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QLD Government backs rural mums announcing $1 million in funding for Motherland

The Queensland Government has announced $1 million in funding over 3 years for Motherland.

The Queensland Government has announced $1 million in funding over 3 years for Motherland to enable our charity to deliver more services, support, and connection for rural mothers across the state. 

The investment is part of the Government’s Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022–27 and will turbocharge Motherland’s mission to reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes for rural mothers state-wide. Over 20 per cent of the charity’s engagement nationally stems from Queensland mothers, with growing demand for its support services. 

“This is the first investment of its kind into rural motherhood nationally, and I want to thank the Queensland government for backing rural women who are the linchpin of our farming communities. This support will help power Motherland’s vision to ensure no Queensland rural mum is left behind,” said Motherland Founder & CEO Stephanie Trethewey. 

Queensland’s Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said the funding means more rural women will get the support they need, when they need it. 

“I’m so thrilled that our budget includes this crucial funding for Motherland to be able to expand their care to even more rural mothers across Queensland,” Minister Fentiman said. 

“The Motherland team do an incredible job supporting the health and wellbeing of our rural mums, and the Miles Government is proud to support them in the delivery of this vital work.”  

In addition to our national work and impact in other states, Motherland is also developing a Queensland strategy that will bolster its services to rural and remote women in Queensland through its soon to be launched Motherland Connect platform, the Motherland podcast, Motherland Village program, Scholarship Fund, and Motherland events. Support from the Queensland Government will ensure rural mums across the state who are struggling financially will be able to access Motherland’s program for free. 

“We know Queensland mothers are strong supporters of Motherland and are in need of the programs we are offering.  This support from the Queensland Government shows that they understand that being a mum in rural and remote areas in Queensland creates added challenges.  We will be able to really achieve for Queensland through this support, ” said Goondiwindi-based Motherland Chair Julia Spicer OAM.  

Motherland Queensland Ambassador Alice Woods is Motherland’s “boots on the ground” in the state, and also facilitates online Motherland Village groups from her home near Goondiwindi.

“Motherland’s work in supporting rural mums is vital in communities like mine,” she says.

“The distances in Queensland can be a huge challenge with poor technology and lack of services. The buzz around our recent Mother’s Day Fundraising event held in Goondiwindi just illustrates how valued Motherland’s services are in helping women to connect. This funding is such an exciting opportunity for Motherland to extend its reach, and support even more rural women and their families across Queensland.”

Motherland is a national charity that was founded in 2019 by TV journalist turned farmer Stephanie Trethewey. Stephanie is the current 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, and in 2022 was awarded the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her pioneering work.

Over the past 12 months, the charity has extended its reach across Queensland, appointing its state based Ambassador, with plans to invest in more roles in the future.

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