Original Broadcast on SBS Television
2003

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Synopsis

‘Helen McCarthy is a sixty four year old drover who has been living on the road with her cattle, her dogs, a goat and a donkey for the last eight years. Every cow has a name and the bond she shares with her animals is strong and touching. Helen believes that it was the cattle who ‘saved her life’ when she lost her farm to the bank.

As the drought tightens it stranglehold on the country, Helen finds herself in an exhausting battle to keep her animals alive. One by one her cows start dropping from malnutrition and Helen is faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether to send her animals to the abattoir or to try and struggle on and save their lives as they once saved hers. The only salvation for Helen and her cattle would be a break in the drought.

The Drover’s Dilemma tracks Helen’s journey over a six-month period through Australia’s worst drought. At the beginning off the film Helen is relaxed and cheerful but as the months pass, the drought worsens. As Helen’s cows start dying, we see a rapid deterioration in her physical and mental health. The change is marked and startling. The film draws to a close with a dramatic and emotional climax.

Running Time: 26 minutes