We first met Dave Lindner while researching the story of Sweetheart, the notorious boat-flipping saltwater crocodile captured on the Finniss River in 1979.
Like many Territory bushmen of his generation, Dave says what he thinks. There is no sales pitch, no polished version of events and little interest in impressing anyone. If he thinks you're wrong, he'll tell you.
We've found the best way to approach men like Dave is to be straightforward. Ask direct questions and expect direct answers. They generally have little patience for fluff but appreciate an honest conversation.
One thing that stood out during our interactions with Dave, was his daily journaling. He has kept handwritten notes for decades, recording events, observations and day to day happenings.
Many of the wildlife rangers from that era maintained similar records. Alan Morton, who was involved in the Sweetheart capture operation, typed detailed field notes from the day. Those notes still exist today and provide a firsthand account of what occurred.
When researching historical events, materials like this are high value.
Not every moment was serious. During one interview on a remote floodplain, Dave's mobile phone started ringing. Watching him wrestle with a smartphone while trying to continue the interview was worth a laugh.
Image: Roy Wright - Former poacher and old enemy of Dave's (Friends in the present day) - Image by Wild Creek.