Father Land #1: NFF Vice President John Hassell on his journey through depression, succession and showing up as a dad

When Renae Black stepped into her second maternity leave, she was in the thick of postnatal anxiety and overwhelm. Instead of letting it swallow her, she opened her laptop and set herself a challenge: write a book before going back to work. By the time she returned to the office, she had four manuscripts under her belt! Raised on a farm north of Wagga, Renae’s childhood was full of cattle, dogs, snakes and even the occasional ostrich. That sense of small-town grit and community never left her, and now, in Queensland’s Moreton Bay, she balances life as a mum, social worker, and rural romance author. In this episode, Renae reflects on how writing became a lifeline during her hardest seasons of motherhood, how farm life and her social work continues to shape her storytelling, and why love and community will always remain at the heart of her work.Thank you to Blundstone for proudly supporting our Winter season. Built for life on the land and beyond, their boots are made to go the distance and keep up with life’s adventures. Explore the range: https://www.blundstone.com.au Domestic violence or sexual assault support:Lifeline: 13 11 141800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 73213 YARN or 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait IslandersNSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63QLD DV Connect 1800 811 811Victoria Safe Steps 1800 015 188WA Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339 https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

There was a day when Stuart Austin picked up the phone and called his wife, asking her to come home because he needed her. He wasn’t sick, and he wasn’t injured…but he was in a very dark place, and he knew he couldn’t get through it alone. Stu is a cattleman, entrepreneur, and father of three. His story stretches from long days on Northern Territory stations, working on ranches in Canada, 8 years as General Manager of Wilmot Cattle Co, and now, his own advisory business, Audacious Ag. But this conversation isn’t just about his career in ag. It’s about fatherhood, identity, the moments that nearly broke him — and the family and community who helped him through. From meeting his wife in the stock camp, navigating years of mental health struggles, and raising his beautiful kids, Stu’s story is very raw, honest, and full of lessons about what it means to be a farmer and a father.Right now, Nutrien is looking for passionate people to join its Livestock Career Development Program in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Over two years, you’ll build real skills in stock agency work, livestock productivity, animal health and nutrition, AuctionsPlus, auctioneering, wool marketing, and the latest technology shaping our industry. Applications close September 28: CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng is a mum, grandmother, academic and author. A proud Wakka Wakka/Wulli Wulli woman, she was born in 1958 in Longreach, central western Queensland. Her story is one of resilience across generations. Under the Queensland Act, Aboriginal people were controlled and forced onto missions — but her great-grandfather kept the family on Country by working the land and negotiating with station owners, ensuring their culture survived. From this foundation, Tjanara’s life unfolded — through Catholic schooling, champion swimming, and later, confronting the trauma of childhood abuse. She’s since built a diverse career, from her groundbreaking work on sacred leadership to her memoir A Long Way from No Go. At the heart of her life, though, is family: her daughter, granddaughter, and her former husband, whom she now cares for full time. This is her story. Every mark on our boots tells a story, and Blundstone boots are made to be part of yours. Built for life on the land and beyond, they’re ready for whatever’s next whether it’s chasing cattle, or kids. Explore the full range via the link in our show notes. https://www.blundstone.com.au/  https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

John Hassell has spent his life farming in Western Australia, raising three kids, and now spoiling grandkids. As Vice President of the National Farmers Federation, he’s fought for fairer outcomes for farmers and sparked deeper conversations about rural mental health. His drive comes from lived experience — grappling with succession pressures, crushing financial stress, and a battle with depression that once left him collapsed on the shearing shed floor. Behind his grit and humour is a raw story of struggle and resilience. In this conversation, John speaks more openly than ever about marriage, fatherhood, and the determination to show up for his kids, even in the hardest seasons. Father Land is proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions. With over 700 locations nationwide, Nutrien’s people live and work in rural communities, delivering trusted advice and farm supplies. Their genuine commitment to farmers and families makes this series possible. Learn more at nutrienagsolutions.com.au.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kirsty Evans swore she’d never have kids. Then came motherhood, farm succession, and floods. Raised in Dubbo by a single mum, Kirsty built a career in corporate law and imagined a child-free city life. But love (and a six-foot-five farmer from Orange) changed everything. Now a mum of three, solicitor, and partner in a farming enterprise, Kirsty juggles family, career, and life on the land. Her path into motherhood wasn’t smooth. After her third child she faced postnatal depression, learning the strength of asking for help. That resilience was tested again in 2022, when catastrophic floods hit her community of Molong in NSW. While her husband joined the clean-up, Kirsty used her legal skills to fight for locals, taking on insurers pro bono.  Her advocacy returned nearly a million dollars to the community and earned her the title of NSW Regional Woman of the Year. This is her story.Spring is here, and Blundstone boots are ready for every season. Tough enough for the farm, comfortable enough for town, and dependable enough for whatever the day brings. Explore the full range at: https://blundstone.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Paige Schmidt was just 23 when she became a mum for the first time, living and working on a remote cattle station in central Queensland. From the challenges of raising kids whilst so isolated, to managing her own chronic illness, she's faced more than her fair share of health hurdles. Living hours from the nearest hospital, she’s had to navigate her children’s unexpected medical emergencies while adapting to a life-changing diagnosis herself. Today, Paige shares her story with honesty and strength, from the realities of motherhood in the bush, to the impact on her mental health, and the lessons she’s learned about looking after herself along the way. This is her story. Life in the bush isn’t always easy, but it’s full of grit, laughs, and memories - in trusted Blundstone boots.  For rural families who don’t just wear boots, but live in them! CLICK HERE to sign up, learn more and shop their range https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

The secret is out.Introducing... Father Land 💚A special podcast series dropping Wednesday September 3rd right here on the Motherland Podcast channel!Proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Country singer songwriter Shenai Johnston grew up near Ongerup in WA with music in her veins — singing from the moment she could talk, winning competitions, and chasing her dreams. But at 19, she lost her mum — and with her, the music she loved. She put down the guitar, stopped singing, and tried to navigate life without the woman who had shaped her. Now, Shenai is a mum of three boys, two with autism, and is raising her family on a small farm in Boyup Brook while her husband works FIFO. Life has been chaotic, isolating, and at times overwhelming — but it also brought her back to the thing she thought she’d lost. Her voice. Country music has helped her process grief, navigate motherhood, and tell the stories that matter most. Last year, she recorded her debut EP in Nashville, marking a major milestone in her journey. This is her story. A word from Blundstone, our Winter podcast sponsor...Remember, a quick clean and regular conditioning go a long way in keeping your boots work and adventure-ready. Treat your Blundstones well, and they’ll stick with you through every season! Head to https://www.blundstone.com.au/boot-care for more boot care tips. Raising a child with disability or developmental differences can be isolating, especially in regional Australia. ENVISAGE is a free five-week online program offering support, connection, and practical tools for parents wherever they are located. No diagnosis or NDIS plan needed and free. Learn more at envisage.community. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Diann Hawkins saw a small ad seeking foster families, she couldn’t have known it would define the next 35 years of her life. A former nurse, bush cook, and mum of three, Diann had just farewelled her youngest to boarding school. The house was quiet. She was lonely. So she opened her heart (and home) to children in need. From their remote Queensland property, she and her husband Morris have fostered more than 100 children, welcoming newborns through to teens, saying painful goodbyes, and giving every child a safe place to land. Now in her 70s, Diann is still answering calls and still setting extra places at the table. This is the story of a rural mum whose quiet legacy is bigger than she’ll ever admit. This is her story. Thanks to Blundstone for supporting our Winter podcast season. Blundstone Kids boots are tough, comfy, and built for adventure - rain, hail or shine. Rugged, reliable, and ready for anything. Blundstone Kids boots are made to grow with them. To learn more about Blundstone and their range CLICK HERE Following on from National Farm Safety Week, together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources:Apply for a Motherland National Conference Scholarship HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kylea Hodgkinson-Jones didn’t grow up on a farm - she trained as a maritime warfare officer. From life at sea to six months in Antarctica, her Navy career took her to the most extreme, isolated corners of the planet. But burnout and a medical discharge changed everything. Today, Kylea’s raising cattle, and her beautiful daughter Maggie, on a regenerative farm in Queensland’s South Burnett. Her journey from Navy officer to rural mum is raw, powerful, and full of surprises (including the kidney stone that led her to meet her husband). In our chat she opens up about it all, including the birth of her daughter at just 28 weeks, and the relentless fight to bring her home. This is her story.This episode touches on childhood trauma - including references to family violence and sexual abuse. If you need support, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Style your winter with Blundstone. Boots that are made for layering, tough enough for the farm, comfortable enough for town. From winter denim to chunky layers, they go with everything. Discover your go-to boots this season, built for comfort, worn with confidence. CLICK HERE to check out their range.Following on from National Farm Safety Week, together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to learn more and access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources:Scholarship Applications for Motherland's 2026 National Conference are now OPEN. Click here to apply. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia