Not Just the Wife of the General Manager: Life in the Outback and a Whole Lot More

Not Just the Wife of the General Manager is a memoir of Sally Warriner's life on outback cattle stations, celebrating the unsung women like her who lived and worked there. She was a nurse, mother, travel agent, social secretary, host, and organiser, injecting herself into the lives of the characters who inhabited these isolated places.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books

Not Just the Wife of the General Manager is a captivating memoir that delves into the life of a remarkable woman who spent her formative years on outback cattle stations. It serves as a tribute to the countless unsung heroines who shared similar experiences.

In the vibrant 1980s, at the tender age of just twenty, Sally Warriner embarked on a backpacking adventure that took her to the farthest reaches of Australia's north. However, her journey did not end as planned. Instead of returning to Canberra, she found herself captivated by the allure of the outback and decided to stay. Fate led her to marry a cattle station manager, and for the next three decades, she lived and worked alongside him on various remote stations.

Sally's presence on these stations was far more than just that of a wife. She was a multifaceted individual, embracing a variety of roles and responsibilities. She served as a nurse, tending to the injuries of locals and providing assistance to the Flying Doctor service, often undertaking treacherous 400-kilometer round trips through the rugged outback to transport sick children to medical care. In addition to her medical duties, Sally was a mother, nurturing and raising several children, some of whom were not her own. She also held the position of a travel agent, organizing trips and expeditions for adventurous souls seeking to explore the vastness of the Australian wilderness.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sally was a social secretary, responsible for organizing and hosting events and gatherings. She played a pivotal role in organizing Kerry Packers' legendary New Year's Eve parties, which became legendary in their own right.

However, her most remarkable role was that of an organiser and host. Sally possessed a natural talent for bringing people together, creating a sense of community and fostering a sense of belonging. She was the heart and soul of any gathering, ensuring that everyone felt welcome and included.

Through her memoir, Sally shares the story of her adventures, resilience, and the unexpected journeys that led her to find herself. She candidly reflects on the challenges she faced, both personally and professionally, and how she overcame them with unwavering determination.

In her own words, Sally encapsulates the essence of her life's experience: "Life's like that, fellas. You may spend a lifetime trying to find yourself, but at the end of the day, it's there all along."

Not Just the Wife of the General Manager is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who have defied societal expectations and carved their paths in the vast and rugged landscapes of the outback. It is a story of adventure, resilience, and self-discovery, reminding us that we all have the capacity to embrace our unique identities and pursue our passions, regardless of the obstacles we may face.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781743797556