Motherland Australia

• 284: Amanda Ferrari & the Boarding School Journey That Changed Everything

  Amanda Ferrari grew up in Sydney with no ties to agriculture, yet felt an undeniable pull to the bush. That path took her from nannying and ag college nights, to Warren, Trangie, the cotton industry, and eventually to a life with her husband, Ross. Motherhood began with a shock—discovering she was pregnant with twins during a “friends with benefits” chapter. Premature labour, weeks in hospital, a traumatic birth, and deep loneliness shaped her early years of parenting. Later, the arrival of her son Ollie brought her darkest mental health battle yet. Today, Amanda channels her strength and honesty into supporting rural families through The Boarding School Collective, helping parents and children navigate the distance and grief she knows so well. This is her story.Pregnancy Loss Support: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ 24/7 Crisis Support: Lifeline 13 11 14  R.M.Williams boots are made to last—strong, dependable, and built for life on the land. For generations, rural mums have trusted RMs for paddock runs, long drives, and moments that matter. Shop now HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 283: Sarah Henney on Watching the Life She Built Fall Apart and Starting Again

  What happens when the life you built falls apart? Sarah Henney moved to Longreach for love, leaving behind her Gold Coast life to build something new. But years of IVF, raising two little boys and feeling the weight of holding everything together slowly began to take a toll…not just on Sarah, but on her marriage. As the isolation deepened and her marriage broke down, Sarah was forced to rebuild. Now, from the coastal town of Yeppoon, she’s raising her boys and running Outback Linen Co, redefining what happiness and home looks like, on her own terms. This is her story. Mental health crisis support: Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14Based in regional NSW, Birdsnest truly understands regional life. Visit their stores in Cooma or Burleigh Heads, or shop online from your kitchen table.  Birdsnest stocks sizes 8–24. Join their supportive ‘wardrobe wingbirds’ on Facebook, Instagram or via their weekly newsletter. Join Motherland Village today: motherlandaustralia.com.au/motherland-villagehttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 282: Kelly Johnson on Motherhood, Miracles & the Grit Behind Her Purpose-Driven Enterprise

  Kelly Johnson lives a purposeful life running a heartfelt food-waste enterprise from her houseboat on the Murray River. But the road here has been anything but smooth. As a mum to identical twins with autism and a youngest son who survived BECAUSE of a medical mistake, Kelly’s early motherhood years were filled with illness, and deep exhaustion… including one incredibly dark moment she’s bravely chosen to share. Through every challenge, Kelly rebuilt, adapted, and found strength. Now, that same determination powers her mission to turn unwanted produce into wholesome meals that give back to farmers. This is her story. This episode briefly discusses mental health and dark thoughts. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.Birdsnest’s $9.95 Changeroom Upgrade brings the store to you. Get styles delivered, try them on at home stress-free, and only pay for what you keep. With thousands of looks in sizes 8–24, it’s fashion made simple. Explore more at birdsnest.com.au. Have a curious child in Year 3 or 5? Aurora College, NSW’s virtual school for high-potential rural and remote students, offers live, interactive lessons with specialist teachers. Applications for Year 5 (2027) and Year 7 (2027) are open now until 20 Feb 2026. Learn more at aurora.schools.nsw.gov.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 281: Demi Crooks and the fight for survival just weeks after becoming a mum during seeding

  Demi Crooks always wanted to be a Mum. But she never knew that her journey into Motherhood would be so challenging nor that it would threaten to take her life. After two gruelling rounds of IVF - Demi successfully conceived her first son River.  It was a mentally and physically challenging three years - Demi thought the worst was over but the journey was just beginning. After River was born, Demi developed what Doctors called the ‘worst case of Mastitis they’d seen in 25 years.’ It left her literally fighting for her life for 16 days in hospital as she developed sepsis, had multiple surgeries and a secondary infection of Deep Vein Thrombosis which threatened to clot in her heart. All the while, River’s dad, Aston was learning to bottle feed and settle his three week old boy by himself. To make matters worse it was one of the busiest times in the WA grain farming calendar. It was seeding. This is Demi's story. Birdsnest is based in Cooma, NSW and they’ve helped Aussie women find outfits they love for over 20 years. Enjoy personalised style picks, outfit ideas, and videos. Shop by body shape or style, sizes 8–24, with express delivery and 365-day returns at birdsnest.com.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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• 280: Jenny Lutz and her 11 year fight to find answers for her son

  When Jenny Lutz became a mum at 22, she had no idea how profoundly her world was about to change. After a traumatic birth and months of sleepless nights, her baby boy Greg cried constantly, struggled to feed, and couldn’t be soothed. Living rurally in Queensland, Jenny faced exhaustion, isolation, and heartbreak, navigating early motherhood with no answers and little support. It wasn’t until Greg was 11 that she finally received the diagnosis she’d spent years searching for: autism. In a time when few in rural Australia even knew what that meant, Jenny’s fierce determination to understand and advocate changed everything. By founding the South Burnett Autism Support Group, she’s spent three decades helping regional families find the understanding and connection she once went without. Her story is one of love, survival, and hope... proof that from the hardest chapters of motherhood can come extraordinary strength and lasting change. Birdsnest is based in Cooma, NSW and they’ve helped Aussie women find outfits they love for over 20 years. Enjoy personalised style picks, outfit ideas, and videos. Shop by body shape or style, sizes 8–24, with express delivery and 365-day returns at birdsnest.com.au. JUCA is the Australian brand delivering chef-crafted, nutritious baby meals right to your door, Australia-wide. Made with 100% whole foods and no nasties, every pouch is bursting with flavour. Created by a Michelin-starred chef using premium local ingredients. Discover real food joy for your little one at juca.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

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