"Motherland saved me and allowed me to create my own identity" with Steph Trethewey

Pic Credit: Ness Vanderburgh

Steph joined us on episode 6 of the Humans of Agriculture podcast in April 2020. It's fair to say since then, quite a few things have changed! 

Last time we chatted it was all things Tas Ag Co, what was back then a new venture and business opportunity for Steph and husband Sam. What we didn't even mention once, was the [at the time] podcast ‘Motherland’ Steph had created that would soon become a National Charity, today’s it is having an extensive positive impact right across Rural Australia.

Steph's now a household name, the 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, 2022 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award National Winner, and founder and CEO of Motherland Australia. 

Motherland is a national charity that advocates for the emotional wellbeing of rural mothers in Australia and delivers services that help build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.

In this episode we catch up on what's been happening since 2020. 

• The role of the weekly podcasting from her kitchen table in connecting her and plenty of Rural Mum's to meaningful and important conversations

• The founding and growth of Motherland Australia

• The creation of 'Motherland Village', - an online rural Mother's group (and even finding a village of her own)

• Balancing work, family and personal wellbeing

• The impact the various episodes and stories have had on her

• The importance in vulnerability and authenticity in building a community

• Future visions for supporting rural families, including rural dads