Motherland Australia

Rachel Bjelke-Petersen spent her childhood weekends travelling Queensland’s campdraft circuit with her dad. While horses, cattle and red dirt were always part of her, life took her in many directions — but something was always missing.After spinal surgery in her mid-20s, her goal was simple: get back on a horse… and she did exactly that. In 2022, she packed up and drove 1,100 kilometres west, where she says she’d never felt more at home. Then one unexpected moment changed everything… hitting a pothole and meeting her future husband! Within months, Rachel had stepped into life on Christian’s fourth-generation family property, and into motherhood. Alongside her husband, she’s since built The Old Hangar,  a thriving rural venue in the South Burnett. Rachel’s story is about backing yourself, trusting your gut, and building a life you truly love. This is her story. 
Discover beautifully crafted, timeless furniture and homewares at Provincial Home Living. From linen sofas to solid timber dining tables, each piece brings warmth, character and effortless style. Visit one of 37 stores across Australia or shop online to create a home you truly adore today: provincialhomeliving.com.au 
When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/
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Tahnee McCarthy is a paediatric physiotherapist, mum of two, and stepmum to one living outside Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. The life she’s building with her young family has been shaped by extraordinary challenges. After the traumatic birth of her first baby and undiagnosed postnatal depression, Tahnee was navigating early motherhood when her husband Aaron was involved in a catastrophic farming accident that changed everything. Aaron lost his leg that day — but somehow saved his own life. What followed was a journey neither of them expected. While Aaron channelled his recovery into becoming a Paralympic snowboarder, Tahnee began searching for herself again through the chaos of motherhood and farm life. A chance moment opened the door to something she didn’t realise she needed. This is a story about loss, love, and what’s possible when a family refuses to let life’s hardest moments define them. This is her story. 
Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
PANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30
Cable is known for its exceptional Merino wool knitwear. Explore their Autumn 2026 collection of timeless, elevated essentials, crafted from 100% Australian Merino wool. Shop in store or online now. Visit: www.cablemelbourne.com/
When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/

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Michelle Hamilton lives on a farm in Central Queensland with her husband Pete and son Wiley. Growing up on the land, she thought she was ready for rural life — but motherhood brought challenges she never saw coming including post natal depression. But Michelle’s turning point came unexpectedly at a local agricultural show, where she encountered alpacas! What began as a simple encounter grew into something much bigger. Breeding alpacas and growing her business helped Michelle rediscover purpose, energy and connection, and re-engage with motherhood, her family and herself. Then a near-fatal farming accident involving her husband forced their family to pause and rethink what truly mattered, including their marriage.Today, with more joy, a paddock full of alpacas, and a clearer perspective, Michelle is living life very differently.
Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
PANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30
CABLE's new Heritage 365 collection features timeless wardrobe pieces crafted from luxurious 100% Australian Merino Wool — designed to be worn and cherished season after season. Explore the latest arrivals in Cable stores or online HERE. 
Hogans Family Jewellers is a family-owned business with over 80 years of craftsmanship. From engagements to life’s special milestones, their timeless pieces are designed to be treasured for generations. Discover their ready-to-wear collection online HERE or in-store at 241 Margaret Street, Toowoomba.

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Vanessa Bell has lived many lives in one. Discovered at just 15, she was launched into high fashion — travelling the globe and shooting for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. But behind the glamour came grit. A chapter marked by domestic violence, sleeping in her car, and temporarily losing her sight from stress forced Vanessa to rebuild from the ground up. It was through knitting that she began to heal. In a full-circle moment, that same fibre now sits at the heart of her life. Today, Vanessa is a Merino wool grower in the New England high country, a stepmum to three and mum to her son Charlie. Alongside her husband Philip, she now runs vast Australian stations and has launched a luxury knitwear brand championing Australian wool and sustainability. From city lights to shearing sheds, her story is one of courage, reinvention and backing yourself. 
Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.
For more than 100 years, Anglican Church Grammar School, commonly known as Churchie, has nurtured generations of boarders from rural Australia. Located on a spacious campus, just minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Churchie offers an immersive seven-day boarding program for boys in Years 7 to 12. To learn more about a Churchie education for your son, visit churchie.com.au/boarding 

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Kimberly is a psychologist and mum from Moranbah, Queensland. Five years ago, her world was shattered when she lost her 13-year-old son, Ethan, just nine weeks after a leukemia diagnosis. Ethan was a talented young footballer, signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad — strong, determined and full of life. And then, in a matter of weeks, everything changed. In this episode, Kimberly shares those unimaginable months… from the first signs something wasn’t right to a Christmas Day hospital visit that turned their world upside down. But this conversation isn’t only about loss. In her grief, Kimberly saw how little real-time, local support exists for bereaved parents (especially in rural communities) and how quickly support can fade. From that realisation, Kids Connecting Parents was born: an app connecting grieving parents so no one has to navigate child loss alone.
Griefline (1300 845 745): A national helpline, 8am to 8pm (AEST), 7 days a week.
Red Nose Grief and Loss (1300 308 307): Support for the loss of a child.
Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.
Thank you to Cobram Estate for supporting the Motherland podcast. Proudly Australian and made with care, their extra virgin olive
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