Northern Territory Government
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Pastoral Generosity – IYRP 2026
3 October 2026
As part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 (IYRP), the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is highlighting the people who drive the pastoral industry and showcasing the importance of rangelands.
Rangelands cover around 75% of the Australian continent and are an iconic feature of the outback, playing a significant role in the nation’s identity, economy and cultural heritage.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Livestock Extension Officer Caleb Schwartz recently visited Donny and Colleen Costello, pastoralists based at New Crown Station, approximately 280km south-east of Alice Springs.
What started as a typically warm, station welcome, quickly became much more. And despite their many commitments, Donny and Colleen Costello went above and beyond to welcome their visitors to New Crown station, covering 6,600km2 on the edge of the Simpson Desert, including the Finke River floodout.
Before setting off to admire the landscape, following exceptional seasonal conditions, Donny took the time to wash the dust off the car from the recent Finke Desert Race (where they hosted 150 people) and pack an esky in the boot. Colleen brought along the plant ID books. She knew exactly where they were.
Speaking about what the fantastic seasonal conditions meant, Donny explained their philosophy. ‘We want to have a sustainable stocking rate year-in-year- out. That’s why we’re not buying any more cattle now.’
What had surprised them most since the rain was not simply the amount of pasture growth, but what was growing and where. Species they hadn’t seen before and Mitchell grass appearing in greater abundance than previously seen. As they shared their observations of the response of different plant species, their detailed knowledge and attentiveness were obvious.
After a flight in Donny’s plane, he explained how seeing country from above gives an opportunity to really understand how it’s functioning. ‘You can’t fully appreciate it on the ground.’
Understanding how the landscape functions is clearly important to Donny and Colleen as is their responsibility in managing country thoughtfully. Watching how water moves across the landscape inspired them to begin constructing ponding banks to slow water flow. It’s not a straightforward process and Donny generously described both their trials, and their triumphs. The stories illustrated their approach – if at first you don’t succeed, give it some thought, make a new plan … and try again.
New Crown is home now, and Donny and Colleen are true Central Australians. ‘We’ve been here all our lives. It is rewarding. There are always exciting opportunities.’
They were also quick to acknowledge how grateful they are for the good seasons, having seen both extremes. ‘Years like this change your outlook.’
Their joy in the work shone through. ‘It’s exciting. Getting your cattle better. Getting your country better. The people as well.’ And while Colleen spoke with good humour about her unexpected role as ‘life advisor’ for young employees, their stories indicated successful pastoralism ultimately relies on people – employees, neighbours, and family.
There was also enthusiasm for the advancements in the industry, ‘It’s always changing.’ Colleen put it well, ‘When we started, we were bronco branding. Now we’re monitoring water virtually.’
With strong cattle markets, the positive sentiment towards the industry was clear. ‘The state of the industry is exciting.’ Donny said. ‘You’re getting good returns on what you sell.’
When asked where his favourite spot on the property was, Donny was quick to joke, ‘Under the air conditioning in summer!’
Both then agreed, with the country looking the way it currently is, it could be anywhere on the property, ‘All of it’s good at the moment.’
Over a hearty home-grown roast dinner, the conversation wandered across a wide range of topics. Yet throughout the visit, what stood out most was the care and thought underpinning the way Donny and Colleen manage both country and cattle. From stocking rate decisions and ponding banks designed to slow and spread water, to fencing off dams for improved water quality and providing extensive shade in holding yards, their actions consistently reflected a commitment to landscape function, animal welfare, and long-term stewardship.
‘It’s not romantic!’ Colleen remarked. Yet, there was no mistaking their passion for the pastoralist life. ‘There’s not a better place to bring your kids up than here,’ said Donny. ‘The opportunities are still available to them.’ An example might be their young grandson’s athletic pursuits supported by an 800-metre running track, accurately measured out along the airstrip.
When we suggested they appeared to be ‘all over it’, Donny and Colleen quickly set us straight. ‘We’re always happy to learn. We don’t think that we’ve got it all figured out for a moment.’
Colleen explained that “you don’t know what you don’t know”. A simple comment, but one that highlights their willingness to explore new ideas and opportunities. Despite decades of experience, their curiosity remains.
Their generosity was apparent from the moment we arrived. By the time we left, it was clear it sat alongside a deep knowledge of country, a willingness to keep learning and a genuine passion for pastoral life.
