Gala set to become one of Australia’s biggest events on the regional calendar

National charity Motherland is preparing to host one of the biggest rural gala dinners in Australia, a powerful celebration of motherhood in the bush. What began six years ago as a podcast launched by Stephanie Trethewey in rural Tasmania, has grown into a nationally recognised charity that’s reshaping the rural motherhood experience across Australia. With a small but mighty team of rural mothers working remotely around the country, Motherland has not only become a fast-growing force for connection, advocacy, and support – it has sold out of its 2026 National Conference five months in advance, with 350 rural mums set to gather in Toowoomba, Queensland this March.

Now, building on that momentum, the Motherland Gala Dinner is shaping up to be one of regional Australia’s biggest events on the annual calendar – with 600 guests expected to attend. Held on Friday 13 March as part of the Conference agenda, the special event will bring together rural mothers and partners, regional business leaders, corporate groups and community members from across Queensland and beyond.

Australian Olympic cycling legend Anna Meares OAM will headline the Gala as keynote speaker, sharing her extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and motherhood, with beloved TV host Catriona Rowntree as emcee for the evening. Guests will be treated to live entertainment, a three-course dining experience, and a charity auction, all set against the backdrop of an unforgettable night celebrating rural Australia.

“Rural motherhood can be incredibly isolating, but events like this bring that isolation to its knees. The Motherland Gala is a celebration of rural families who are the backbone of our farming communities, so to have businesses and industry leaders at this event to support them is so powerful” said Motherland Founder & CEO Stephanie Trethewey.

Supported by major partner the Queensland Government, the two-day Motherland Conference has drawn strong backing across the state.

Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Motherland’s work to ensure more mums have access to vital support networks, services and a strong sense of connection when they need it most.”

Proudly supported by Gala Dinner Gold Partner NBN Co, the Motherland Gala Dinner will also raise funds to further support the charity’s mission to ensure no rural mum is left behind.

Limited tickets are still available via motherlandaustralia.com.au/conference, with sponsored tables of 10 available for businesses looking to host a table and show their support for this incredible charity and the rural mums it serves.