I did find the Michael Dransfield poem I was looking for. It's called "Outback" and it is resonant with images and historical references to the rocket range at Woomera. So much so, that I now must find out whether he went to the red South Australian desert, and when. Fortunately there is a new biography out that may provide answers.
Did I mention that I am back in Adelaide? I've been thinking about Alf Watt, secretary of the South Australian branch of the Communist Party of Australia when Woomera was established. I want to know more about him also.