I first met Maitland 'Maitie' Webb back in 2018 at the Birdsville Races. She was helping out with her Dad's helicopter business, and even in our brief chat back then, it was clear she was destined to head north. Fast forward seven years, and at just 29, Maitie’s already carved out quite a career - I fired off a few questions while she was Indo-bound on a live export boat...
Maitie: I’d wanted to go on an export boat for quite a few years - probably five or so - ever since I first started looking into it. Lining it up was a bit tricky, as it can be hard to get a spot unless you’re already connected with an export network that can organise it. But it finally worked out, thanks to Frontier and CPC.
I mainly wanted to go to broaden my understanding of the export industry and really see the process from start to finish. It’s pretty incredible to see the “end product,” for lack of a better word. I think it’s important to be able to explain the whole process - especially when it comes to raising cattle for export. One small mistake early in an animal’s life can have ripple effects all the way through, impacting its health, value, and suitability for international trade. So the more I can educate myself on the whole system, the better equipped I am to help teach others.
It was an amazing experience overall. The cattle travelled really well, and I was lucky to have an experienced stockman, a great crew of seamen, and perfect weather the whole way. It was definitely a bit daunting at first, being the only woman on a ship with 31 men, but they were all fantastic - and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to do it. I’m spending 10 days here at the feedlot/ wet markets, I’m really excited to learn more about the whole process.
Maitie: This year I have been running one of the stock camps at Carlton Hill in the Kimberley, I mainly do the export cattle side of things. Carlton has a licensed export yard that loads cattle out of Wyndham. I really enjoy it, it challenges me sometimes and keeps me organised.
Maitie: I grew up near Comet in Central Queensland, where my parents ran a helicopter business and a few cattle properties. I was surrounded by hard work from a young age - both Mum and Dad have this incredible “never give up” attitude. They’re the type who just get on with things no matter what, and I’ve always really looked up to that and tried to bring the same mindset into my own life.
Growing up around horses and cattle was pretty exciting, and I could never really see myself moving to the city. Mum and Dad sent me off to boarding school, but I was always counting down the days until I could get back home. As soon as I finished school, I headed up north for what was meant to be a gap year - and about 11 years later, I still haven’t replied to the uni about my offers, much to Mum’s disgust.
Seeing my parents battle through droughts and all sorts of challenges probably should have put me off a career in agriculture, but I’ve always loved being on the land, working with cattle, and riding horses — it’s where I feel most at home.
Maitie: I’ve got a few hobbies that keep me busy. I really enjoy art, sewing and leatherwork, and I’ve got a few good horses that I take campdrafting whenever it lines up with a boat-free weekend. I also like working with my dogs - they keep me entertained - and on a day off, I’ll happily head out for a fish, as long as something’s biting!
I’ve been really lucky over the years to work for some amazing and talented people. I’ve learnt something from each of them and wouldn’t be able to single out just one as my biggest influence. I’m just grateful they put up with me and were willing to invest their time and energy into helping me improve
Maitie: My partner, Cameron and I will be staying up at Carlton for the wet this year - it’s our turn to look after the weaners since we had a big break last year. Hopefully, we get some decent rain and can relax a bit and enjoy listening to it for a change.
Next year, I’ll keep working at the export yard and I’m hoping to build on my skills, especially on the office side of station work. I’d like to do a bit more personal development and help teach others whatever I can along the way. I’m not exactly sure what the future holds just yet, but I’m keen to keep moving onwards and upwards - and to keep enjoying this lifestyle while I do.
Maitie: Ahhh my advice to anyone coming up here, that’s a hard one! I was the first year from hell. So probably more what I would have said to myself, and that would be: just be prepared to have a go at absolutely everything; and that people with a good attitude and no experience will go further than all the experience and a bad attitude!
Onya Maitie, well said! We wish you the best as you continue your career...
(By Simon Cheatham, RFTTEJOBS weekly Newsletter 24th October 2025)
