May 26, 2025
More than 120 rural mums gathered in Kingaroy on Saturday for a day of connection, conversation and community at Motherland’s inaugural event in the South Burnett.
Motherland is a national charity which aims to reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes for women on the land.
The Kingaroy event, held at Hillview Cottages, marked a belated Mother’s Day celebration to honour local rural women.
Motherland Village ambassador, local farmer Melanie McNaughton, hosted the event.
Melanie said it was a celebration of the highs and lows of rural motherhood, from new mothers through to grandmothers.
“We know the challenges of living in rural and regional areas, but we also know the value of community and connection through programs like Motherland,” Melanie said.
Motherland founder Stephanie Trethewey compered the event and led a panel of guest speakers: Felicity Burton (co-founder of the Common Ground Foundation and owner of Burton Family Beef), Kylea Hodgkinson-Jones (owner Firebreak Farm and ex-member of the Australian Defence Force) and Jenny Lutz (founder of the South Burnett Autism Support Group).
Another guest was local MP, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, who said events like this were vital in helping rural mothers feel seen, heard and connected.
Representatives from Women’s Health and Equality Queensland also held a stall at the event, promoting their new phone counselling service, 1800 4 WOMEN (1800-496-636).
“The success of our first Kingaroy fundraiser is a testament to the support of the Queensland Government, and the generosity of local businesses, and the community spirit in the region,” Stephanie said.
Queensland rural mums doing it tough can access the Motherland Village online support program for free.
For more information, visit the Motherland website
- Related article: Special Event For Rural Mums
