301: Katie Craig’s Incredible Journey Raising Her Son After Becoming a Widow at 29

Katie Craig thought she knew what motherhood might look like. She and her husband Lachy were building a life together in Biloela, Central Queensland, and after years of worrying endometriosis might affect fertility, they were overjoyed to be expecting their little boy, Dougy. But at just 27 weeks pregnant, Katie went into labour. Dougy weighed only 1.1 kilograms at birth, and Katie was then separated from him for the first seven days of his life after testing positive to COVID. What followed was months in NICU, brain surgery, hearing loss investigations, and years navigating medical trauma in rural Australia. Then, just as life was beginning to stabilise, Lachy was diagnosed with terminal cancer at just 34 years old. Today, Katie shares the unimaginable reality of becoming a widow at 29, raising a medically complex child through grief, and why she still feels incredibly hopeful about the future.Pop Family Speech Pathologists is Australia’s largest online speech pathology practice, delivering flexible telehealth support to rural and regional families nationwide, with no waitlist. Head to: https://popfamily.au/ The Victorian Farmers Federation is delivering the Making Our Farms Safer project, offering free, confidential farm safety visits to help producers reduce risks and build safer farming businesses and families. Head to: https://vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

You might know Lottie Rae from Australian Survivor. Or from Portrait Artist of the Year, where she painted Ken Done. Or maybe from the time Gigi Hadid slid into her DMs and bought one of her paintings for Bella. Perhaps you follow her art online or listen to her podcast.  But behind the art, the TV appearances and the wild stories, is a deeper side to Lottie you’ve probably never heard before. Until now. Lottie was just 22 when she unexpectedly fell pregnant with her eldest son, two days before she was due to leave for Europe. What followed wasn’t the life she had planned — but in many ways, it became the making of her. Since then, she’s pursued art full time, collaborated with major fashion brands, gone viral around the world and navigated motherhood through all of it. Today, you’ll hear Lottie Rae unfiltered — on young motherhood, identity, ambition, survival and learning how to be a mum without losing herself in the process. This is a chat that is as moving and deep as it is wildly funny. I loved getting to know Lottie Rae, the mum. Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Nikki Lyons didn’t grow up on the land. She was raised in Western Australia, and only discovered agriculture as a teenager. But by 17, she’d bought her first shearing kit and started chasing work in sheds across the country. More than 20 years later, Nikki is a mum of four living in Yass, NSW, and one of Australia’s most remarkable shearers. In 2024, she set a women’s world record by shearing 395 merino lambs in eight hours. Then in 2025, she made an additional record by shearing 502 merinos in nine hours. After taking almost a decade away from shearing to raise her kids, Nikki found her way back to the shed during school hours, rebuilding her body, her confidence, and a dream she’d quietly held onto for years. In this episode, Nikki shares what it took to return to one of the toughest jobs in the country, how motherhood shaped her mental toughness, and what she hopes her kids learn from watching her chase something of her own. This is Nikki’s story.Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment. What if you didn’t have to panic or turn to Google every time your child got sick? The Sick Sense is designed to help parents understand what actually matters in the moment - their baby and kids online first aid course helps you build your own “Sick Sense” with practical, easy-to-understand guidance that fits into real life.  Head to: thesicksense.comhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Cailyn Muntelwit grew up on cattle properties across Central Queensland in a loving but emotionally unstable home, navigating school, undiagnosed neurodivergence, and a brain that never switched off. At 19, she met her partner Frank in the stock camp, and by 27 they were starting a family of their own. But motherhood hit hard. With ADHD, a child navigating ADHD and autism, and a partner working away for months at a time, those early years became more about survival than balance. In this episode, Cailyn shares how she’s learning to break generational patterns, parent differently, and build a life that works for her family — including a business idea that unexpectedly took her all the way to Paris to represent regional Australia on the world stage. Motherland is proud to partner with Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment with Mums Matter.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Not long ago, Alison Gossage made a decision that some rural women quietly face… but rarely talk about. She left the land. Ali is a mum of two, who was living and working on a farm in Esperance, WA, building a life in agriculture alongside her husband, raising babies in the bush, and doing everything she could to hold it all together. But behind the scenes… things were not okay. What started as the everyday juggle of motherhood - two under two, long days alone, limited support - slowly became something much heavier. Something that Ali didn’t recognise at first… and didn’t have the words for. Until one moment changed everything. For Ali, that moment led her to a diagnosis many women still don’t talk about… postpartum rage. In this episode, she shares what that actually felt like; the shame, the fear, the isolation — and what it took to ask for help. We also talk about the realities of raising young kids in rural Australia without a village, the pressure of farm life, and the incredibly hard decision to leave it behind in order to survive it. This is Ali’s story.Motherland is proud to partner with Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment with Mums Matter.PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306  Lifeline for Crisis Support: 13 11 14https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Ellen Fitzgerald is a mum of three living on a cattle property northwest of Longreach. Like so many rural mothers, her days are full… raising children, running a business, and building a life on the land alongside her husband. But recently, Ellen has found herself in a position she never expected… becoming an accidental advocate for rural families. Right now, Ellen’s family  (like many in remote areas) is facing the very real possibility of losing the in-home childcare they rely on, with current support systems not extending to families in her situation, making it increasingly unaffordable. I invited Ellen on the podcast to talk about this issue — and we did, but along the way I uncovered a much deeper story. Ellen’s journey to motherhood has been shaped by profound loss — from losing her own mum at just 21, to experiencing 4 miscarriages in a row, and then the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Adelaide. And still, she kept going. This is her story. A warning, this episode discussed multiple pregnancy losses including termination. If you need support: Red Nose Grief & Loss:  24/7 Support Line 1300 308 307https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ PANDA helpline: 1300 726 306Mums Matter is a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. Mums Matter offers compassionate, evidence-based psychology via telehealth, so you can speak with a specialist from the comfort of your home. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Last month, rural mum of two Courtney Moir was crowned the winner of Muster Dogs Season Four. But there’s a lot more to her story than what you saw on TV, and today she shares all of it publicly for the first time. From working in banking, to swiping right on a farmer, to moving to a remote property just weeks before becoming a mum — it was a lot of change, all at once. What followed was a period of anxiety and isolation and it wasn’t until Courtney found something just for herself… that things began to shift. Dogs soon became more than just a hobby. They helped her rebuild her confidence, find her community and become the kind of mother she wanted to be. And she just so happened to win a TV show along the way. This is Courtney’s story. When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Rachel Bjelke-Petersen spent her childhood weekends travelling Queensland’s campdraft circuit with her dad. While horses, cattle and red dirt were always part of her, life took her in many directions — but something was always missing.After spinal surgery in her mid-20s, her goal was simple: get back on a horse… and she did exactly that. In 2022, she packed up and drove 1,100 kilometres west, where she says she’d never felt more at home. Then one unexpected moment changed everything… hitting a pothole and meeting her future husband! Within months, Rachel had stepped into life on Christian’s fourth-generation family property, and into motherhood. Alongside her husband, she’s since built The Old Hangar,  a thriving rural venue in the South Burnett. Rachel’s story is about backing yourself, trusting your gut, and building a life you truly love. This is her story. Discover beautifully crafted, timeless furniture and homewares at Provincial Home Living. From linen sofas to solid timber dining tables, each piece brings warmth, character and effortless style. Visit one of 37 stores across Australia or shop online to create a home you truly adore today: provincialhomeliving.com.au When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Tahnee McCarthy is a paediatric physiotherapist, mum of two, and stepmum to one living outside Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. The life she’s building with her young family has been shaped by extraordinary challenges. After the traumatic birth of her first baby and undiagnosed postnatal depression, Tahnee was navigating early motherhood when her husband Aaron was involved in a catastrophic farming accident that changed everything. Aaron lost his leg that day — but somehow saved his own life. What followed was a journey neither of them expected. While Aaron channelled his recovery into becoming a Paralympic snowboarder, Tahnee began searching for herself again through the chaos of motherhood and farm life. A chance moment opened the door to something she didn’t realise she needed. This is a story about loss, love, and what’s possible when a family refuses to let life’s hardest moments define them. This is her story. Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30Cable is known for its exceptional Merino wool knitwear. Explore their Autumn 2026 collection of timeless, elevated essentials, crafted from 100% Australian Merino wool. Shop in store or online now. Visit: www.cablemelbourne.com/When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Michelle Hamilton lives on a farm in Central Queensland with her husband Pete and son Wiley. Growing up on the land, she thought she was ready for rural life — but motherhood brought challenges she never saw coming including post natal depression. But Michelle’s turning point came unexpectedly at a local agricultural show, where she encountered alpacas! What began as a simple encounter grew into something much bigger. Breeding alpacas and growing her business helped Michelle rediscover purpose, energy and connection, and re-engage with motherhood, her family and herself. Then a near-fatal farming accident involving her husband forced their family to pause and rethink what truly mattered, including their marriage.Today, with more joy, a paddock full of alpacas, and a clearer perspective, Michelle is living life very differently.Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30CABLE's new Heritage 365 collection features timeless wardrobe pieces crafted from luxurious 100% Australian Merino Wool — designed to be worn and cherished season after season. Explore the latest arrivals in Cable stores or online HERE. Hogans Family Jewellers is a family-owned business with over 80 years of craftsmanship. From engagements to life’s special milestones, their timeless pieces are designed to be treasured for generations. Discover their ready-to-wear collection online HERE or in-store at 241 Margaret Street, Toowoomba.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia