Life on the Land

Melissa Neilsen is a remarkable woman whose journey has taken her from the small Central Queensland town of Biloela, to the expansive plains of North Western Queensland. Growing up on a hobby farm, she’s now settled on some 60,000 acres with her husband, Stewart, and their three children, where they farm Brahman beef cattle.⁠ ⁠She’s a mother, wife, and the driving force behind Rural Women’s Exercise, an online fitness group focused on postpartum recovery, after her own experience with pelvic floor dysfunction following the birth of her third.⁠ ⁠Melissa is also navigating the complex, often overwhelming journey of securing resources, education, and support for her second child, who has autism and ADHD- a challenge that is both frustrating and all-consuming.⁠ ⁠Through it all, she remains a fierce advocate for rural women, mothers, and families facing unique obstacles in both the home and the broader community.⁠ In this season of Life on the Land, we’re shining a light on the new generation of women on the land in Australia.

Chanel Bowen is a producer and film maker based in Western Australia. The 31-year-old was awarded the Australians In Film Screenworks Regional Screen internship in 2022 -  going on to intern in Hollywood - and has worked on films like Mystery Road and High Ground; all while living and travelling from her home outside Dunsborough in the south west. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for this creative, who acquired a traumatic brain injury after an accident five years ago. In this episode, Chanel takes our host Em Herbert through her candid approach to life and how she uses her work to champion others living with disability — combining her passions as a lived experience advocate to ensure greater representation on screen. This season of Life on the Land is centred around the stories of the next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re disruptors, thought leaders and changemakers.

Five years ago, Jackie Elliott took the ultimate leap of faith. Despite being in a loving relationship, surrounded by good people, she felt isolated in her community and it was starting to effect her mental health.  The then 25-year-old with no experience planning events did something very brave. She put herself out there, hosting the inaugural Rural Women's Day event and watched the ripples expand throughout her community.    Now, Rural Women’s Day Ltd is a registered not-for-profit, with events across Australia designed to connect country women with community, collaboration and celebration. This season Life on the Land is focusing on stories around the extraordinary next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re disruptors, thought leaders and changemakers. Our host Em Herbert sat down with Jackie after a Rural Women's Day event at Kimba, in South Australia.

Heidi Trusler knows all too well the challenges of getting consistent, quality health care in the bush. But instead of relying on other people to solve the problem, she founded the second online health service in Australia, POP. With 64 speech pathologists on staff, Heidi ironed out the kinks of telehealth operation well before the COVID pandemic and has assisted over 3000 families to access better care. In this episode, Sammie O’Brien discovers Heidi’s passion and motivation come from a childhood in remote western Queensland watching her parents struggle with getting assistance for her brother Jack, who has Down Syndrome. In this season of Life on the Land, we’re shining a light on the new generation of women on the land in Australia. Heidi is one of these dynamic and resilient forces reshaping agriculture and rural communities, bringing fresh perspectives and contributions that go far beyond traditional roles.

Did you know a teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than there are people on the planet? Tegan Nock does. The 33-year-old has made the jump from farmer to founder – her company, LoamBio raising $105-million last year in its series B investment raise. Based in Orange, NSW, LoamBio is breaking new ground with a world-first technology which uses fungi to trap carbon and improve soil health. The company says its biological seed treatment could turn the world’s croplands into giant carbon sinks – which farmers can monetise and trade. This series of Graziher's Life on the Land is focusing on stories around the extraordinary next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re whip smart and ready to change the world.

Pip Kensit is one of those remarkable women who can draw inspiration from whatever surroundings she finds herself. Be it during her idylic childhood on a sheep and cattle property in country New South Wales, or living with a Maasai tribe in Kenya or witnessing traumatic health events in remote Australia, Pip allows her experiences to drive her to better the world around her. A registered nurse with a Master’s in International Public Health and Health Leadership and Managment, Pip has worked extensively in regional and remote communities and developing countries, and is currently working part time at the Rural Doctors Network, as well as various other leadership roles in rural health organizations. In this episode Pip speaks to our host Sammie O'Brien about why she is now pursuing a degree in medicine and how she is taking the next generation of rural health professionals with her.

To say that Ella Edwards is fiercly passionate about regenerative agriculture is an understatement. She believes that's not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic imperative. Ella grew up on Bohara, her family’s sheep station on the Southern Tablelands of NSW between Goulbourn and Yass. The 31-year-old now works for Sydney based climate change advisory company Pollination, travelling back to the farm every second weekend, often helping with mustering, lambing or the shearing of the family’s 8000 superfine merinos. In this episode Ella talks to our host Em Herbert about what drives her passion and mythbusts some of the common misconceptions around the regenerative concept. This episode is proudly sponsored by Stetson.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. Did you know as a nation, we consume a staggering 336-million tins of tuna a year – roughly the same weight as the harbour bridge? And that 99 per cent of the 50,000 tonnes of tinned tuna Aussies eat annually is imported? With less than a third of that certified as sustainably fished. In this episode you'll meet Kate Lamason, the Queensland winner of the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award. It's these statistics that blew her mind and reeled her in to start her business, Little Tuna – to get Aussie tuna on Aussie shelves. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Rebecca Keeley, the 2024 New South Wales winner. Rebecca is fiercely passionate about closing the gap for regional and remote children being able to access speech pathology. Studies show that aussie kids are on average waiting 20 months for a speech pathology assessment - and a further 20 months before they receive intervention. For example, that means a two-year-old with delayed speech, is nearly six before they’re being seen face to face – the ripple effect of that delayed intervention seen throughout their formative years and beyond. The cost of these services are prohibative to many regional and remote families who would also need to travel huge distances to access services. This is not good enough for Rebecca Keeley. The speech pathologist has launched her startup, Yarn, which offers digital speech pathology programs to families while they wait to see a specialist in person. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Belle Binder, the 2024 Tasmanian winner. Belle has established the Farm Work Loop, a first-of-its-kind proactive approach that blends work, travel and community by providing continued employment across diverse farms and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Grace Larson, the 2024 Victorian winner, who founded the Sisterhood Project with her with her sister Skye. She’s in conversation with Em Herbert. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia. With more than 68,000 Australian children hospitalised from accidents every year, first-aid training can be the difference between life and death. Yet the financial barrier can be prohibitive. This is where Grace Larson steps in. Living on a small heritage apple orchard outside Mia Mia in regional Victoria with her husband Steven and three children, Grace has 17 years’ experience working across paediatric intensive care units. This nurse is passionate about improving the lives of children — especially those living in the bush.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Tanya Egerton, the 2024 Northern Territory winner. She's been recognised for her sustainable, ethical, and culturally-focused Indigenous enterprise, the Remote OpShop Project and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia. As the CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, Tanya is supporting the establishment of op shops in remote First Nations communities, providing access to affordable items, while generating independent funding that supports culturally-focused projects.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Nikki Atkinson, the 2024 Victorian winner who is asking brides across Australia to say ‘Yes to the wool dress’. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises the women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia. The fashion designer is blazing a new trail in the world of bridal couture with her Horrocks Vale Collections — a stunning wedding collection made in Australia with Australian super fine Merino wool. Nikki lives on a sheep property, southwest of Port Augusta in South Australia, where she runs fine Merino wool sheep with her husband, Dallas. She's in conversation with Em Herbert.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast. In this episode you'll meet Mandy Walker, the 2024 Western Australian winner who is supporting regional businesses to diversify and flourish, in conversation with Sammie O'Brien. The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. The award recognises the women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia. Mandy Walker co-owns Walkers Diesel Services in Wongan Hills, a town 185 kilometres north-east of Perth in Western Australia. She's a passionate advocate for family business in regional areas and has developed a game-changing business model for other engineering enterprises in the Wheatbelt.

Leila McDougall… There’s not a lot she hasn’t done. In her own words, she’s had ‘a very elaborate career path’. Fashion designer, school teacher, showgirl, and now film maker; the latter, possibly her greatest role yet.   Just a Farmer is an independent film, set in rural Victoria, exploring ‘generational trauma, love, loss, and the undeniable resilience of a farming community in the face of tragedy’. It’s a must watch, a difficult watch at times, but brilliant none the less.    Growing up on a property in Walcha, in the New England area of New South Wales, Leila was driven to not only produce but star in the film through her own personal experiences with mental health. Despite having no prior experience, Leila is completely incredible in her starring role in the film, and beautifully depicts the challenges of rural life.  This episode is brought to you thanks to the support of Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association. Are you ready for a winter escape? Welcome to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales' premier wine region. Picture this: crisp winter air, beautiful shiraz and cozy fireside lounges. It’s the perfect getaway. Enjoy wine tastings at award-winning wineries and savour gourmet food crafted from local produce. Need some adventure? Try hot air ballooning over vineyards or unwind with a spa day at luxurious retreats. So, pack your bags and discover the magic of Hunter Valley this winter. Visit winecountry.com.au/winter to plan your trip today. Here's to the good life!

Steph Trethewey is no stranger to Graziher’s Life on the Land subscribers. The accomplished journalist was awarded the AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year in 2022 and she was also crowned the 2024 Tasmanian of the Year. Her online community Motherland has been a tremendous support for hundreds of Australian women and she’s told countless stories through her popular podcast of the same name. Following her recent involvement on a panel discussion at Graziher’s Up Early event at Beef 2024, Steph talks to host Sammie O’Brien about how life has changed following her successes.

Julie McDonald is one of Australia’s most impressive beef industry leaders. Wonderfully down to earth and wildly intelligent, Julie’s humble and optimistic personality is captivating. She is the CFO of one of Australia's largest privately owned beef enterprises, McDonald Holdings, and is a brilliant advocate for encouraging the next generation to excel in the agricultural industry. In this episode, she’s in conversation with Sammie O’Brien about what makes her tick, her hopes for her four daughters and what she thinks the future looks like for the beef industry.  This week’s podcast is brought to you by our Up Early Gold Sponsor, Australian family-owned jeweller, Calleija. Visit calleija.com

Alison Lester’s books have become iconic staples for many Australian children, making her a household name right across the country. Not only are her timeless tales eagerly awaited as a bedtime story, her words and illustrations are woven into the fabric of so many families’ lives. She’s the cherished author whose stories and illustrations, such as ‘Magic Beach’ and ‘Kissed by the Moon’ filled our childhoods, and now, adorn the bookshelves of our children, evoking waves of nostalgia from our own youthful days. Originally from a picturesque property near Foster in Victoria’s South Gippsland region, where the undulating hills converge with the vast expanse of the sea, Alison now calls Nar Nar Goon North, her home. An hour out of Melbourne in West Gippsland, she, her husband and their horses, revel in the serenity of their sprawling 10-acre property as told to Sammie O’Brien.

Tracey Hayes is one of the Australian beef industry's most esteemed leaders. The mother of four sons who are sixth generation Northern Territorians, she is the Chair of the Federation Board of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and owns and runs a successful small business. Tracey was also the first female CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and a driving force behind the watershed class action against the Federal Government’s 2011 live export ban to Indonesia. Tracey is one of Graziher’s panellists for the Up Early breakfast to be held at Rockhampton’s Beef 2024, an event that sold out so quickly we wanted to make sure you also heard from each of these amazing women here on the podcast. Today’s conversation revolves around picking Tracey’s incredible brain about her business sense, mentors, how we get more female representation around board tables, the importance of superannuation for women who are parenting, the many inroads to a professional career at ANY time of life and what has happened in the three years since we last spoke….

Jessica Bidgood is a cattle producer from Baralaba in Central Queensland and after a couple of decades on the land, is living her best life with her husband John and children Lylia, Zander and Cormac. In this episode, our host Emily Herbert discovers Jess’ sense of purpose, both in business and in their family life The Bidgoods background and trade up to 1500 head of cattle across their three properties – with a big focus on regenerative practices and time-controlled grazing. She has so much knowledge to share in this episode which is truly invaluable.

In the final epsiode of our Summer Series, Graziher's editor Victoria Carey couldn't resist revisiting Lori Pensini’s story. The artwork of the Western Australian artist was featured on the cover of our October/November edition - a first for the publication and a very exciting milestone. Lori's heart belongs to the Western Australian bush. From her Perth upbringing to following her new husband to the isolated expanse of a Kimberly cattle station and now championing regenerative farming in the state’s south, Lori’s devotion to the Australian landscape and it’s people is gorgeously depicted in her art. Her connection to the land runs deep, shaping not only her art, but also the very lens through which she views the world.

Graziher's podcast producer Jayne Cuddihy found Wendy Henning's mantra has stayed with her since the interview first aired. In a world where being busy is a badge of honour - Wendy’s mantra is that if it’s important, then you’ll make time. Wendy and her husband Andrew own and manage a cattle and mixed cropping business at Merchison Park, near Glenmorgan, Queensland. In Wendy’s own words, they are ‘in the middle of everywhere, but not quite anywhere. Two hours to Gundy, two hours to Roma, two hours to Dalby and an hour and ¾ to St George. With four daughters now having flown the coop, Wendy is busier than ever. As a long-term passionate advocate for education, Wendy has spent years with the ICPA (or Isolated Children’s Parents Association), dedicated to ensuring every child, regardless of how they learn, is able to receive a quality education. Wendy was recently elected as President of the Queensland State Council, meaning the balance of business, volunteer roles and travelling time to see her girls just got even more intense!

Graziher's Sammie O'Brien was completely enraptured when she heard Camille McClymont’s story. While her life in Western Australia’s Kimberly region is well reflected in her Instagram posts, ( @thecattlemans_daughter ); the red dust, the blazing sunsets and the days of mustering, it was the candid insight behind the lens that stayed with Sammie. In this episode Camille gives an insight into life managing 10,000 head of cattle spread across 122,000 hectares, during some of the most extreme weather Mother Nature has thrown at them in recent history. She also gives a heart wrenching, yet deeply insightful look into her idyllic childhood preceding a series of devastating twists of fate in her early teens that marked the beginning of a life-threatening eating disorder. This is a story about family, commitment, love and most of all, a truly wonderous sense of belonging.

The story of outback dressmaker Melinda O'Donoghue more than captured the imagination of Graziher Founder Claire Dunne. Melinda is often compared to ‘Cinderella’s fairy godmother’. Known as The Outback Wedding Dressmaker, she’s made close to 300 wedding dresses for country and city brides around the nation — and even some overseas! Melinda is a classically trained seamstress, working alongside the likes of well-known designer Alex Perry in Sydney. Melinda and her husband, Des, now live on a property in Gurley, just over 30 kilometres south of Moree, in New South Wales. This is Melinda’s story of the trials and tribulations of living on the land, coupled with the magic she brings to brides across Australia.

Graziher's Sally Jackson was riveted by the story of rural photographer and farmer Kim Storey. In November 2022, Kim was preparing for a flood, but what she, and her neighbours didn’t know, was that it was a one in 5000-year event. In a matter of hours, Kim went from calmly preparing her property by taking her motorbike and dog next door, to a frantic helicopter evacuation while raging waters lapped at her door. This is the story of how Kim, and her nearby town Eugowra; a small rural community in the Lachlan Valley of central west NSW weathered an extreme weather event and came out the other side.

Graziher's Amie Shann revisits the amazing tale of Sophie Elliott in the first episode of our Life on the Land Summer Series. Sophie's story is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and stands as a poignant reminder that even in the face of formidable challenges, happiness can be found again. A born and bred western Queensland girl, Sophie was working at The Blue Heeler Pub in Kynuna in her early twenties. It was here, that her life would change forever. This is a love story, entwined with tragedy, and a new beginning.

Mental health in the bush has long been a topic of conversation, and it seems we are becoming more aware of the particular challenges of the idea, but are things changing quickly enough and is enough being done in rural Australia to help those most at risk? Originally from the city of Adelaide in South Australia, Steph Schmidt has become a brilliant advocate for changing the narrative and redefining the picture of farming mental health. After overcoming her own setbacks when she moved to the country back in 2011.

Fiona Simson has become a household name in Australia, not least because of her role as the first ever female president of the National Farmers Federation, but for passion and grace while serving in the role. Fiona has orchestrated remarkable positive transformations for the Australian agricultural sector. Originally from a property just outside of Armadale in New South Wales, Fiona met her fourth generation husband Ed in Sydney, before settling at Gunnedah. The fertile black soil of the Liverpool Plains is where they raised their two children, Tom and Jemima, and continue to farm alongside Tom and his young family. Fiona's grounded in affable nature positions her seamlessly as an industry leader, allowing young women around the country to envision a viable career in rural Australia and the agricultural realm.

There’s not a lot that Avelina Tarrago isn’t a strong advocate for. As one of only two female indigenous barristers in Queensland, Avelina has forged an impressive professional path in conjunction with strong social and cultural commitments. In this episode, Avelina, a passionate Wangkamadla Traditional Owner speaks about the barriers for other members of her community to follow in her footsteps, her passion for Bush Heritage and the need for more frank, open conversations about fertility and birth in indigenous communities. Prior to being called to the bar in 2017, Avelina was a federal prosecutor with a Commonwealth director of public prosecutions.

Dalene Wray grew up in the small outback town of Birdsville, in far western Queensland, host of the famous Birdsville races and the Big Red Bash. With an idyllic childhood as one of six children in one of Australia’s most remote yet well-known areas, Dalene was soon curious about the wider world. Starting her career as a radiographer in regional Australian hospitals and then in the United Kingdom, Dalene is now at the helm of Australia’s oldest exporter of organic beef- OBE Organic. With a deep passion for people as well as delicious beef, Dalene drives innovative and progressive company policies and considers influencing government policy a necessity.

Chances are, if you’re living in, or driving through regional and remote parts of Australia, you may have seen a blue tree in a paddock and wondered about it. That tree is one of over a thousand dotted across the countryside. The Blue Tree Project is a mental health charity that flourished from a grass roots movement in regional Western Australia. Kendall is the brains behind the initiative, which came from the tragic and unexpected loss of her brother Jayden to suicide in 2018. Hailing from small country town of Mukinbudin in the Central Wheatbelt in Western Australia, Kendall has achieved a lot in the space of rural mental health in the last four years and was crowed the 2022 WA Young Australian of the Year.

Lori Pensini’s heart belongs to the Western Australian bush. From her Perth upbringing to following her new husband to the isolated expanse of a Kimberly cattle station and now championing regenerative farming in the State’s south- Lori’s devotion to the Australian landscape and it’s people is gorgeously depicted in her art. Her connection to the land runs deep, shaping not only her art, but also the very lens through which she views the world. You may recognise Lori’s name from the latest cover of Graziher. It’s our first ever illustrated cover, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her work showcased in our magazine.

Nikki Davey is the 2023 National Winner of the Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award. This award celebrates and acknowledges the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities and inspires the next generation. Nikki is a co-founder of ‘Grown Not Flown', a digital platform that supports the slow flower movement by connecting flower consumers with local and sustainable producers. The National Winner and Runner Up of the award was announced at a Gala Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra; a night where some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, come together to celebrate all that the agricultural industry has to offer. Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open and will close on Wednesday, 25 October 2023 (Friday, 26 January 2024 for NT Applicants). See the AgriFutures website for more details.

Melissa Duniam is striving to ensure Australian workplaces are healthier and more productive through her design of facilitated equine workshops. The Tasmanian winner of the 2023 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award was shocked by statistics released by Australian mental health support organisation, Beyond Blue that say one in five Australians have taken time off work for anxiety, depression and mental health challenges - while an astonishing 46 per cent consider their work place to be mentally unhealthy. Melissa is a dairy farmer, business consultant and an Equine Assisted Learning facilitator - helping companies and their employees communicate better whilst learning to work alongside horses through her business, Leading Rein. It’s a passion that Melissa never knew could be a career – and was sparked by a transformative crossroads moment in 2016, after suffering a devastating farm accident.

Emma-Louise Gibbons is on a mission to reshape Australia’s pet treat market, with her use of insect protein and local Queensland veggies in her treat business, Huds & Toke. And while she’s at it, she’s going to take on the US pet food market too — worth an estimated $57 billion. Born and raised on a beef cattle and cropping property, the winner of the 2023 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award says growing up in the bush meant she learned to innovate early.

Ali Paulett speaks like her brain works – at a million miles a minute. The South Australian has a plethora of different degrees and diplomas that has seen her work as a horse-riding instructor, a vet nurse, a medical receptionist, a qualified draftswoman and designer, a wine marketer and now a manager at her family’s Clare Valley winery – Paulett’s Wines. The winner of the 2023 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is working alongside local First Nations elders to preserve their history by using beautiful videography storytelling, which will be displayed throughout the bush tucker garden Ali has built next to the family’s cellar door.

The language around grief can be a conundrum- what to say, how to say it, when to say it? But Michelle Moriarty, the Western Australian winner of the AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year has dedicated herself to breaking down the barriers. Unfortunately, it took the sudden death of her partner Nathan to spark the project, but it has blossomed into multifaceted widow support networks and resources. At the forefront of her business, the accredited social worker has tailored her Grief Connect program and also her Grief Language Project into a national service that supports individuals personally.

Michelle Leonard believes everyone can sing. A self-proclaimed ‘relentless optimist’, the founder of Moorambilla Voices and New South Wales finalist for the AgriFutures Australia Rural Woman’s Award is on a mission to electrify the arts in country Australia and bring music to all. For the last 18 years, Michelle has left her home in Sydney for nearly six weeks, driving upwards of 4000 kilometres around New South Wales, across 21 Local Government areas to recruit for her various ensembles. Of the thousands of kids that she coaxes music from, 350 are selected to learn to sing, play drums, to dance and read music – going on to perform throughout the year in venues like Dubbo’s Regional Theatre and Convention centre and this year, the Sydney Opera House.

Eileen Breen is a woman of values, and no matter what curve balls life throws at her, she manages to find success in line with them. Demolition is an interesting industry to work in for someone whose DNA is laced with sustainability – but it’s the inroads she and husband, Gerry are making when it comes to resource recovery and recycling that truly floats the boat of this nature loving business strategist. As the Northern Territory finalist in the AgriFutures Rural Woman’s Award, Eileen wears many hats, but at the core of all her commitments is a belief she can make the world a better place.

Not all flowers are grown equal. Or at least not according to Nikki Davey, a truffle and flower producer from Victoria’s Glenmore. The entrepreneur is the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalist for Victoria for her work co-founding Grown not Flown — a digital platform that supports the slow flower movement, connecting flower consumers with local and sustainable producers. Yet, Nikki never thought she’d come back to the 300-acre property she grew up on — let alone work to make it a viable business. For the last 21 years, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has empowered and celebrated the leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities. Equipped with a $15,000 Westpac grant, each of the state and territory winners are in the running for the national winner and runner up to be announced in September — awarded an additional $20,000 and $15,000 Westpac grant respectively.

Tanya-Lee Holmes often quips that her life really only got started in her 40s. That’s quite a big call when you consider she acquired a life changing disability at 39 and has spent over 20 years as a carer for two children with Cerebral Palsy. Living on a small property outside Bathurst in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, the mother of three has navigated a series of defining events that saw her come out the other side more determined and focussed than ever. But she cites meeting the love of her life at 16 and facing all odds together as a team as one of her greatest achievements.

Sophie Elliott’s story is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and stands as a poignant reminder that even in the face of formidable challenges, happiness can be found again. A born and bred western Queensland girl, Sophie was working at The Blue Heeler Pub in Kynuna in her early twenties. It was here, that her life would change forever. This is a love story, entwined with tragedy, and a new beginning.

From a youth campdrafting and mustering on the family’s 19,000 acre station outside Queensland’s Glenmorgan, to a life under lights co-captaining Australia’s Women’s Rugby 7s team, The Pearls; Demi Hayes is living proof that geographical isolation doesn’t beat talent and hard work. While she now lives a long way from the beef property she grew up on, the 25 year old has taken many lessons with her from paddock to the pitch – including her leadership style learned in the cattle yards, which will see her take her team to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

How Wendy Henning fits all of her commitments into one day is a mystery to most! Wendy and her husband Andrew own and manage a cattle and mixed cropping business at Merchison Park, near Glenmorgan, Queensland. In Wendy’s own words, they are ‘in the middle of everywhere, but not quite anywhere. Two hours to Gundy, two hours to Roma, two hours to Dalby and an hour and ¾ to St George’. With four daughters now having flown the coop, Wendy is busier than ever. As a long-term passionate advocate for education, Wendy has spent years with the ICPA, or Isolated Children’s Parents Association, dedicated to ensuring every child, regardless of how they learn, is able to receive a quality education. Wendy was recently elected as President of the Queensland State Council, meaning the balance of business, volunteer roles and travelling time to see her girls just got even more intense!

Jillian Kilby is not afraid of the big decisions. As an engineer and farmer’s daughter from Coonamble, in the central west of New South Wales, Jillian has leant on her rural values right through her career. This courage has seen her go against the grain most of her life and bounce from Coonamble to Sydney to Walgett to Silicon Valley and back to the Central West. Now she’s breathing new life into country heritage buildings while helping regional start-ups increase their capability, capacity and confidence because she knows all too well how lonely a road it can be starting a small business in the bush. It takes a certain level of guts to dig deep and blow up your life and Jillian has done it not once, but twice on an extraordinary scale.

Eliza Lockyer takes putting nutritious food on the table very seriously. Obsessed with gardening since her late teens, Eliza also developed a fascination with rare breed stock and has dedicated a large portion of her life promoting the benefits of their continued breeding. If you’ve ever been interested in gardening, or you live in a place where it might be difficult to grow because of clay or rocky soil- then this is the episode for you! Growing up on a small property, nestled amidst the picturesque Tasmanian north-west coast, Eliza’s appreciation for growing fruit, veggies and protein, gradually blossomed into quite the obsession that’s followed her across the continent. Spending the last six years between the Pilbara and Kimberley regions in Western Australia, she and husband Andy bid farewell to the red earth and rugged terrain, home-bound, to pull up stumps on Andy’s family cattle property in Walcha, New South Wales.

Can you imagine taking eight horses, 14 working dogs, three goats and two toddlers on a six-month long road trip? It’s certainly not for the faint hearted, but for the Northern Territory’s Curtain family, it’s Situation Normal. In this episode, our host Emily Herbert is in conversation with Annabelle Curtain, a wife, mother and urban designer, who has built an incredibly diverse business alongside her husband Tom.

As a mother, wife and business owner, Jade Lord is deeply invested in bringing health and wellbeing to rural and remote communities. Originally from Moreton Bay, Jade spent most of her early childhood on Stradbroke Island. A blissful beachside oasis, surrounded by crystal clear water, white sand and rocky outcrops. It’s a stark contrast from where Jade now calls home, a remote cattle station, 150km outside of Richmond, in Queensland. There, with her husband Nikko and three kids, Jock, Sandy and Ruby, they run a significant beef cattle operation, spanning across northern Queensland. Jade and Nikko had somewhat of a fairy tale romance, meeting on one of the early seasons of Farmer Wants a Wife, but as you’ll hear in this episode, Jade’s life on the land wasn’t without some major challenges.

Melinda O’Donoghue is often compared to ‘Cinderella’s fairy godmother’. Known as The Outback Wedding Dressmaker, she’s made close to 300 wedding dresses for country and city brides around the nation- and some even overseas! Melinda is a classically trained seamstress, working alongside the likes of well-known designer Alex Perry in Sydney. Melinda and her husband, Des, now live on a property in Gurley, just over 30 kilometres south of Moree, in New South Wales. This is Melinda’s story of the trials and tribulations of living on the land, coupled with the magic she brings to brides across Australia.

Baker, green thumb and former country journalist Maya Linnell is about to release her fifth book. The bestselling Rural Romance, or RuRo author has an amazing story to tell. From a startling introduction into journalism following America’s September 11 attack, to realising her aspirations as a novelist at nearly 40 years old, Maya demonstrates there’s no time limit on achieving your dreams. In this episode Maya takes us through the arduous process of writing novels, spurred by her passions for baked goods, tending roses and a rural lifestyle.

Camille McClymont’s life in Western Australia’s Kimberly region is well reflected in her Instagram posts, (@thecattlemandaughter); the red dust, the blazing sunsets and the days of mustering, the 31-year-old gives a little snapshot into her days spent managing her family’s property, Kalyeeda Station.  In this episode Camille gives an insight into life managing 10,000 head of cattle spread across 122,000 hectares, during some of the most extreme weather Mother Nature has thrown at them in recent history. She also gives a heart wrenching, yet deeply insightful look into her idyllic childhood preceding a series of devastating twists of fate in her early teens that marked the beginning of a life-threatening eating disorder. This is a story about family, commitment, love and most of all, a truly wonderous sense of belonging.

Rural photographer and farmer Kim Storey was preparing for a flood in November 2022, but what she, and her neighbours didn’t know, was that it was a one in 5000-year event. In a matter of hours, Kim went from calmly preparing her property by taking her motorbike and dog next door, to a frantic helicopter evacuation while raging waters lapped at her door. This is the story of how Kim, and her nearby town Eugowra; a small rural community in the Lachlan Valley of central west NSW weathered an extreme weather event and came out the other side.

Felicity Weal has her eyes set on a spot in the 2024 Paralympics. And if qualification took into account her steely determination and incredible optimism, she would surely secure a place. In 2017, Felicity fell six-metres through the roof of her family’s farm shed on their 800-hectare sheep and beef farm near Cowra, New South Wales. This is the story of what happened after the fall- when Felicity woke up to a life altering experience that left her without the use of her legs when she was only 21-years-old. Just six years down the track, she’s living her best life, surrounded by the love and support of her friends and family, entering motherhood and living life on the land.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft.

“What would Dad do?” These are the words Sallie Jones thought to herself in the midst of the dairy crisis sweeping the nation in 2016. Sallie was a daughter of dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, and a daughter left reeling, grieving the loss of her father, Michael Bowen, who had completed suicide just weeks prior. Sallie is force of nature. A changemaker. Someone who takes personal pain and channels it into something to improve the greater good. In the aftermath of losing her father, Sallie created Gippsland Jersey, a dairy cooperative that is 100% Gippsland made and family-owned, paying farmers a fair price for their milk while spreading awareness for mental health and producing premium pure Jersey dairy products.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft. To not miss an episode, subscribe to our new podcast The Farm Diaries by searching for Graziher in your favourite podcast app.

Welcome to Graziher's 2nd podcast, The Farm Diaries based on our regular column written by Tasmanian based author Maggie MacKellar. In 2021, Graziher's editorial director Victoria Carey asked Maggie, an author and freelance writer she has always loved if she would pen a new column for the magazine and the The Farm Diaries was born. All about life on a fine wool Merino farm on Tasmania's east coast , Victoria knew that Graziher readers would also have read Maggie's memoirs that laid bare the grief she felt at losing loved ones and the challenges of starting life anew. The Farm Diaries started out as an extract from Maggie's farm journal that she kept during a lambing season of 2018/2019 and has become an account of daily observations of life on the farm and now we are turning the written word into the spoken work through this podcast. The Farm Diaries will be release on a Wednesday for the next six weeks with thanks to our sponsor Blundstone. Mid way through 2023 Maggie's work will be published by Penguin Books as her latest book, Graft. To not miss an episode, subscribe to our new podcast The Farm Diaries by searching for Graziher in your favourite podcast app.

Introducing a new Graziher podcast, The Farm Diaries. The Farm Diaries is regular column written by Maggie MacKellar in our Graziher magazine. In the beginning it was an extract from Maggie's farm journal kept of a lambing season in Tasmania during the 2018/2019 drought, now it's morphed to be an account of her daily observations of the coming together of human and animal life on the farm. We are bringing Maggie’s words to life for Graziher’s second podcast, The Farm Diaries. To listen to all of The Farm Diaries episodes, search for The Farm Diaries in your favourite podcast app and subscribe.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Nicola Forrest, as chosen by Graziher team member, Skye Manson.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Samantha Armytage, as chosen by Graziher team member, Em Herbert.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Virginia Tapscott, as chosen by Graziher’s editorial director, Victoria Carey. Virginia’s compelling story has resonated with so many Australians- listen here as she gives an incredible insight into some of the most personal and disturbing moments of her life.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Meg Bignall, as chosen by Graziher team member, Shannon Dunne. Meg is the quintessential Tasmanian, who not only has forged her own path in a rural setting, but is more than happy being ‘a sometimes farmer’.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Kay Hull AO, as chosen by Graziher team member, Sally Jackson.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today we’re hearing the story of Lynda MacCallum, as chosen by Graziher team member, Amie Shann.

Welcome to Life On The Land's Summer Series where the Graziher team choose their favourite story of the year and explain how the story touched or inspired them or made them think about something in a different way.  Today’s conversation with Skye Manson has been chosen by Graziher founder, Claire Dunne.

Samantha Armytage helped millions of Aussies wake up every day for eight years, as one of our most loved TV personalities and co-host of popular national breakfast show, Sunrise. Known for her humour, her sharp journalistic sense and for being a down to earth straight shooter, Sam radiates this beautiful authenticity which can often be lost in the shine of TV land – something she puts down to her country roots and her connection to her family on the land. Her 23 years in media has been extraordinary – covering historic moments like the Canberra Bushfires, Brisbane's floods and the trials of the Bali 9 and Schapelle Corby in Bali. She's reported from the East Timor conflict, the Cronulla riots and Christchurch Mosque massacre, as well as Michael Jackson's funeral in LA, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in London and Meghan and Harry's wedding in Windsor. And then last year, in March 2021 she let the sun set on her Sunrise career – resigning from the top seat in TV to move to the Southern Highlands equine property she shares with her new husband, Richard Lavender.

We know most of you will feel like you know today’s guest intimately, because you hear her calm, soothing voice on a lot of your favourite podcasts. Yes, we finally have our gorgeous co-host, Skye Manson, on the other side of the microphone. Skye is first and foremost a storyteller. She’s one of the most happily curious women Emily Herbert has had the pleasure of meeting – finding a genuine delight in the stories and conversations of others. She has this really gentle, luxurious way of unearthing the lives of others, and how they felt whilst walking their journey. It felt like a bit of a privilege to ask her to do the same for us. Skye currently lives at Bloomfield, Blakney Creek near Gunning on a fine wool property with her farmer husband Damien and their three children, Ollie 8, Percy about to turn 7 and Florence, 5, with her Mum Wendy living just down the hill. Skye has had a big career working in radio for the ABC across the country, and has made the very organic leap to the world of podcasting – producing FIVE – that’s right, five! Podcasts for her company, the Manson Podcasting Network, Life on the Land being one of them. we were so delighted to interview Skye, to know more about the voice behind the mic. You can find Skye's podcasts at mansonpodcasting.com or her newsletter at companyonsundays.substack.com

Our guest today is Michelle Leonard OAM, artistic director and founder Moorambilla Voices, an exceptional choir of children and youth from western NSW and a program that is deeply connected to the land in which it’s art is made. If you have ever been privy to Moorambilla Voices you will know it's power, giving rural children the chance to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves. Music, singing and instruments is innate for Michelle and her musically talented family who hail from the small rural town of Coonamble in NSW. Driven by a belief that music has the ability to improve mental health, community and deep spiritual connection, Michelle applied for a grant back in 2006, in what was to become the beginning Moorambilla Voices. Since that time, more than 25,000 students from 100 schools annually have come together to find their voice in a myriad of ways. This week, over 300 children will perform its 17th annual gala concert near Dubbo in central west New South Wales. ( This year’s music takes its inspiration from the rural community of Collarenebri and it’s unique connection to the River.) In 2017, Michelle was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for Services to the Community and Performing Arts.

Today’s guest is Kay Hull AO, born in Guyra New South Wales and best known for her long and distinguished career in politics. Kay entered Parliament House in 1998 as the Nationals member for the Riverina and was elected for four more terms before retiring prior to general elections in 2010. Kay Hull is small in stature but big on heart and is a genuine campaigner for the everyday man and woman. 'What a woman', is all Skye Manson could think after recording this interview. Skye was compelled to share the story of Kay's life after a powerful address at the Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award Gala celebrations in Canberra last week, when she stepped down as the Chairwoman of Agrifutures to a standing ovation.

Tasmanian rural motherhood advocate and founder of Motherland Australia, Stephanie Trethewey, has been awarded as the National Winner of the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National and Victorian founder of OAK Magazine, Kimberley Furness has won the National Runner Up title. Stephanie, a Dunorlan-based farmer, podcaster and founder of Motherland Village, was recognised for her work establishing Australia’s first online facilitated mother’s group and a pilot program offering virtual postnatal support for patients in isolated communities. Bendigo's Kimberley’s Furness was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work profiling rural women in business - both through the magazine and her newly launched podcast series. Both women will receive Westpac grants of $20,000 and $15,000 respectively, as well as ongoing support through the Award’s alumni program.

Tasmanian rural motherhood advocate and founder of Motherland Australia, Stephanie Trethewey, has been awarded as the National Winner of the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National and Victorian founder of OAK Magazine, Kimberley Furness has won the National Runner Up title. Stephanie, a Dunorlan-based farmer, podcaster and founder of Motherland Village, was recognised for her work establishing Australia’s first online facilitated mother’s group and a pilot program offering virtual postnatal support for patients in isolated communities. Bendigo's Kimberley’s Furness was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work profiling rural women in business - both through the magazine and her newly launched podcast series.  Both women will receive Westpac grants of $20,000 and $15,000 respectively, as well as ongoing support through the Award’s alumni program.

As a young person on the land, finding your place within the family business can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable.   But when Meg Rutledge from Moble Station, 1000 kilometres west of the eastern seaboard in Queensland, returned home from London the idea to begin a luxury outback homestay experience with camping, nature walks and hiking was the perfect fit.   To me it’s such a great example of a generational farm evolving its core business to ensure that the next generation of family not only stay on the farm, but are invigorated to do so, and bring to the business so much extra knowledge, diversity and happiness!   And for Meg it makes perfect sense. Like so many people living on the land, she is proud of her farm and she loves living there ….. you couldn’t really have a better hostess.  Thank you to our amazing sponsor for this episode, the team from SG Off-Road - Make adventure happen with SG Off-Road.⁠⁠⁠

If there’s anyone who understands the diversity of women who love the land, it’s today’s guest, Victoria Carey. V, as she’s known by those who work with her, has been in the media game for more than two decades, including 11 years as the editor in chief of Country Style, and is now at the editorial helm of Graziher Magazine. Yet a life in journalism almost didn’t happen – with a teenage horse-mad Victoria so nearly signing up to work in a racing stable. Emily Herbert interviewed V the day after she put the latest issue of Graziher to bed and the jubilation and satisfaction at seeing another gorgeous copy of the magazine on its way to the printers was obvious in her voice. And what a magnificent segue to announce that the Spring issue of Graziher is now on sale! It’s an absolute corker of an edition to celebrate our bimonthly launch, with compelling stories of Australian women spanning the width and length of the country. In this issue, we really draw our attention to Women across the Ages - and the articles borne from it are stunning – from Stephanie Trethewey’s letter to her baby daughter Evie to the inspiring eighty-something matriarch still checking her Merinos every day. You can subscribe online at graziher.com.au and have the magazine turn up in your mailbox six times a year – what a treat.

If there’s anyone who understands the diversity of women who love the land, it’s today’s guest – Victoria Carey. V, as she’s known by those who work with her, has been in the media game for more than two decades – including 11 years as the editor in chief of Country Style - and is now at the editorial helm of Graziher Magazine. Yet a life in journalism almost didn’t happen – with a teenage horse-mad Victoria so nearly signing up to work in a racing stable. I interviewed V the day after she put the latest issue of Graziher to bed – and the jubilation and satisfaction at seeing another gorgeous copy of the magazine on its way to the printers was obvious in her voice. The latest edition of Graziher is on sale today! Jump online and secure your copy before it sells out. graziher.com.au.

There's a word for the period of time it takes to grow and raise a baby, Matrescence. The physical, emotional hormonal and social transition to become a mother. The overwhelming love, the uneasy trepidation or sometimes downright fear, sadness, guilt and anxiety, the joys and the crushing lows. The exhaustion and at times, the loneliness and boredom. It's also a time that can be heighten when living in the bush with its own specific challenges and delights. Caroline Maxwell has been a guiding hand along the Matrescence journey for hundreds of mothers. The mum of four is a midwife and lactation consultant working from Narromine in the central west of New South Wales and she travels far and wide around the state to see women when they need her most. Driving hundred of hours on dirt roads, navigating floodwaters and once even sourcing a plane to get to a new mum on a remote station.

Today’s guest gets imposter syndrome when she talks about her role in agriculture and rural Australia. Sammie O’Brien presents Channel 7’s Queensland Weekender and Creek to Coast and she is known and loved by country and city people all over. Sammie lives a double life spending half the week in Brisbane and half the week on her cattle farm in Torrone, halfway between Brisbane and Warwick. She’s also a Mum to young Lenny, a farm owner and cattle producer (with a herd of 80 breeding cattle) as well. Most importantly, she's a great friend of Graziher’s and we will be working with Sammy in the future (make sure you stay in touch with our socials or Friday newsletter to stay up to date.) The latest edition of the Graziher magazine will be making its way to the printers soon; make sure you don't miss our by subscribing or pre-purchasing your copy on our website graziher.com.au.

West Australian Bec Bignell is a passionate film-maker and producer who’s determined to get the ‘real’ regional, rural and remote Australia on screens everywhere. She wants more films shot in rural Australia. She wants crews to spend more time learning about rural Australia, by living there. She wants more rural Australians employed in the film industry, especially if they are filming in town. And she wants film crews to remain invested in these communities long after filming is done. Given the conviction of this conversation, we have a feeling Bec will succeed. Her film, Homespun (filmed on her family's sheep and grain farm at Kojonup) is a prime example of what can be achieved and the kind of nuanced stories we need to be telling. Keep an eye out for its release later in 2022.

Plants, place, space, escape; everything about gardens and gardening, it’s all a balm for our guest today Cassandra Hooke who lives, and gardens, on the Hay Plains in the New South Wales Western Riverina. You might know Cass as @outbackgardens on Instagram where she documents the growth of her newly established garden on the Plains in nothing more than a friendly and helpful nature. If you’ve read the Autumn issue of Graziher you’ll also know Cass, from her beautiful article written by Victoria Carey and photographed by Emma Cross. How this all came to be, is not what you think. As with any person’s story there are roots and twists and turns that have led Cass to value the effects of gardening and nurturing plants and growing a place way more than this nature lover ever expected.

Torie Finnane was a midwife, one of the best they say. As a person she was infectious, drawing people into her metaphorical embrace. Through her work delivering babies she touched the lives of so many mother’s in huge ways. This story is heart breaking because Torie died. She tragically lost her life just days after giving birth to her third child when she contracted bacterial meningitis. And even though she’s not physically here - this embrace, this touch that I mentioned lives on. It’s something her friends and family, especially her husband Liam Finnane actively keep alive though the Torie Finnane Foundation for women and babies, which was set up in her memory one year ago. And so today, for the first time on Life on the Land we’re speaking with a male – Liam Finnane – Torie’s husband.

Sandra Scott isn’t your average retiree. The 81-year-old co-owns Australia’s most isolated pub - the Mt Dare Hotel - alongside her husband, Graham. The pair threw in the farming game seven years ago, after 45-years on the land in Victoria. Instead of putting their feet up, the dynamic duo decided on a desert change – and have never looked back. Sandy says moving to the hotel – which is on the Western edge of the Simpson Desert in South Australia, just 10km south of the Northern Territory border – is the best thing they’ve ever done. When they’re not serving ice cold beers to or what Sandy calls “the best coffee in hundreds of kilometres” to travellers, Sandy and Graham are the first responders to those who’ve come a cropper in the desert – rescuing intrepid adventurers who find their vehicles are no match for the Aussie outback.

Our host Emily Herbert doesn't usually think about what she will eat during the day, because she don’t have to. She knows there will be food in her fridge, her freezer or her pantry. Because of this, she says she's one of the richest people in the world. And realising recently just how many Australians are going hungry, or with little access to fresh, quality food, was a big reality and privilege check for Emily. This episode is a little different as we have two stories for you in one podcast. One is with South Australian lamb producer Robyn Verrall and the other is with country music singer and proud Bidjari woman, Jessica Wishart who is based in Alice Springs. These women come from different backgrounds but they have a common goal — to tackle food and in particular meat insecurity — in remote Aboriginal communities. Together, they founded Kere to Country, one of Australia’s only Aboriginal led and run meat distribution companies — delivering bulk meat packages on country, with affordable, interest-free payment plans. First we spoke to Jessica, who is an award-winning country music artist. Her love of singing, and song writing, was ingrained in Jessica when she was a little girl growing up in Alice Springs. If you are interested in helping donate meat or money to Kere to Country you can contact Jessica or Robyn via the Kere to Country website.

We’re breaking from normal transmission this week – to bring you a special episode for Mothers Day in Australia – to mark the wonderful women who made us who we are, who held our hands while young and old and even in spirit, who let things slip, pass a knowing wink over the dinner table, fold our clothes, make our meals, exercise in the early hours so they can give more of themselves to us. Mothers are all the things – tough and gentle all at once – leading a role that way more powerful and far reaching than any single woman we’ve celebrated on this podcast before. Mrs Abbey, Pauline, is also our guest today, mother to 12 children and is pure dedication personified. And as a parting note we'd like to say, Happy Mothers Day today – to those who are trying so hard to become mums, to those who have lost their mums, who don’t speak with their mum’s, who miss their mums and to the mum’s who’re blazing the trial for a new kind of motherhood and those who are in the thick of being mum’s day in day out - and if you find it hard to thank you Mum – maybe you could share this episode her – and let the words speak for themselves.

Wendy McCarthy AO's list of achievements, influences and involvements is too long to mention them all. She was a founding member of Women’s Electoral Lobby and continues to be an advocate for women. She has held many significant leadership roles in key national and international bodies including Deputy Chair of the ABC, Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Chair of Headspace, Chair of Australia’s leading Circus, Circus Oz and much much more. But her life as a child was difficult – and she learned to be tough and bold – against the domestic situations that threatened to arise as a result of her fathers alcoholism. Wendy offers some sage advice on leadership and how to change the rules – do persist with your listening - and to end there is a word on respect.

Many of us spend our days hooning from one task to the next whilst frantically keeping all the balls in the air, career, family, animals, properties and ageing parents. We tend to take our health for granted until one day, for some, there comes a diagnosis which leaves us little room for complacency. May is the month for The May 50K raising vital funds for vital research for Multiple Sclerosis. There are more than 25,000 Australians living with MS and today's guest, Lynda MacCallum is one of them. Lynda is up at dawn most days alongside her husband Jim, training their homebred quarter horses for the next bug Cutting event while running 400 head of beef cattle on their property near Walcha in the cool New England hills in northern New South Wales. Horses are medicine to Lynda and have been an integral part of her therapy since her MS diagnosis in 2018. But long before the appointments, the scans and the Neurologists, horses were interwoven in the fabric of Lynda's life. This week's podcast is sponsored by Sorority Clothing. A relatively new brand, which was founded in 2021 by Cara who; after living in London for many years wanted to bring a little piece of this to Western Qld. ⁠ Sorority Clothing has quality cotton pieces that are not only wearable and timeless but would suit any age, shape and style. Liberty of London is the main signature collection and the beautiful blouses, headbands and accessories have sold out many times over. New styles are now available.

She describes herself as a 'sometimes farmer'. You’ll rarely find her milking the cows but without her, her family may not be able to make a living from dairy cows nor live on-farm – for there would be no one to ensure her children get a good education in a bigger city, drive long distances to sporting events, move a mob of cows at a minutes notice, make business phone calls or generally tie up all the loose ends to form some semblance of an ordered life. I think many of you might also be sometimes farmers. Meg Bignell, who grew up on a farm growing Hops for the Cascade Brewery in Tasmania is also a published author, she’s a trained trauma nurse, she presented the weather in the Tassie nightly news, wrote medical scripts for Channel 7’s All Saints – and there is more – including her soon to be released dissertation on the modern-day feminist, her novel The Angry Women's Choir. Thank you to Boarding Schools Expo for sponsoring this episode. "Boarding Schools Expo Australia has been a trusted resource for families searching for the right boarding school for their children and now they're reaching right across Australia."⁠ ⁠ Newly launched Boarding Expo 365, is a virtual Expo reaching families across Australia- whether you're up in the Kimberley, flying choppers east of Normanton or making brie on King Island - Boarding Expo 365 will showcase schools right from your kitchen table! Head to their website www.boardingexpo.com.au to discover your boarding school options today⁠

Social media can be a real mixed bag. There’s so much juiciness about it – its power of connectivity, its ability to help forge new, global friendships, it' enriching escapism, its use as a portal to new worlds and as a tool for information. But there are the downsides, too. Trolls, for one. If you’re not careful, Instagram can play perfectly into the hands of the old saying, comparison is the thief of joy. That’s one of the reasons why Emily Herbert enjoyed today’s guest so much. Marion Saunders is the fabulous woman behind the Instagram account @mazlifestyle and it is joy on a grid. Maz is a grandmother, designer, entrepreneur and something of an Insta It girl. She lives on a property near the tiny community of Carinda in the far north of NSW, nearly 90 kilometres from Walgett and 100km from Coonamble. Maz is cheerfulness personified. Em laughs out loud at some of her reels and just love her positivity and zest for life, and how she brings humour and a contagious sense of fun to her everyday. She’s all about getting women to love the skin they’re in; boosting confidence in her 30,000 followers. Yet her journey to representing self-love and confidence has been a long road - leaving high school when she was 16 after struggling with her sense of self and where she fit in.

The CWA is an icon of Australia. Everyone knows it, respects it and most have a story to share about it. The Country Women's Association is akin family for anyone who’s ever lived in rural Australia, For the last 100 years its women have been responsible for huge progress in the areas of health, facilities and telecommunications for the bush. But more than that – decades ago, when city women fell in love and married men who were from the country, often they were leaving the comforts of city life, to take up house, that was no more than a dwelling, often there was no electricity, no plumbing, it's unlikely there was a garden, plush finishes and soft furnishings were not widespread. The adjustment was huge, and times were lonely – and this is where the CWA women quietly played their part. Arriving at the doorsteps of these women, with warm scones or cake, to introduces themselves to the newcomer, and then explain the lie of the land and offer friendship, connection and eventually community. Our guest today is the CEO of the CWA of NSW Danica Leys – she grew up on the outskirts of Sydney in Picton, studied Ag Science, went on to work for a law firm and has now landed as the CEO of the CWA of NSW. In this conversations, we explore Danica’s unconventional rise in the ranks of ag advocacy and we observe the relevance of the CWA of NSW as it celebrates its 100 year anniversary. This week's podcast is sponsored by Sorority Clothing. A relatively new brand, which was founded in 2021 by Cara who; after living in London for many years wanted to bring a little piece of this to Western Qld. ⁠ Sorority Clothing has quality cotton pieces that are not only wearable and timeless but would suit any age, shape and style. Liberty of London is the main signature collection and the beautiful blouses, headbands and accessories have sold out many times over. New styles are now available.

Do you sometimes think how good it would be to chuck it all in and head off on an adventure? It can be nice to daydream about how things could be different –even for just a moment. For Lyndee Severin, those feelings weren’t a pipe dream… Speaking to Lyndee, I get the feeling she’s someone who isn’t afraid to get stuck in and give things a go. She was the first one in her family to go to university, graduating with a business degree in her mid-20s as a mature-age student whilst parenting her two young kids as a single mum. After working as a public servant for nearly a decade, Lyndee decided to go on a trip of a lifetime when she was 40-years old - riding her motorbike from her home in Wollongong to Darwin. It was a trip that would change her life and see her move to Curtin Springs Station – a million-hectare cattle and tourism enterprise, not far from Uluru in Australia’s red centre. Looking back at taking that first motorbike trip 20 years ago, Lyndee had no idea how the holiday would set the course of the rest of her life. This episode sponsor is the Graziher 2022 Boarding School Guide. MAKING A DECISION ABOUT your children’s education can be a struggle. Boarding school is something that many children from rural, regional and remote areas experience in their lives. It can be one of the greatest experiences – making lifelong friends; getting a great education; and being offered amazing extra-curricular activities such as sports and cultural activities. Making a decision about your child’s education can be difficult, so we have created a guide to help make that hard decision a little easier for those of you who are facing it. In our current Autumn issue, there is a lift-out for you to read. It features some fantastic schools and expo information. Along with some insights about boarding school from our regular contributors Jane Smith, Jayne Cuddihy and Grace Quast. Or head to Graziher.com.au for our digital Graziher Boarding School Guide, it has extended stories on all the schools featured a directory and direct links to all school websites. It’s free for everyone to read.

It’s A LOT. All that is going on around us; in our backyard and afar. A lot to take in and contextualise within our own lives. In the last few years there has been so many unprecedented's, worst ever’s and an evolution of world events that were acknowledged as absurdity only a few years ago. I’ve found that gaining a deeper understanding helps. Our guest today is ABC Journalist and Macadamia farmer Bronwyn Herbert, who lives on high ground just 10 kilometres from Lismore. Over the course of the last 10 days her life, and the lives of her community have been turned on their face. Brown, murky, debris filled flood waters, 2 metres higher than the highest ever recording, crushed her community and their days are now filled with the chaos of finding minders for children, so adults can work, and if they’re not working they’re helping someone, strangers to clean up, or wash clothes or cook meals, or share a cool drink. While you listen to Bronwyn's story have a think about a new initiative Graziher is setting up in response to the QLD and northern NSW floods. The Graziher Bush Telegraph will be set up to help flood effected businesses get back on their feet. We know that when the waters reside, businesses will need the help of the Graziher community for many months to come. So we will be launching the Bush Telegraph in the next issue of Graziher to get the word out. Contact Sally via email to find out how we can help. Her email address is sally@graziher.com.au. Other ways to donate or help out Givit: Specific items of need or wide reaching donations Koori Mail Flood Fundraiser Lismore City Council Flood Fund: Name: Lismore City Council – Flood Appeal Account BSB: 062 565 Account:10864633 Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance GoFundMe page

To describe Nicola Forrest AO in a few words is incredibly difficult. She is a mother, philanthropist, change-maker and country girl born and bred. Alongside her husband Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals Group, Nicola is the co-chair and co-founder of Minderoo Foundation and a director of the Tattarang Group. She campaigns to better the lives of children and the vulnerable, but also drives advances in the arts and community sectors and for the equality of women. Her story is many things; it’s aspirational and I hope you will find it inspirational but most of all, and the reason we wanted to tell Nicola’s behind-the-scenes story is because it’s relatable. Nicola Forrest could have been any one of us; she grew up on a farm in Spicers Creek in central west New South Wales, had a penchant for agriculture and on travelling to remote north Queensland for a sniff of adventure, she fell in love with the Outback and eventually Andrew Forrest. This is a story of Nicola Forrest as a young girl and as a mother. And a warning this episode does speak about the loss of a child. If this may be triggering for yourself or anyone you know please call lifeline on 13 11 14. Thank you to our amazing sponsor for this episode, the team from SG Off-Road - Make adventure happen with SG Off-Road.⁠⁠⁠ THE AUTUMN ISSUE OF GRAZIHER IS ON SALE NOW graziher.com.au

This conversation talks about child sexual abuse, mental illness and other subjects which may be triggering. Please, if it brings anything up, call Lifeline on 13 14 14, or 1800 RESPECT. Our guest today is journalist Virginia Tapscott, whose words have graced many a Graziher page. Ginny lives on a property near Albury with her husband, Rhys and their four young children, Oscar, 6, four year old Eva, three year old Elke and four month old Tully. Ginny, who was named the Caroline Jones Women in Media Young Journalist’s Award in 2019 and last year named as one of 21 women who defined 2021 by Vogue Magazine, is breaking completely new ground with her fight against child sexual abuse. The journalist has recently launched an investigative podcast series alongside The Australian newspaper and reporter Steve Jackson, called My Sister’s Secrets. It’s an at-times harrowing and deeply difficult listen. But it’s also courageous and compelling, as Ginny explores the events leading up to the abuse she and her older sister, Ally experienced as children, by their step grandfather. Ally later experienced a separate alleged assault as a teenager, and died in June 2020 from a drug overdose. These are stories we’d rather weren’t real. But they are, and Ginny’s bravery is extraordinary. Her ability to look the ugly truth in the eye and speak about her lived experience is sending ripples across Australia. And she’s creating a safe space for other survivors to come forward and seek the help and justice they deserve. We want to help platform her work to help others in the bush have these tough conversations. For legal reasons, part of this interview has been removed. Listen to My Sisters Secrets an investigative podcast by Virginia and journalist Steve Jackson for The Australian newspaper here. Other helpful resources: Bravehearts - Australia's leading child protection organisation. 'The Body Keeps The Score' by Bessel Van Der Kolk The Grace Tame Foundation (2021 Australian of the Year) All women police stations in Latin America. Article.

Victoria Carey is the editorial director of Graziher and she admits that choosing a favourite episode of our podcast Life on the Land was difficult. Her decision was Maggie MacKellar which she says will come as no surprise to many of you. "I love Maggie's writing. She is a wonderful wordsmith and I always look forward to our chats about her next column. We love to talk about things that are happening on the farm, what our kids are doing and one of our favourite topics is, of course, when to get back on a horse! Maggie's already doing it but I'm yet to get back on. I really do enjoy our working relationship. "More than that, when Maggie's story first went to air on ABC TV's Australian Story in 2011, I was so touched by her bravery in talking about what had happened to her and her family. The loss of her husband at such a young age to mental illness was followed closely by the death of her mother from cancer. I really admire her bravery and honesty in talking about this so openly."

Claire really needs no introduction but for those of you who don’t know Claire is our mighty leader, the founder of Graziher. Claire’s pick is our special episode with Emily Herbert. Claire found this to be a beautiful yet poignant episode as Emily chose to be really vulnerable about what she says was her toughest year, and about suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and then working on her way back to better mental health. It is a bit of a heavy episode, but balanced with the mentioning of the birth of her beautiful baby boy Huckleberry back in January 2021. "Emily is so articulate and is such a natural storyteller that it makes sense that she can tell her story so well."

Shannon Dunne is in charge of subscriptions with the Graziher team. Shannon's favourite Life on the Land episode so far was with Grace Quast. Her story really resonated with Shannon and the familiar emotions that come with making a living off the land, contingency plans, harvest time and the many obstacles that come with it. Grace is also so successful with her outside interests that Shannon could not help but be inspired and energised by her. Shannon too echoes the sentiment that any job is possible from the bush but she thinks that for someone so well travelled and with such a wide variety of life experiences it's no wonder Grace is one of our most treasured women of the land. We really hope you enjoy listening to her story again!

Today’s pick is from Sally Jackson who’s our sales and marketing guru, she also helps to run social media and for someone who’s not a journalist she has a great nose for a story too! Sally says there are so many amazing podcasts that have been aired by Graziher this year and so to help her narrow the choice down, she went with a fellow South Australian. Doing this did not make the choice any easier as she also personally knows all three amazing South Aussie women who have featured on Life on the Land and admire all three of them. In the end Sally went with her heart and her other love: Wool and she picked Emily Riggs from Iris and Wool. For Emily this podcast showed that you may know someone but not always their full story. Emily does an amazing job championing Australian Merino Wool but also importantly she does a fantastic job raising awareness for breast cancer and breast checking.

G’day, I’m Em Herbert and I’m the co-host of this podcast Life on the Land, alongside Skye. I’m also lucky enough to write for the Graziher magazine. Each week I speak to women across this big brown land of ours, who eke out an existence on the land, or whose lives and life’s work are directly entwined with the bush. It’s excruciating to pick a favourite Life on the Land episode as there have been so many excellent yarns. However, one that stands out for me, is my chat with Olympia Yarger. I’d interviewed Olympia several times before about her extraordinary waste infrastructure business, Goterra – but I’d never delved into Olympia’s own personal story. It sent ripples throughout the Graziher community, with so many people reaching out to say they were as deeply touched by Olympia’s magnificent eloquence, her loss, her rawness and vulnerability as I was. It made me think about grief, how inevitable it is, but also the flip side of loss – the searing love that made it possible. It also broadened my mind to Australia’s waste crisis, the power of maggots and the incredible minds on agriculture’s frontline, working with some genius solutions. I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode again, as much as I did.