Motherland Australia

• Father Land #2: From Rock Bottom and Back — Stuart Austin on How Fatherhood Saved His Life

  There was a day when Stuart Austin picked up the phone and called his wife, asking her to come home because he needed her. He wasn’t sick, and he wasn’t injured…but he was in a very dark place, and he knew he couldn’t get through it alone. Stu is a cattleman, entrepreneur, and father of three. His story stretches from long days on Northern Territory stations, working on ranches in Canada, 8 years as General Manager of Wilmot Cattle Co, and now, his own advisory business, Audacious Ag. But this conversation isn’t just about his career in ag. It’s about fatherhood, identity, the moments that nearly broke him — and the family and community who helped him through. From meeting his wife in the stock camp, navigating years of mental health struggles, and raising his beautiful kids, Stu’s story is very raw, honest, and full of lessons about what it means to be a farmer and a father.Right now, Nutrien is looking for passionate people to join its Livestock Career Development Program in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Over two years, you’ll build real skills in stock agency work, livestock productivity, animal health and nutrition, AuctionsPlus, auctioneering, wool marketing, and the latest technology shaping our industry. Applications close September 28: CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 274: Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng’s Extraordinary Lifelong Work of Healing and Fighting Her Demons

  Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng is a mum, grandmother, academic and author. A proud Wakka Wakka/Wulli Wulli woman, she was born in 1958 in Longreach, central western Queensland. Her story is one of resilience across generations. Under the Queensland Act, Aboriginal people were controlled and forced onto missions — but her great-grandfather kept the family on Country by working the land and negotiating with station owners, ensuring their culture survived. From this foundation, Tjanara’s life unfolded — through Catholic schooling, champion swimming, and later, confronting the trauma of childhood abuse. She’s since built a diverse career, from her groundbreaking work on sacred leadership to her memoir A Long Way from No Go. At the heart of her life, though, is family: her daughter, granddaughter, and her former husband, whom she now cares for full time. This is her story. Every mark on our boots tells a story, and Blundstone boots are made to be part of yours. Built for life on the land and beyond, they’re ready for whatever’s next whether it’s chasing cattle, or kids. Explore the full range via the link in our show notes. https://www.blundstone.com.au/  https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• Father Land #1: NFF Vice President John Hassell on his journey through depression, succession and showing up as a dad

  John Hassell has spent his life farming in Western Australia, raising three kids, and now spoiling grandkids. As Vice President of the National Farmers Federation, he’s fought for fairer outcomes for farmers and sparked deeper conversations about rural mental health. His drive comes from lived experience — grappling with succession pressures, crushing financial stress, and a battle with depression that once left him collapsed on the shearing shed floor. Behind his grit and humour is a raw story of struggle and resilience. In this conversation, John speaks more openly than ever about marriage, fatherhood, and the determination to show up for his kids, even in the hardest seasons. Father Land is proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions. With over 700 locations nationwide, Nutrien’s people live and work in rural communities, delivering trusted advice and farm supplies. Their genuine commitment to farmers and families makes this series possible. Learn more at nutrienagsolutions.com.au.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 273: Kirsty Evans swore she’d never have kids. Then came motherhood, farm succession & floods

  Kirsty Evans swore she’d never have kids. Then came motherhood, farm succession, and floods. Raised in Dubbo by a single mum, Kirsty built a career in corporate law and imagined a child-free city life. But love (and a six-foot-five farmer from Orange) changed everything. Now a mum of three, solicitor, and partner in a farming enterprise, Kirsty juggles family, career, and life on the land. Her path into motherhood wasn’t smooth. After her third child she faced postnatal depression, learning the strength of asking for help. That resilience was tested again in 2022, when catastrophic floods hit her community of Molong in NSW. While her husband joined the clean-up, Kirsty used her legal skills to fight for locals, taking on insurers pro bono.  Her advocacy returned nearly a million dollars to the community and earned her the title of NSW Regional Woman of the Year. This is her story.Spring is here, and Blundstone boots are ready for every season. Tough enough for the farm, comfortable enough for town, and dependable enough for whatever the day brings. Explore the full range at: https://blundstone.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 272: Paige Schmidt on Motherhood, Medical Emergencies, & Managing Chronic Illness Remotely

  Paige Schmidt was just 23 when she became a mum for the first time, living and working on a remote cattle station in central Queensland. From the challenges of raising kids whilst so isolated, to managing her own chronic illness, she's faced more than her fair share of health hurdles. Living hours from the nearest hospital, she’s had to navigate her children’s unexpected medical emergencies while adapting to a life-changing diagnosis herself. Today, Paige shares her story with honesty and strength, from the realities of motherhood in the bush, to the impact on her mental health, and the lessons she’s learned about looking after herself along the way. This is her story. Life in the bush isn’t always easy, but it’s full of grit, laughs, and memories - in trusted Blundstone boots.  For rural families who don’t just wear boots, but live in them! CLICK HERE to sign up, learn more and shop their range https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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