When most people think about working on a cattle station, they picture ringers, helicopters and horses.
But behind the scenes there's another role that's just as important.
The Governess, or 'Govie' as they're affectionately known.
Twenty-year-old Holly Gorroick from Ipswich, Queensland, has spent the past two years working as a Governess on a family-owned cattle station in the Gulf of Carpentaria region of the Northern Territory, near Borroloola.
From teaching School of the Air lessons to helping in the cattle yards, travelling thousands of kilometres and becoming part of another family, Holly says no two days are ever the same.
We caught up with Holly to find out what life is really like as a station Governess.
If you're interested in becoming a Governess, you can also browse the latest Governess Jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com.
"I actually found out about being a Governess through TikTok. I'd never even heard of it before.
"Because I work on a family-owned station, the only formal requirements were an NT Working With Children Check, a police check, and First Aid and CPR.
"That's it.
"I found my job through a Governess Facebook page."
Also check the latest Governess Jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com.
"A Governess is basically a mix of tutor, nanny and general helper.
"My day starts before school organising breakfast, preparing snacks and getting activities ready.
"During school hours I supervise online lessons with teachers and teach School of the Air lessons using the lesson plans provided by the school. I also liaise with teachers, send completed work away and make sure everything runs smoothly.
"Outside school I take the kids around the property, organise activities at the homestead, help in the cattle yards, wash dishes, do laundry, build furniture, fight fires and even help get cattle out of dams.
"Depending on the station, you might also do gardening, cooking, cleaning, look after animals or even jump in as a ringer.
"No two days are ever the same.
"We also travel regularly to Darwin and Katherine with the family for school commitments."
"The station is family owned and operated in the Gulf of Carpentaria region of the Northern Territory.
"We run Brahman cattle and use buggies and motorbikes rather than horses.
"The crew works long, hard days but there's always plenty of fun once work is finished.
"We also head away to campdrafts and station events throughout the year.
"My favourites are the Govies Gala and Ringers Rugby Weekend in Katherine, proudly supported by RFTTEJOBS.com."
Holly's advice is simple.
"Pack your heels and your gowns," she laughs.
"But don't over-pack like I did.
"You can always get things mailed up later."
"Watching the kids grow and learn every day is so special.
"I moved here when the youngest was only a few days old, so I've been there for all his major milestones.
"Getting paid to travel with the family is a pretty good bonus too."
Holly admits the second year was tougher than the first.
"My partner warned me about second-year syndrome and he was right.
"When the novelty wears off, the isolation starts to hit harder.
"Simple things become difficult, like taking an entire day just to drive to the nearest town for a doctor's appointment or waiting months for parcels to arrive.
"During the wet season it's just me and the family after the station crew leave, and that isolation can definitely affect your mental health.
"I cope by getting outside, keeping active and staying connected with people back home.
"Even the small connections make a difference."
"There isn't a magic fix for homesickness. Stay active, get outside and keep in touch with family and friends. Even the small connections help."
"I've been making TikToks since high school, but my account really took off after moving to the Northern Territory.
"I wanted to educate people and show friends and family what station life is really like.
"I also realised most people had no idea what a Governess actually does, so I wanted to shine a light on the role."
@hollyupnorth
Follow Holly's journey on TikTok (@hollyupnorth)
"I absolutely would, but only if you genuinely love working with children.
"They need stability.
“I'll admit I do get frustrated when people say they'll 'just work as a Govie' because they don't want to be a cook or ringer but want to live on the station."
"It isn't the easy option.
"It's incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging."
There isn't one set pathway into becoming a Governess. Every station is different, but most employers are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, is organised, patient and willing to adapt to remote station life.
Many family-owned stations require a Working With Children Check, First Aid and CPR, while previous childcare, teaching or nanny experience is highly regarded. Some employers may also prefer applicants studying education.
Most importantly, Governesses become part of the family. It's a role that requires commitment, flexibility and a genuine passion for helping children learn and thrive.
Browse the latest Governess Jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com.
Holly is currently completing a Bachelor of Primary Education while continuing to work as a Governess.
After graduating, she'd love to teach remotely or through School of the Air while staying connected to the cattle industry she has grown to love.
"Choosing between teaching and station life will be a big decision."
"People think we simply sit beside a child while they complete online school.
"That's not how it works.
"We're actually teaching most of the lessons ourselves, preparing resources, providing feedback and often managing children of different ages at the same time.
"We're also the link between the family and the school.
"And outside the classroom you wear plenty of other hats too, whether that's nurse, cook, ringer or whatever needs doing."
"Taking the kids fishing during the wet season.
"The only thing we caught was a perch that had swallowed a frog's leg.
"The kids thought it was the cutest thing they'd ever seen and convinced everyone to keep it alive.
"It ended up living in my boss's freezer for a few days while they tried to save it!"
"Resilience.
"I'm naturally a worrier and I like everything planned perfectly.
"But station life doesn't work like that.
"It's taught me how to adapt, stay calm and deal with whatever gets thrown my way.
"I'll carry that lesson with me for the rest of my life."
A station Governess supports the education and daily care of children living on a remote property. The role may include supervising School of the Air lessons, teaching offline activities, preparing resources, communicating with teachers and helping the family around the homestead.
Not every Governess position requires formal teaching qualifications. Requirements vary between employers, but a Working With Children Check, police check, First Aid and CPR are commonly requested. Childcare, nannying, tutoring or education experience can also be highly regarded.
School of the Air provides education to children living in remote parts of Australia. Qualified teachers deliver lessons from a distance, while a Governess or home tutor helps children complete lessons, organise materials and stay engaged with their learning.
For more information we recommend visiting these website's:
Katherine School of the Air website
Alice Springs School of the Air website
A good Governess is patient, organised, adaptable and genuinely enjoys working with children. Remote living also requires resilience, independence, good communication and a willingness to become part of the station family.
You can browse current Governess Jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com, including opportunities on cattle stations and remote properties across Australia.
Working as a Governess is one of the most rewarding careers on a cattle station. You'll help educate children living in some of Australia's most remote locations while becoming part of a station family and experiencing a lifestyle few people ever get to see.
Whether you're studying education, have childcare experience or simply love working with children, there are opportunities across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Browse the latest Governess Jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com.
