a picture of three cheeky grinning faces – Elsi was still cooking at that point – I thought it would be a fun new challenge, and as soon as I spoke to Shontae, I knew that it was the job for me.

“I thought I would only stay for one year, but it was probably only mid-way through my first year when I told Shontae she’d be stuck with me for the next year as well.”

After 18 months with the Morans, Kat said her favourite part of her job was watching the children excel in school, and seeing their interest in certain subjects.

“I also value the moments when we are simply relaxing together, like doing some art and craft or building a cubby, having some kind of completely ridiculous conversation – it feels like I’m just having a laugh with some little mates,” she said. 

“I have also loved seeing Elsi grow from a newborn baby to a cheeky toddler, now running to give me a big cuddle and finally saying Miss Kat – that just melts my heart.”

With a Prep, Year 2, and a Year 3 student, Kat said her days are a constant juggle.

Her time at Double D is coming to an end though, with a move on the cards at the end of the year. 

“I will be leaving this lovely family and moving to the Sarina area with my partner, hopefully finding employment in the area of business, sales and marketing, while also working with my partner in his cattle company,” she said.

“I would like to do further study and one day have my own business offering marketing and design services to rural business.

“I have started doing a few small projects to gain experience and I really enjoy it.

“Owning our own property is definitely the long-term goal, as well as securing further agistment or lease properties and growing our cattle numbers.”

She said after arriving in Australia eight years ago and living in Airlie Beach she then moved to a nanny job in Longreach, and has since worked across Queensland and the Northern Territory in nanny, station hand, all-rounder and stock camp cook roles.

She said leaving Double D will be very difficult. 

“I will be sad to leave but it will be an amazing opportunity for the next governess who comes here,” she siad.

“In the beginning, I think all I wanted was to ride horses and chase cows, which I still love, but over the years I have really developed an interest for all aspects of running a successful grazing business.

“Working with Shontae, Brendan and Danny has been great because they are always willing to share their knowledge and answer all my questions.

I have really enjoyed learning more about the business side and also developing my practical skills while working cattle with them.”

Read more about Double D Station here.