Quirindi High School principal, Ian Worley, couldn’t be happier to become a student again.

And this time, he has swapped the classroom on Kamilaroi country, for the farm.

Living on 1800 acres and in the market for a new working dog, Mr Worley decided to apply for the ABC’s television program Muster Dogs.

“The experience was great because it put me back in the space of being a student and understanding again what it is like to be a student and trying to learn,” Mr Worley said.

The television series follows six farmers who, for the first time, will be mentored by expert trainers as they guide their pups to become the ultimate muster dogs.

There was one aspect of the television program that surprised Mr Worley the most.

“As a teacher, I think we make quite reasonable students,” he said.

“I think that teachers are quite open to learning new things and that’s part of why we like to teach, but it did surprise me how open I was to learn new things and openly wanting to do that.”

His red and tan kelpie is named Buruma, the Kamilaroi word for dog.

“He’s really friendly, really happy, really enjoys being around people but above all, he’s a fantastic work dog and a good friend,” Mr Worley said.

Buruma has also become well acquainted with the school campus, comfortable in the classroom, and well-loved by Quirindi High School students.

“He’s a known character there, as we are a rural school, a lot of the kids have their own working dogs as well, so they are familiar with the process,” he said.

Being followed around by a camera crew isn’t something the principal was used to, but he enjoyed the experience immensely.

“Knowing that everything you’re doing will be critiqued by potentially several million people is a little bit daunting,” he said.

Mr Worley is looking forward to showcasing the life of living and working in rural New South Wales and to encourage others to make the move.

Season 4 of Muster Dogs premieres on Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 7:30 PM on ABC TV and ABC Iview.