Motherland is a national charity improving the mental health of rural mothers by reducing isolation and increasing access to support — no matter where they live.
It takes a village to raise a child, but for many women living rurally, that village simply doesn’t exist. Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges facing rural mothers and is a known risk factor for poor mental health. Across Australia, mums in the bush are struggling; often without access to the support networks and services many others take for granted.
After experiencing crippling isolation and my own mental health challenges following the birth of my children, I became fiercely passionate about ensuring no rural mum feels alone in her motherhood journey.
Motherland exists to ensure no rural mum is left behind. We deliver programs and services that reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes, including the Motherland podcast, our online Motherland Village program, Scholarship Fund, Motherland Connect platform, national support network, events, and advocacy.
The need is urgent. At least 50% of rural mums say they can’t access a mother’s group, and more than 80% say isolation is the hardest part of rural motherhood. Without connection, the risks to mental health are significant — but with the right support, outcomes can change.
Motherland has already connected thousands of rural women across the country, creating a powerful, accessible support network where it’s needed most.
Because every mum deserves a village…no matter where she lives.
Welcome to Motherland. I’m Steph, and I live in rural Tasmania with my husband and our two young kids.
Becoming a mum was a baptism of fire for me. I wasn’t prepared for the unique challenges of raising children on the land — especially the isolation. With no family, friends or mother’s groups nearby, I quickly realised just how many rural mums are navigating motherhood without the support they need, and the impact this can have on their mental health.
It became clear this wasn’t just my experience — it was a widespread issue affecting women right across rural Australia.
So I decided to do something about it.
Our mission is to eliminate the crippling isolation many rural mums face by creating an online village and support that every rural mum can access, regardless of her location.
