The Heart Behind Boots of Courage
My name is Courtney, and I’m a Kiwi who spent my childhood dreaming of the Australian outback. In 2021, I finally took the leap and joined one of Australia’s largest family-owned cattle stations in the Northern Territory.
What started as a one-year adventure quickly grew into several years of lessons that changed my life forever. Station life was tough, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming — but it taught me the kind of strength you can’t get from books or classrooms.
Why Boots of Courage?
The name comes from an idea I hold close: courage isn’t a feeling — it’s a choice. It often feels like fear, doubt, or uncertainty. But true courage is deciding to take the next step anyway.
When we put on our “boots of courage,” we build confidence and inner strength that carry us far beyond the outback. Whether it’s learning how to change a tyre, crack a whip, or simply face an uncomfortable moment — courage is a skill that can be practised and strengthened over time.
Our Mission
At Boots of Courage, my mission is simple:
To create safe, supportive spaces where young people and women can learn practical skills, step outside their comfort zone, and leave with a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.
Our Values
Everything we do at Boots of Courage is built on the values I learned in the stockcamps of the Northern Territory.
Courage
True courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s choosing to take the next step even when you’re unsure. Every challenge faced in our programs is an opportunity to practise that choice and grow stronger for it.
Teamwork
On a station, no job is done alone. Supporting each other, communicating, and working side by side builds trust and bonds that last well beyond the program.
Perseverance
Life on the land teaches you to keep going when things get tough. At Boots of Courage, we encourage participants to push through challenges and discover the satisfaction that comes from not giving up.
Resilience
Things don’t always go to plan — and that’s okay. Resilience is the ability to get back up, try again, and keep moving forward with determination. It’s a skill that prepares us for life’s ups and downs.
Pride
Pride isn’t just about the outcome, it’s about the effort, the learning, and the growth along the way. We celebrate every achievement, big or small, because every step forward matters.
Looking Forward
Boots of Courage isn’t just about teaching skills — it’s about shaping lives. Every program is designed to give participants more than practical knowledge; it’s about walking away with independence, self-belief, and the courage to face the next challenge head-on.
I can’t wait to share this journey with you.