Motherland Australia

Jen McCutcheon has spent her career telling other people’s stories. But today, she’s sharing her own. An ABC sports journalist, Jen swapped the bright lights of Sydney for a property near Gilgandra in NSW, after falling in love with Andrew, a teacher and farmer with his heart firmly planted in the bush. Together, they renovated a home, welcomed two little girls and built the life they’d dreamed of. Then, on Valentine’s Day last year, Andrew made Jen her morning coffee, headed off to work and never came home. He was just 36. Suddenly, Jen was navigating unimaginable grief, raising two young daughters and facing the responsibilities of a farm she’d never expected to run alone. In this deeply moving conversation, Jen shares the love story that brought her to the country, the community that held her when her world fell apart, and the painful decision to leave the farm where so many of their memories lived. This is Jen’s story.
MOTHERLAND VILLAGE DOORS OPEN!
Motherland Village brings rural mums together through our six-week online mothers group program to connect, share experiences and build lasting friendships, with expert-led parenting and wellbeing resources. New groups start in February and May, with fully funded scholarships available. You can also nominate a rural mum who'd benefit!
Visit motherlandaustralia.com.au to learn more.
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Sarah Sivyer is a chemical engineer, farmer and businesswoman who's never been afraid to forge her own path. After studying at Oxford and working for BHP and Rabobank, she returned home to the Hunter Valley in NSW to launch her own egg business. But when Mr Right didn't come along, Sarah decided to pursue another lifelong dream: becoming a mum on her own. Raising her daughter Grace, running a demanding business, grieving the loss of her dad and helping care for her mum with Alzheimer's took an enormous toll. After almost a decade building her business, Sarah was completely burnt out. She made the difficult decision to sell, and felt overwhelming relief. Today, Sarah shares the highs and lows of solo motherhood, the pressure of trying to do it all, and why walking away from the business she'd poured her heart into finally gave her space to enjoy the life she'd worked so hard to create.
Last week, Motherland proudly launched Raising Rural – Australia’s National Report on Rural Motherhood, alongside our Patron, the Governor-General of Australia. Informed by more than 1,000 rural mums, the report reveals confronting findings and outlines five calls for change. READ IT HERE.

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At 33, Kerrie Paisley was pregnant again after the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. Then a lump in her breast changed everything. At 22 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By 26 weeks, she was undergoing chemotherapy, with a little boy at home, a baby on the way, and one overwhelming thought: she needed to be here for them both. Living on a cattle property near Lismore, NSW, Kerrie has faced enormous challenges, from traumatic birth and pregnancy loss to chronic illness and cancer, often having to fight for answers along the way. In this powerful episode, she opens up about the toll of treatment, motherhood guilt, and learning to trust her body again. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kerrie's story is an important reminder to know your body, trust your instincts and advocate for your health. 
Motherland Connect is Australia's first digital health directory for rural mums, connecting you with services to support your physical, mental and emotional health. And if you're a business that can support rural mums, either in person or via telehealth, you can list your services for FREE and help more women access the care they need. Visit motherlandconnect.org.au to find support or list your business today!

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George Henderson is a farmer, husband and dad of three, raising his family on the same property where he grew up, near Yass in New South Wales. But behind the scenes, George had battled depression and anxiety since his teenage years. For decades, he kept his struggles largely to himself, until eventually, he reached breaking point. As the pressures of farming and fatherhood grew, George struggled to find joy in the life he loved. In this episode, George shares how his wife Lan, family, friends and professional support helped him through his darkest days. He opens up about the impact on fatherhood, stepping away from the farm, and his long road to recovery. Today, George is enjoying fatherhood and farming again, and is sharing his story to help others. It's a raw and important conversation about fatherhood, mental health, marriage and the power of asking for help.
Content warning: this episode includes discussion of depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline immediately on 13 11 14
Father Land is proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions, going further for Australian farmers. From farm supplies and agronomy advice to livestock and finance, Nutrien’s local specialists combine local know-how with the backing of one of Australia’s largest agricultural networks.
Find your local branch at nutrien.com.au and see how Nutrien can go further for your farm.

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Finding your place in a farming family isn't always easy, especially when you're raising children. Joy McClymont knows that feeling well. Joy lives on a sheep and cattle property west of Longreach, where she and her husband have raised four children. Before motherhood, Joy had travelled the world, competed in an Ironman World Championship and worked as a teacher. But moving onto her husband's family farm challenged her confidence. Between babies, distance education, drought and farm work, Joy built something of her own: Off the Track Training, an online fitness business supporting rural women. Almost 17 years later, with her eldest at university, three children at boarding school and the challenges of midlife, Joy is preparing to close that chapter. Today, Joy shares the highs and lows of raising four kids in outback Queensland, finding her place on the farm, navigating perimenopause and learning when to put herself first.
With deep roots in regional Australia, Elders proudly supports the farmers, families and communities that sustain life on the land. Through its partnership with Motherland, Elders is backing important conversations and stronger rural communities, helping build a brighter future for Australian agriculture. https://elders.com.au/
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