Quit Ya Whingeing — Start Bloody Talking

Let’s rip into it.

There’s a fine line in our industry between having a good ol’ whinge and actually doing something about what’s pissing you off. And I get it — life in the sheds, on the farms, or just bloody existing some days — it can be hard yakka.

But here’s the truth: moaning without action gets you nowhere, fast. Talking, though? That’s where the gold is.

We’ve All Got Shit Going On

Mental health. Shit work conditions. Injuries. Addictions. Stress. Money trouble. Your guts is churning, your missus is over it, and you’re on your fifth V before 7am, just to make it through the first run. Sound familiar?

We act like talking about that stuff is weak, like you’re soft if you say, “Hey bro, I’m not doing so flash.” But fuck that. You know what’s weak? Bottling it up ‘til you snap at your team mate, punch a hole in the wall at the quarters, or ghost the whole crew all day without a word.

You can’t fix what you don’t talk about. And you sure as shit can’t expect others to magically know what you need if you never open your mouth.

Whingeing vs Talking — There’s a Difference

Let’s get this straight:

• Whingeing is complaining for the sake of it, without any intention of change.

• Talking is saying, “This is what’s going on, and I want to make it better.”

One makes your crew roll their eyes behind your back. The other makes them listen and respect you.

And it’s not just about your problems. If something in the shed is unsafe, if someone’s on the gear and making it dodgy for the rest of the crew, if the farmer’s expectations are cooked — don’t just bitch about it at smoko. Speak up. To the right people. In the right way. That’s how we lift the game for everyone.

Our Game’s Tough Enough Already

Shearing, farming, bloody rural life — it’s not easy. It’s physically brutal, mentally draining, and emotionally isolating if you’re not careful. We don’t need to make it any harder by holding it all in or exploding like a bloody pressure cooker.

We need safe sheds, good kai, fair pay, and people who’ve got each other’s backs. But most of all, we need open mouths and open ears.

Talking Helped Me Out

I’ve never really been a moaner. Not the type to stand around having a sook or bitch about everything. But I’ll be honest — I’ve also never been that great at talking about what bugs me either. I’d just carry on, head down, keep it to myself. Reckoned I’d deal with it later… or not at all.

But over the years, I’ve figured out that that shit builds up. And when it does come out, it ain’t pretty. It usually ends up flying sideways at family or someone who didn’t deserve it.

Talking, when I actually started doing it, made a massive difference. Not venting for the sake of it. Proper, honest chat. Admitting when things were too much. Saying when something wasn’t working. Reaching out when I didn’t have the answer. Admitting when I was wrong. That’s when things started shifting for me. It helped. Heaps.

I felt lighter. I got better support. And people respected it, not judged it — turns out more folks are feeling the same way, they just don’t always know how to say it either.

How to Talk Properly (Without Starting a Punch-Up)

Here’s the thing — talking is powerful, but only if you do it right. Otherwise, it turns into a bitch session, an argument, or worse, a stand-off where no one wins. So how do we have the hard conversations in a way that actually works?

1. Pick Your Moment — Timing Matters

If you’ve just had a blowout with the farmer or the sheep are dealing to you, it’s probably not the best time to let rip. Wait until you’ve cooled down, had a feed, or you’re on neutral ground. Even a walk and a chat outside the shed can do wonders.

2. Speak From Your Side of the Fence

Don’t start with “You always” or “You never” — that just puts the other bugger on the defensive and gets hackles up straight away! Try “I’ve been finding it hard when...” or “I’m feeling like…” It keeps it about your experience and takes the sting out.

3. Offer Something Useful, Not Just a Spray

If you’re raising an issue, chuck in a possible fix. Even if it’s just “Could we try it this way?” It shows you’re not just moaning — you’re thinking forward. You’re trying to make the job or the day better, not just make someone feel like shit.

4. Be Open to Pushback — You’re Not Always Right

This one’s big. Just because you feel something doesn’t mean it’s gospel. Be open to hearing another perspective. You might have missed something, or your way might not actually be the best way (hard pill to swallow, I know).

There’s more than one way to skin a cat. Just ‘cause you’ve always done it a certain way doesn’t mean there’s not a better, safer, or fairer way now.

5. Drop the Ego, Not Your Standards

You can want things to be better without acting like you’ve got all the answers. Strong people ask questions. Smart people listen. Tough crews have hard convos without the ego trips.

6. Two Ears, One Mouth — Use Them in Proportion

Talking is a two-way street. If someone brings something up with you, don’t roll your eyes or shoot them down. Hear them. Really hear them. You don’t have to agree with every word, but respect that they’re trusting you with their honesty.

Even if you’re the boss, you’re not above a bit of feedback. And if you’re on the tools, remember your words hold weight too — but how you say it matters.

7. Don’t Let It Fester

That little issue you brushed under the carpet last week? That’s the shit that turns into blowups, walkouts, or people just quietly checking out. Talk early. Talk often. It’s like docking lambs — leave it too long and it turns into a mess.

This Applies to Everything — Good and Bad

This whole “talking” thing isn’t just about when stuff’s gone to shit. It’s just as important to talk about the good stuff too.

Had a ripper day? Felt strong on the handpiece? Nailed your press weights? Finally got that debt paid off? Bloody talk about it! Celebrate it! Small wins, big wins — whatever they are, share them around. They matter. Saying “I’m proud of that” or “That felt good today” helps you build confidence, keeps morale up, and shows others what’s possible. It also opens the door for someone else to say, “Yeah bro, I’ve been working on that too” or “Good shit — I needed to hear that.”

We’re in a game where you get knocked around — mentally, physically, emotionally — so when something goes right, make some noise about it. It balances things out.

And when things aren’t going so flash? Same deal. Talk about it. Mental health, sore bodies, tough days, pressure at home, bad habits creeping in — get it out before it eats you from the inside out.

Bottom line? Talking should be normal. Not just when you’re down and out, but every bloody day. That’s how we build strong teams, strong minds, and strong people.

Handy Hints for Talking it Out (Without It Going Sideways)

We’ve all heard “just talk about it” – but that’s easier said than done when you’re knee-deep in dags, running on fumes, or dealing with someone who makes you want to pull your hair out. So here’s some practical stuff that actually works:

Use the Right Process for the Right Problem

1. Quick Check-Ins – For everyday vibes

• Use when: Someone seems off, distracted, or just quiet.

• Example: Over breakfast, smoko, or packing up gear – “You sweet as today bro?” or “You looked a bit rattly this arvo, all good?”

• Why it works: It’s casual and non-threatening. Might open the door without needing a big sit-down.

2. Debrief Sessions – After a tough day or a rough patch

• Use when: There’s been tension, a close call, or something went wrong (e.g., a grumpy farmer, or a blue between team mates).

• Example: “That job was a shit-show. Let’s have a 5-min chat before we move on. What worked, what didn’t, what do we fix?”

• Why it works: Everyone gets a voice. It stops the same shit from happening again and builds team accountability.

3. Private Yarn – When something’s eating at you

• Use when: There’s a deeper issue (mental health, family dramas, addiction, feeling isolated, etc.)

• Example: “Hey mate, you got 5 after this run? Need a quick yarn, just something on my mind.”

• Why it works: It shows respect and trust. Keeps it between you two. Doesn’t blindside them or drag others into it.

4. Suggestion Box Style – For when it’s not urgent but needs saying

• Use when: You’ve got an idea or concern (e.g. food portions, bathroom setup, music volume) that’s not make-or-break but adds up.

• Example: Write it down or chuck it in a team chat. “Hey, reckon we could get some more lunch options?”

• Why it works: Stops the little things from becoming big blow-ups. Shows you’re thinking about the team, not just yourself.

Keep It Short and Real

You don’t need a Ted Talk. Most good conversations start with one honest sentence.

• “I’ve been feeling off lately, just needed to say it.”

• “I’m struggling a bit, not sure what to do.”

• “I reckon we can do that job better – can we talk it through?”

Start With the End in Mind

What do you want out of the chat?

• To be heard? Say that. “I don’t need an answer, I just need to get this off my chest.”

• To change something? Be clear. “This isn’t working — can we try this way instead?”

• To help someone else? Offer, don’t force. “If you ever need to talk, I’m around.”

Don’t Let It Stew

If you leave it too long, it gets heavy. You overthink it. You blow it up bigger than it is. Then, when it finally comes out, it’s more like a volcano than some measured chat.

If something’s bugging you for more than a day or two, say something. Don’t wait until you’re three beers deep at the pub and let it fly the wrong way. That's when shit goes pear-shaped for everyone!

Get Comfortable With Awkward

Not every conversation will feel perfect. That’s alright. It’s not about saying everything the right way — it’s about being honest, real, and willing to listen.

If you stumble, if you cry, if you say the wrong thing — who gives a shit? You’re trying. That’s what counts.

Use Tools if You Need Them

Don’t know how to start? Write it down. Use text. Send a voice memo. Hell, send someone this blog and say, “This is what I’ve been trying to say.”

You can even tee up a mediator — a mate, team leader, or someone neutral — to help get things out in a safe way.

Final Word

We all carry stuff. But if we want better sheds, better teams, better lives, better mates, even better selves — we have to stop moaning and start talking. Talking brings clarity. Solutions. Connection. Relief. It’s the first step to making anything better.

So next time you feel the moan building, catch it. Ask yourself — is this helping or just adding to the noise?

And if you need a yarn, flick us a message. No judgment. Just straight-up, hard-earned understanding from someone who's been there, still going, and still talking.

We’re all in this shit together. Let’s start the chat!