Life on the Land
A Graziher podcast telling stories of women who live in rural, regional and remote Australia. Hear from farmers, mothers, photographers, business owners as well as teachers, nurses and doctors. Hear from women who have moved to the country and who have moved out of the country. Everyday women who have a story to tell. Join our hosts Emily Herbert and Sammie O'Brien, as they speak to women from all over Australia.
Episodes
Life on the Land with Ivy McGufficke
Australia is on the cusp of the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth the country has ever seen with nearly $5 trillion to be transferred from Baby Boomers over the next 30 years, with around 65 per cent of that wealth to be controlled by women. Ivy McGufficke is the youngest of three daughters and the fifth generation to live on Greendale Merinos – nearly 5,000 hectares running 15,000 head
Life on the Land with Belinda Murphy
There can be some impressive distances covered in boardingschool drop offs across Australia, but surely Julia Creek to Switzerland takes the cake? Belinda and Wayne Murphy are preparing to send their incredibly talented daughter Maddie overseas to dance on the world stage. Hailing from the small outback town of Julia Creek in northwest Queensland, Belinda has long been an integral part of the Juli
Life on the Land with Jenny Jenner
Jenny Jenner's inspired consideration of sunflowers as a drought alternative for her Scenic Rim farm has cumulated in not just a commercial success, but a driving force behind cancer care support in Queensland's south-east. Jenny is the founder of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which welcomes 13,000 visitors over three days to Jenny’s farm every May in Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Here, guest
Life on the Land with Julie Cameron
This story started with a chance encounter between students in Western Australia and has ended with one of the greatest success stories in Australian farming. Julie and Sandy Cameron have pivoted from their early years as a nurse and a vet respectively, to wool growers to now one of the most recognisable boutique cheese brands in the country, Meredith dairy. In this episode our host Sammie O'B
Life on the Land with Millie Hardie
Six months ago, Millie Hardie had just started her small telehealth psychology practise. Looking for more clients, and to share her knowledge, she started an Instagram page, called @the.pocket.psychologist One hundred and eighty two days later, the teacher and psychologist has nearly 700,000 followers. This engaged and tight knit community adore her viral videos that have been described as a cross
Life on the Land- Summer Series- Cass' pick!
Summer time means a dive into the archives for the Life on the Land podcast to highlight our favourite episodes.Cass is part of Graziher's partnerships and advertising team at Graziher and has enjoyed digging through some of the older episodes. It was Sammie's conversation with iconic Australian author Alison Lester that particularly tickled her fancy. Alison’s books have become iconic sta
Life on the Land- Summer Series- Jayne's pick
It's summer time and we're celebrating by sharing some of our favourite podcast episodes. As the producer of the Life on the Land podcast, Jayne Cuddihy has the pleasure of listening to all of the conversations Sammie and Em have. While it's difficult to pick a favourite, the all encompassing adventure April Cavanagh took Emily Herbert was one for the ages. Covering everything from perimenapause,
Life on the Land- Summer Series- Em's pick
Graziher's summer season is always festive and to celebrate, our team picks their favourite podcast episode to share again. Life on the Land's co-host Em Herbert can't go past her conversation with Queensland Senator Susan McDonald. Quite often it’s hard to ask for help, especially when there’s a family legacy stretching back seven generations, but today’s guest, Susan McDonald, says it’s one of t
Life on the Land-Summer Series- Amie's Pick
It's the time of year when the Graziher team can pick their favourite episode to share again with our listeners. Digital editor Amie can't go past this gorgeous interview Sammie O'Brien did with Kelly Shann- Amie's mum. Amie not only discovered a few stories she didn't know about Kelly's amazing adventures, but she got to hear about her grandmother as well. After an idyllic childhood spent riding
Life on the Land- Summer Series- Victoria's Pick!
Graziher's Life on the Land podcast is celebrating summer with a few favourite episodes from previous seasons.Graziher’s editor, Victoria Carey has dug right into the archives and is excited to share the story of Leila McDougall. There's not a lot Leila hasn't done! In her own words, she’s had ‘a very elaborate career path’. Fashion designer, school teacher, showgirl, and now film make
Life on the Land- Summer Series- Sammie's pick!
Graziher's Life on the Land podcast is celebrating summer with a few favourite episodes from the previous year. Co-host Sammie O'Brien can't go past her chat with the delightful Penny Button. In this special edition, Sammie reflects on a special trip to interview Penny at home and how much that visit meant to her. Penny Button has spent a lifetime in western Queensland as a grazier on
Life on the Land with Amanda Ferrari
Amanda Ferrari is loud, proud and fiercely passionate aboutrural and regional Australia. With a personal mantra of ‘Lead with love, not ambition,’ Amanda takes on her many projects with enthusiasm and grit. At the helm of the Boarding School Collective, Amanda helps families across the country make one of the hardest decisions of parenting- where to send their children for high school. Her journey
Life on the Land with Margot McKinney
Dame Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and former Australian Ministerfor Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop have one thing in common — they have all been spotted wearing Margot McKinney’s extraordinary jewellery. Flashing aquamarines, the exquisite lightning strike of opals, tumbling tourmalines, the creamy lustre of South Sea pearls – Margot’s collections are a celebration of Australia’s natural and luxurious abu
Life on the Land with April Cavanagh
Women like April Cavanagh are redefining what it means to work at a national board level with heart and vulnerability. Hers is a story of grief and resilience, as well as tenacity and big-picture thinking.Highly regarded for her leadership and outcomes focus, April is a strategic thought leader with a varied business background. A former Head of Agribusiness at Suncorp Bank, April was across a $5
Life on the Land with the 2025 AgriFutures Australia Rural Woman of the Year
Carol Mudford is the 2025 Agrifutures Australia Rural Womanof the Year. The AgriFutures award celebrates women who are making animpact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. The award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women out there, and celebrates all that rural Austral
Life on the Land with Susan McDonald
In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we'recelebrating women in business. Quite often it’s hard to ask for help, especially when there’s a family legacy stretching back seven generations, but today’s guest, Susan McDonald, says it’s one of the keys to success. Susan grew up on Devoncourt, a cattle station 80 kilometres south of Queensland’s Cloncurry — one of 14 properties owned and
Life on the Land with Laura Hockey
In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we'recelebrating women in business.As a mum and personal development coach with a background in fitness and teaching, Laura Hockey has spent the last six years searching for her own identity. As she told our Emily Herbert, it's been made more complex amid the joys and challenges of raising three little children on a nearly 3000 hectare fa
Life on the Land with Kelly Shann
In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we're celebrating women in business. Kelly Shann is right where she needs to be. After an idyllic childhood spent riding ponies through the creek next to her house, she has traversed the world, had a stint in the city and now spends her time bonding with her horses, running a cattle business with her husband Berry and loving her family. When
Life on the Land with Penny Button
In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we're celebrating women in business. Penny Button has spent a lifetime in western Queensland as a grazier on expansive properties around the Longreach area. She took over the management of her family's property Crossmoor following the sudden loss of her husband, which was only a few short years after the death of one of her sons. In this
Life on the Land with Isabella Thrupp
If a worker is only as good as their gear, what does that mean for a stockwoman and her jeans? When Isabella Thrupp couldn’t find the perfect pair of work jeans, she started her own denim label, Prinking in Pindan — a brand born from the ancient landscape of Western Australia’s Kimberley.Isabella is the Western Australia winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. In this episode, she take
Life on the Land with Kristy Hollis
Kristy Hollis is a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor with more than 23 years of experience. Having worked with with more than 8000 women across the Northern Territory, Kristys' passion about reshaping health outcomes in the bush has earned her the accolade of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year for the NT .Kristy takes a holistic, preventative approach,
Life on the Land with Sarah De Jonge
In Australia, around 43 per cent of people have experienced a mental illness, 33 per cent experience loneliness and about nine die by suicide every day. These are not just numbers — they are people who are distressed, isolated and struggling. These are statistics Sarah De Jonge wants to change. Based in Kingston, Tasmania, Sarah is the founder of 1000 Hearts, a project the mother-of-two started by
Life on the Land with Nicole McNaughton
Nicole McNaughton is the first to admit she has the best stocked pantry in Queensland. As the CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network, she has spent her career connecting small but mighty players in the agricultural supply chain, giving her exposure to some of the most delicious parts of the State. From prawns to pineapples, Nicole wants local food on local plates — because if no-one is backing t
Life on the Land with Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson's connection to agriculture was formed at a young age, as the daughter of dairy farmers from Victoria’s Gippsland region. Now based in the rural town of Mypolonga in South Australia, Kelly has combined her love of the land with her experience as a scout leader to create SPhiker — a range of wholesome, easy-to-make meals crafted from surplus fruit and vegetables that are sourced f
Life on the Land with Dr Mary Cole
With a career spanning several decades, Dr Mary Cole is an absolute powerhouse. In this interview with Sammie O'Brien, her passion for sustainable agriculture is as fierce as when she first started in the industry over 45 years ago.
As the VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State Winner & National Finalist, Mary has a profound depth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to agricultural
Life on the Land with Carol Mudford
Carol Mudford is the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State Winner and National Finalist. She’s also the cover star of the current issue of Graziher magazine.
The AgriFutures award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
The award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspi
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Sally's Pick!
We’re wrapping up our Summer Series with a favourite episode from Sally- Graziher’s Advertising and Relationship Manager. Sally is so impressed with the story of Jackie Elliott, the founder of Rural Women’s Day. Rural Women’s Day Ltd is a registered not-for-profit and a bit of a household name for many in the bush, with events across Australia designed to connect country women with community, coll
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Em's Pick!
Graziher’s Life on the Land Summer Series continues with co host Em Herbert’s favourite pick. It was her conversation with Jillian Kilby that bubbled to the surface. Jillian 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 agai
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Claire's Pick!
The spark that ignited the Graziher concept was founder Claire Dunne's frustration at not seeing enough farming women represented in the media. She didn't rest on her laurels, but created not just a media stable, but an ethos. A way rural women can not only see themselves represented, but their stories heard well beyond the farm gate.It's Claire's turn to pick a favourite episode for our Summer Se
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Victoria's Pick!
Life on the Land's Summer Series continues with Graziher's Editor Victoria Carey digging into the archives for her pick, Maya Linnell. 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 l
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Jayne's Pick!
Our Summer Series continues with a favourite pick from our podcast producer Jayne Cuddihy.For Jayne, it’s the way people tell their stories that’s as fascinating as the events themselves. The way Western Australian artist Lori Pensini described getting interested and adept at art has lingered since the story first aired a couple of seasons ago. From the generous English aunt sending art materials
Summer Series- Life on the Land- Sammie's Pick!
We're highlighting some amazing Australian authors this summer and it just so happens Life on the Land's Sammie O'Brien's favourite interview for 2024 was acclaimed children's author Alison Lester.If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Magic Beach or My Farm to yourself or a young person in your life, then you are missing out. But it was her long term work with indigenous communities that supr
Summer Series Life on the Land- Amie's Pick!
It's summer time! Which of course means the Graziher team pick a favourite Life on the Land podcast episode to reshare with you.This week it's Amie's pick. Amie is one of the digital producers here at Graziher and has dug deep into the archives to Em Herbert's original conversation with Tracey Hayes three years ago.This conversation resonated with Amie for many reasons, not least because of Tracey
Summer Series Life on the Land with Clare Fletcher
The sounds of an Australian summer- it can be the blast of a branding furnace, cricket on the radio, delighted giggles from children playing on the beach. Or if you are lucky, the bliss that comes from being absorbed in the pages of a new book. In today's Life on the Land podcast, Em Herbert chats with Clare Fletcher, the author of Five Bush Weddings and Love Match. Clare grew up in Queensland’s S
Life on the Land with Lucy Campbell
According to the Grattan Institute - statistically – those with a non-English language background have twice the chance at meeting grade level expectations for reading than those from regional and remote areas.In this episode, Lucy Campbell tells Em Herbert how she is determined to turn the tables. The mum of two straddles two worlds – working for her city-based corporate job while living and work
Life on the Land with Melissa Neilson
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 Exercis
Life on the Land with Chanel Bowen
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, w
Life on the Land with Jackie Elliott
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 expan
Life on the Land with Heidi Trusler
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 bette
Life on the Land with Tegan Nock
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. T
Life on the Land with Pip Kensit
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
Life on the Land with Ella Edwards
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 th
Life on the Land with Kate Lamason
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 sustaina
Life on the Land with Rebecca Keeley
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 spe
Life on the Land with Belle Binder
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 Sa
Life on the Land with Grace Larson
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 an
Life on the Land with Tanya Egerton
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
Life on the Land with Nikki Atkinson
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 busine
Life on the Land with Mandy Walker
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, courag
Life on the Land with Leila McDougall
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
Life on the Land with Steph Trethewey
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. Follow
Life on the Land with Julie McDonald
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
Life on the Land with Alison Lester
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
Life on the Land with Tracey Hayes
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
Life on the Land with Jessica Bidgood
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 lifeThe Bidgoods background and trade up to 1500 head of cattle across their three proper
SUMMER SERIES- Victoria's Pick- Lori Pensini
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
SUMMER SERIES- Jayne's Pick- Wendy Henning
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 ‘
SUMMER SERIES- Sammie's Pick- Camille McClymont
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 man
SUMMER SERIES- Claire's Pick- Melinda O'Donoghue
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
SUMMER SERIES- Sally's Pick- Kim Storey
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 lapp
SUMMER SERIES- Amie's Pick- Sophie Elliott
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 h
Life on the Land with Steph Schmidt
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 redefini
Life on the Land with Fiona Simson
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
Life on the Land with Avelina Tarrago
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,
Life on the Land with Dalene Wray
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,
Life on the Land with Kendall Whyte
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
Life on the Land with Lori Pensini
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
Life on the Land with National Rural Woman of the Year 2023, Nikki Davey
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 sustainabl
Life on the Land with Melissa Duniam
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
Life on the Land with Emma-Louise Gibbons
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 A
Life on the Land with Ali Paulett
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 Agr
Life on the Land with Michelle Moriarty
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
Life on the Land with Michelle Leonard
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 ar
Life on the Land with Eileen Breen
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 stra
Life on the Land with Nikki Davey, Victorian winner of the AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year
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
Life on the Land with Tanya-Lee Holmes
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
Life on the Land with Sophie Elliott
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
Life on the Land with Demi Hayes
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
Life on the Land with Wendy Henning
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 daught
Life on the Land with Jillian Kilby
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 co
