16/02/2026
As a follow on to all of the previous merino gibberish post, the Esperance wing of the classing business has been a long and satisfying one that began back in 1985.
Rose and I head off in a Suburu Brumby Ute with kelpie in tow on request by Kev and Rob Rollond (of whose father and brother I classed for at Rockleigh SA) to class theirs and a few cousins’ hoggets in the Cascade area outta Esperance WA.
What evolved in those early years was, in most part, still in existence today albeit the next generation taking over the reigns of the pioneering folks!
We owe a lot to the four Rollond families (Kev and Sue pictured now retired into the best country town in Oz) who took us on initially add Derek and Stella Edwards, Ray and Bonnie Arnold, Wayne and Chris Walter Mike Welke and Leon Bowman that realised a two week classing stint annually for years.
Since then the list grew including Derella Downs Pyramid Poll Merino, Penrose Poll Merino, the Nick and Karina Ruddenklau managed EPASCO, Leigh and Karina West, Gibson, the Munglinup based Fetherstonhaugh family, Alan and Di Bassham and the Tihan Giliomee managed flock of Nev Welke’s.
The word spread into other areas of WA with the John and Felicity Beasley managed Frankland River Grazings’ Westfield property at Frankland, Brookdale Poll near Arthur River, Wayne Girando near Dinninup, Challara Poll Merino Stud and just recently, the Noel and Sandra Fowler family’s Rapanui just out of Williams all part of our exciting list.
The friendships sustained I hold in high regard as there have been almost forty year relationships with some that still continue today. Hospitality to the max add a car here and there instead of wasting valuable dosh on a hire version, use of Esperance town houses instead of motels and free booze and tucker added to the enjoyment!! (kidding)
… and that jewel of a town Esperance what can I say!
