Walkerston Country Meats’ owner Jodie Bussey on women in the meat industry

The Walkerston butcher began her career 24 years ago, working as one of eight women among hundreds of men. Now Jodie Bussey is the boss of busting up.

Jodie Bussey started her career in blood and bones working as one of only eight women alongside hundreds of men.

After leaving high school in Year 8, Mrs Bussey put on her boots and gloves and took up work at Tancred’s abattoir in Pentland.

“It was when they started putting women out on the slicers out at the meatworks,” Mrs Bussey said.

“I learnt slicing out there.”

Walkerston Country Meats owner Jodie Bussey. Picture: Lillian Watkins

She continued her trade when she moved to Mackay a few years later, and began work at the Borthwicks abattoir in Bakers Creek, eventually taking up an apprenticeship as a butcher.

“There were a few other women who did it, most did a cert three,” she said.

But because of her experience in the meat works, Mrs Bussey went on to complete her certificate four, meaning she became proficient at “busting up bodies”.

Walkerston Country Meats owner Jodie Bussey's son Jake Bussey. Picture: Lillian Watkins

“Everything comes in whole, so you have to bust it down,” she said.

“Boning them out, trimming them out, slicing them all up.

“Boning out chickens, busting up pigs and lambs.

Despite the hard and messy work, Mrs Bussey maintains “it doesn’t have to be a man’s job”.

Walkerston Country Meats employee Tim Roolan. Picture: Lillian Watkins

She has worked in Walkerston for almost 20 years and took over Walkerston Country Meats from Ray Villain about eight years ago.

Mrs Bussey was proud to say many of the original staff had stayed on.

Employee Chris Pollard was full of praise for her boss.

“She’s amazing, it’s the best place to work,” Mrs Pollard said.

“You don’t get that very often.”