At 94, cowboy Jim O'Connor is an outback poet and legend

In the Australian outback, a 94-year-old cowboy named Jim O Connor continues to be a beloved figure and poet to those around him. Although too old to participate in cattle musters, he entertains his fellow stockmen with his recitations of classic bush verse and original poems, despite having never learned to read or write. Raised on a sheep station in Far West New South Wales, Jim developed a deep understanding of the land and animals at a young age.

He spent a nine-month period alone during a severe drought, learning to survive in one of Australia's harshest environments. Jim's ability to inspire others is evident in his grandson Daniel, who credits his grandfather's belief in others' capabilities for shaping his own character. In 2023, Jim was inducted into the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, a recognition of his profound understanding of the pastoral industry and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of livestock and his community.