Step back in time with The Flying Vet, a fascinating documentary that follows David Bradley and his wife Susan, operators of the world’s largest veterinary practice. From their tiny Cessna flying out of Kununurra, David served cattle stations across northern Australia, with David being an integral part of the fight against TB in the Top End.
The film captures breathtaking aerial shots, raw and authentic stock work, and plenty of familiar faces for anyone connected to the northern beef community. Cattle stations like Bullo River Station, Newcastle Waters, and Rockhampton Downs are featured throughout, making this a true slice of Top End history.
Directed by James Knox in the early 1980s, this documentary is now available exclusively on RFTTEJOBS.com. I had the pleasure of meeting James a few years ago, and he generously agreed to share this gem with our community.
The video is also proof of this story told to me by Alister Trier, Head Stockman at Newry from 1985 to 1988:
"These were TB testing days, so vets regularly visited to test the herd as then required. Andrew Norris and Bob Coward did the rounds of the GRM properties, Bob in his 172, Andrew preferring to stay on the ground. Another vet in those days that used to fly was David Bradley. I never met him, but he had a hot little Mooney that used lest fuel than a 172 but could keep up with a 210. It was a good aircraft, and the story was that David would take off, climb and level out, then go to sleep as he flew back to Carlton Hill Station (near Kununurra, on the coast in WA west of Legune), only to wake up out to Sea with no land in site."
And if you like the David Bradley you'll enjoy a similar documentary: SARAWAK STOCK TAKE
Enjoy the journey!
Simon Cheatham | Founder | RFTTE.com | RFTTEJOBS.com | simon@rfttejobs.com
Viewer discretion is advised: Please note that these films reflect the prevailing attitudes and practices of the time.
