The beauty of bush living

Elly Shurey has always had an immense passion for the outdoors. Since she was a little girl, growing up on a property in Irymple, Elly has developed a strong sense of appreciation for her surroundings and cherishes the region she calls home. Elly sat with Danielle Wilcock to discuss her love for animals and the bush, as well as the home 30km from Mildura she now shares with her long term partner Jack.

ELLY Shurey’s childhood was filled with much “adventure” and “outdoors exploration”. 

Alongside her younger brother Hayden and parents Susie and Andrew, they frequently camped, kayaked and bush walked. 

Elly talks fondly of her childhood memories.

“My childhood was magical. I am so grateful for everything,” she says.

“We were outdoor kids, we lived on a larger property in Irymple first. Mum had a beautiful garden.

“Then we moved out to Red Cliffs and Mum and Dad turned the garden there into something absolutely incredible.”

Elly explains how her parents placed great importance on both their children being among the natural habitats in which they lived.

“We always grew up riding our bikes, being out in the garden, in the dirt and the mud,” Elly says.

“We would always be exploring, camping, fishing, bush walking.

“I’ve always been out the bush and in the sticks, or by the river.” 

She explains how animals have always been a prominent part of her life. 

Since she can remember, ownership of snakes, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs and lizards has always been the ‘norm’.

“Mum and Dad let my brother and I have all kinds of pets,” she says.

“I’ve always loved animals, I’ve always been drawn to them.

“We’ve had all kinds of animals, such as ducks, rabbits and cats. We’ve rescued a lot of animals too including a silver crested cockatoo.”

Elly possesses a refreshingly positive outlook on life and the experiences it provides.

She focuses on the good and tries vehemently to avoid and ignore the added pressures of today’s society. 

She credits her outlook on life to her parents.

“I feel that we should all embrace the world we live in,” Elly says.

“People tend to shut off from the things that are difficult and they want to ignore because it’s too much.

“People are focused on materialistic things and everybody is so judgmental in today’s society.

“I value and appreciate the outdoors and the world we live, which is something I absolutely thank my parents for.

“I am so tremendously grateful to them for the childhood we had and the upbringing they gave me and my brother. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.”

She talks about her brother Hayden and the bond they share.

“My brother is my rock,” Elly says.

“We have a really special relationship and we really understand each other.”

Elly’s appreciation for the bush and the way of life it affords has always been at the forefront of her mind. 

The life she now shares with her partner of four-and-half years Jack is something she has always dreamed of, but Elly wishes there was more exposure and education for those who may be out of touch when it comes to the hardships for those living in rural Australia.

She believes there is a disconnect between city and regional Australia.

“I think that there should be more out there about rural Australia, stories should be more accessible,” she says.

“I always like to read about families that are even further out than we are, that are doing it far tougher than we are.”

Elly shares a home that requires daily upkeep, maintenance and hard work, as do all agricultural properties. 

But she insists that this is the only life she has ever dreamed of.

“I’ve always wanted to live out bush and adopt that way of life. It’s all I’ve ever really known since growing up,” she says.

They not only share their home together, but each have many unique and equally interesting pets that she admits they could not be without.

Elly and Jack both have snakes. 

“My girl, Ayahna is a hypo bredli python,” Elly says.

“She has very unique markings. Traditionally bredli pythons have black around her markings but she is bred to not have these. They’re bred to be more appealing. 

“I love her. She sits with me and wraps herself around my tummy.

“I take her out in the garden for some Vitamin D, while watching always for birds of prey. She loves venturing outdoors.”

As well as their two household snakes, Elly also has a hand-rearer princess parrot named Skye.

“She is 16 and she is a blue morphe. She’s just beautiful,” Elly says.

Their household doesn’t stop there.

Elly goes on to talk about more pet animals that she quite clearly adores.

“I also have a pet lamb that I hand-reared – he’s called Lamby.,” Elly says. “And he comes when I call his name. He came from out in the paddock, he was abandoned. There were triplets and the mother just couldn’t feed all three.

“When he was a lot younger he would follow me from his pen and he’d wait for me to microwave his bottle. He’s beautiful. He socialises with all the other animals and he loves dogs.

“Then I have Dusty my border collie. I got her from a really great breeder in Adelaide.

“He’s very cute, he is my soul dog, he’s very special and has human eyes. Dusty knows me so well. If I’m having a bad day, he will sit at my feet and put his hand on my leg.

“We also have four cows.”

Elly’s way of life to her is idyllic.

It’s exactly what she would want it to be, which is in stark contrast to some. 

But what can be said for both Elly and her partner, is they love the life they share together and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I work in town so I love that I am able to get away from that,” Elly says. 

“I drive home and I hear the birds, feel the wind and the fresh air. It’s amazing.

“I love having that balance, I think it’s really important. If I could stay where we are, living this way of life forever, I would be completely content.”