Residents of the bush in both SA and NT are mourning the loss this week of one of their own, Brett Schmidt.

Brett Schmidt was a natural when it came to stock work

Brett Schmidt, a 25 year old stockman and rodeo rider was tragically killed on Ambalindum Station, Northern Territory, on Thursday, January 29th 2009.

Brett spent his young years growing up with his family on Witchitie Station, Carrieton, with his Mum and Dad Lorna and Mick Schmidt  and his siblings, Rhonda, Robbie and Clayton. Brett, as with the other Schmidt children, was educated on School of the Air in his primary years before heading to Orroroo Area School for secondary education. Brett was a handy cricketer and enjoyed playing junior cricket in Orroroo on Sunday mornings with his mates.

Brett couldn’t wait to leave school and just loved getting out and helping his Dad on the property. In his final year at school he was one of the first lads to combine his schooling with a Tafe Pastoral course where he worked one day a week on a property at Carrieton, combining his education with his love of the land.

On completing his education Brett worked for the Williams Family on their properties in the Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta areas for a number of years before heading north to the Alice Springs area. While in the Alice Springs area Brett went and worked at Ammaroo station for 2 years and then went contract mustering with Tim Edmonds up until his tragic death.

Brett was a natural when it came to stock work and indeed all facets of station work, whether it be mustering and droving cattle, fixing fences or all the other jobs needed to be done on a cattle station. He had a wonderful work ethic and always had a cheery smile for everyone wherever he was employed.

Brett made many friends wherever he went – although small in stature, he had a big heart and was a great mate to so many people in the bush. He worked hard and loved having a good time with his mates. Brett was a good horseman and attended and won events in bronco branding in SA and NT.

Brett’s tragic accident has  brought to a premature end a young life which was filled with all good things- he had a loving family, devoted girlfriend Dani, lots of great mates and a great future. He was indeed a man of the bush and will be sadly missed by all those who have had contact with him. Solace can be taken in the fact that Brett didn’t suffer and he died doing just what he loved. Our sympathies are extended to Mick and Lorna, sister Rhonda and Spook Barber and girls, Robbie, Deryn and girls, Clayton and Sally, and his girlfriend and workmate Dani.

Helen Williams

Coober Pedy Regional Times