Cattleman David Warriner remembered for his proud service to the Territory industry

The Northern Territory and key cattle industry players are mourning the death of one of their own.

The Northern Territory’s cattle industry is mourning the death of pioneering Territorian David Warriner, who died last week after a long illness.

Born in Alice Springs in 1965, David delivered decades of service to the Territory’s cattle industry.

He headed the NT Cattlemen’s Association and NT Live Exporters’ Association and was general manager at the Tipperary Group, which managed Tipperary, Elizabeth Downs, Douglas and Litchfield stations.

He also worked for years in various positions with the Kerry Packer-owned Consolidated Pastoral Company and the Consolidated Meat Group and was a childhood friend of James Packer.

David Warriner has passed away.

He headed the local fightback against federal Labor’s 2012 Indonesian live cattle export ban and was also primary industries adviser to former CLP minister Gary Higgins.

David’s father Ken managed Kenmore Park station before moving to Mt House Station in the Kimberley and then Brunette Downs on the Barkly Tableland.

After leaving school in Queensland, David went to Humbert River station to learn the cattle business by working as a jackaroo, tank builder and drover.

It was here he met his future wife Gina, when she was working as a cook while travelling around Australia.

DW’s Agricon, his business, was regarded industry-wide for its cutting-edge approach to developing the sector.

NT Cattlemen's Association chief executive officer Romy Carey.

NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Romy Carey contacted stakeholders by email on Monday with the sad news.

“The Warriner family is incredibly saddened by the loss of David, who has dedicated much of his life to Australia’s northern beef industry,” she said.

“Carrying an incurable illness for several years did not halt David’s love, passion and advocacy for the bush. His incisive mind, inimitable and irrepressible humour, courage, tenacity and stoicism leaves a profound legacy.

“Only two months ago David received a Life Membership to the NT Cattleman’s Association, honouring his extraordinary contribution to industry on the national and world stage, and for his fearless presidential leadership.”

Tipperary manager and former NT Cattlemen's Association president David Connolly.

Current Tipperary manager and former NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive David Connolly, who attended The Southport School on the Gold Coast with Mr Warriner, paid tribute.

David Warriner was a true cattleman at heart,” Mr Connolly said. “He grew up in the bush, and lived in the bush.

“He was involved in agropolitics in the bush and he always believed in a fair go for rural people and people who lived in the bush. He was a fine cattleman and horseman and I pay tribute to his extended family. It will be a big loss to the cattle industry.”

In a 2014 interview with Territory Q magazine, Mr Warriner recalled how he was one of a handful of non-Aboriginal people living in Central Australia.

“Life was very simple for us all when we were little kids,” he said.

“The Aboriginal people went hunting for food in the traditional way and often took us along. There were plenty of corroborees at night time.

“It was all such a great thing to experience so rare and mostly lost nowadays.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Gerard Maley expressed deep saddeness at the passing of Mr Warriner.

“David was a respected and passionate leader whose lifelong dedication helped shaped the northern Australian beef industry,” Mr Maley said.

“His commitment, integrity, and vision left an enduring legacy.”

A funeral service will be held on Friday May 16 in Noosaville, Queensland.

A livestream link will be made available for those unable to attend.