Westies were small scale farmers. They grew food in their backyards, made and made do. They helped each other. Women and children worked. Their labour was necessary for both the smooth running of households and many businesses. Dairy production called for physical strength and endurance. Everyday tasks like keeping food cool using evaporating water technologies and trapping insect pests with sugar water created constant work.

Cleared lands, creeks and the slopes of Sugarloaf were alive with resources. Westy is surrounded by bushland. Wild rabbit, or underground mutton, and fish from Salty Creek fed many Westies in lean years. Powered mills, pit sawing operations and individual efforts provided timber for buildings, furniture and pit props.

Children trapped small birds for sale and to keep as pets in backyard aviaries. Native red browed and double barred finches endemic to local bushland were popular pets. Children collected mushrooms, blackberries and other wild grown foods in season.