Mar 06 2025 47 mins
Stephanie Trethewey, the powerhouse behind Motherland, a national movement dedicated to supporting rural mothers across Australia. Named the 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, Stephanie has transformed her own struggles with isolation and postnatal depression into a platform that connects and empowers rural women.
A former television journalist, Stephanie made the leap from city life to rural Tasmania in 2019, an experience that was both beautiful and deeply challenging. Through her journey, she recognised the critical need for more support for rural mothers, leading to the creation of Motherland Village, Australia’s first online rural mothers’ group, and Motherland Connect, a digital hub linking women to vital services.
Her Motherland podcast has been downloaded over one million times, and her work has not only raised awareness of the realities of rural motherhood but also provided practical solutions for women facing isolation.
In this episode, we talk about:
🎙️ Stephanie’s personal journey from city journalist to rural advocate
🎙️ The emotional and mental health challenges of motherhood in rural Australia
🎙️ Why she founded Motherland and the impact it’s having on rural women
🎙️ The importance of community and connection for mothers on the land
🎙️ How rural mums can access support through Motherland Village & Motherland Connect
Whats next for Steph?
This is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation that highlights the resilience of rural mothers and the incredible power of connection.
📢 Know a rural mum who needs support? Check out Motherland Village & Motherland Connect at [Motherland Website]
Follow Stephanie on Instagram and follow her Instagram picks or social suggestions:
Instagram: @motherlandaustralia
Podcast: Motherland Podcast
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