0–3 yearsNewborns, infants & toddlers
A private group for mums deep in the early years - sleep, feeding, big changes and everything in between.
- StartsMon 8 Feb 2027
- Runs for6 weeks
- Your group10 mums
- Live sessions4 × Zoom · 8pm
Motherland Village
It takes a village.Find yours.
Join Australia’s first online mothers’ group program and be matched into your own small, personalised support group.
10 mums max per groupSix-week programFree spots availableLive video catch-upsGuided by a trained facilitatorMatched by your kids’ age group
What is Motherland Village?
A 6-week online program designed to help you find your village – connecting you with a small, private group of rural mums and a trained facilitator who’s there to support you along the way.
Across four relaxed evening Zoom catch-ups, weekly activities and a private group chat, you’ll have the chance to connect, share and get to know other mums who understand rural life - plus exclusive video content on motherhood, parenting, relationships and more.
And it doesn’t have to end at week six - most of our groups stay connected long after the program finishes.
It’s for rural mums at every stage - from the baby years right through to raising teens up to 18.
Choose your group
Three age groups, so you can find mums in a similar season.
Choose the group that best matches your children’s ages. We’ll connect you with a small group of rural mums navigating a similar stage of motherhood, with shared experiences and plenty to talk about from the very beginning.
0–3 years
4–10 yearsPre & primary schoolers
For mums navigating the school years - friendships, school routines and all the juggling that comes with it.
- StartsMon 26 Oct 2026
- Runs for6 weeks
- Your group10 mums
- Live sessions4 × Zoom · 8pm
11–18 yearsPre-teens & beyond
For mums navigating the pre-teen and teenage years - from high school and boarding school to changing relationships and new parenting challenges.
- StartsMon 3 May 2027
- Runs for6 weeks
- Your group10 mums
- Live sessions4 × Zoom · 8pm
Free & funded places
There’s a free place waiting for you if you need.
As a charity, we want Motherland Village to be accessible to as many rural mums as possible. That’s why we set aside fully funded scholarship places for every intake.
You don’t need to prove you’re doing it tough, or feel like someone else needs the place more than you. If a funded place would make it easier for you to join, we encourage you to apply.
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Places are always availableEvery intake includes fully-funded spots held for mums who need them.
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Who's eligibleAny rural or remote mum for whom cost is a barrier. No means-testing, no hoops.
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How to applyA short, private form - we'll be in touch within a few days with your place.
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How it's fundedBy our donors and partners, so every dollar reaches a mum who needs a village.
The Motherland Scholarships
There are a few ways to access a place in the Motherland Village.
You can apply through our National Scholarship Program, access a funded place if you’re a mum in Queensland or the Katherine and Big Rivers region, or nominate a rural mum in your life who you think could benefit from finding her village.
National Village Scholarship Program
Read more
Motherland Village is open to rural and remote mums who are craving connection. If the cost is a barrier you can access a free spot from anywhere in Australia. You just need to have a connection to the land or agriculture, whether directly through their home location, career, or family, or indirectly through their spouses.
- Applications
- All year round
- Location
- Australia wide
Free Village Spots for QLD mums
Read more
Thanks to the Queensland Government we are able to offer places in the Village program for free to all Queensland rural mothers. To access a free spot, you need to have a connection to the land or agriculture, whether directly through their home location, career, or family, or indirectly through their spouses.
- Applications
- All year round
- Location
- Queensland
Free spots for Big Rivers Mums
Read more
Thanks to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Katherine Hospital we are able to offer places in the Village program for free to all rural mothers in the Big Rivers Region. To access a free spot, you need to have a connection to the land or agriculture, whether directly through their home location, career, or family, or indirectly through their spouses.
- Applications
- All year round
- Location
- Katherine & the Big Rivers Region
Nominate a mum for a Scholarship
Read more
If you know a rural mum that would benefit from Motherland Village, you can nominate her for a free spot in our online rural mothers group program. Maybe she’s doing it tough, maybe you just know she’s not one to prioritise herself, whatever the reason, you can nominate her in 2 minutes. Click the link to be taken to the form.
- Applications
- All year round
- Location
- Australia wide
This is what finding your village looks like.Rural mums from every corner of Australia - one Village.
What's included
Everything you get when you join the Village.
Six weeks of connection, a private group of your own, exclusive content and a welcome pack sent to you in the post. Click the icons below to find out more.
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Your own private groupThoughtfully matched with other rural mums in a safe, judgement-free space to be yourself.
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Facilitated Zoom callsA trained facilitator is there to guide and support your group throughout the six weeks, with live catch-ups held at 8pm AEST on weeknights.
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Weekly activitiesGentle prompts and conversation starters you can do in your own time through the group - designed to build real connection, not feel like homework.
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Private Chat GroupStay connected between the calls and beyond the six weeks - your Village is always in your pocket, just a message away.
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Ongoing Facilitator SupportYour facilitator is there throughout the six weeks to help everyone feel comfortable, included and part of the group.
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Welcome gift packA welcome box of goodies will arrive at your door - a little something from us to celebrate you joining the Village and help you feel part of the group from the very beginning.
Swipe or use the arrows
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Your own private groupThoughtfully matched with other rural mums in a safe, judgement-free space to be yourself.
▶
Facilitated Zoom callsA trained facilitator is there to guide and support your group throughout the six weeks, with live catch-ups held at 8pm AEST on weeknights.
✎
Weekly activitiesGentle prompts and conversation starters you can do in your own time through the group - designed to build real connection, not feel like homework.
◉
Private Chat GroupStay connected between the calls and beyond the six weeks - your Village is always in your pocket, just a message away.
✦
Ongoing Facilitator SupportYour facilitator is there throughout the six weeks to help everyone feel comfortable, included and part of the group.
🎁
Welcome gift packA welcome box of goodies will arrive at your door - a little something from us to celebrate you joining the Village and help you feel part of the group from the very beginning.
Who you'll learn from
Guided by some of the best in the country.
Each week is shaped by content from leading experts
Week 1 · Matrescence
Nikki McCahonMatrescence EducatorHelps you understand the physical, emotional and psychological changes that come with becoming and being a mother - and navigate the shifts in identity along the way.
Week 2 · Mental Load
Bridget JohnsOrganisation ExpertHelping rural mums like you to simplify your homes and lives, reduce the mental load and create more space for the people and things that matter most.
Week 3 · Self Love
Louise O'NeillRural CounsellorHelping you navigate self-love, prioritise your own wellbeing and find practical ways to care for yourself through the demands of motherhood and rural life.
Week 4 · Connected Parenting
Gen MuirParenting EducatorHelps you build stronger relationships with your kids and navigate family life with more connection and confidence.
Week 5 · Empathy
Leanne ButterworthEmpathy EducatorHelps you build stronger connections through empathy, emotional awareness and understanding - creating healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Program impact
It works. Just ask our mums.
From our 2024 Impact Report.
0%
highly rated the program (4+ stars)
0%
say it changed their lives
0%
say it improved their mental health
0%
got the support they wanted from a mothers' group
0%
feel less alone
Source: Motherland Village Survey data updated September 2026
In their words
Real mums. Real friendships.
"What an incredible experience"
This program has been fantastic and I can't wait to continue building on the friendships I have made. I love the bond that we have made over our…
Sarah K.Village member"One of a kind experience"
Motherland is a one of a kind experience to really invite friendships starting from scratch to strong bonds and keeping in contact. The…
Rene R.Village member"A whole lot to gain!"
The Motherland Village is exactly what all rural mums need in their lives, even if they don't realise it! It's a beautiful way to make some…
Jessica P.Village member"Lifelong friendships"
If you had told me 6 weeks ago that I would be friends with 8 other women I had never met from all over Australia I wouldn't have believed you.…
Sarah M.Village member"Nothing short of amazing!"
Motherland Village was the first thing I decided to do for me as a mother and I was beyond blown away with the experience and of the group of…
Ali H.Village member"It gave me a safe place to talk about anything"
I loved Motherland Village, it gave me a safe place to talk about anything. There was always someone to chat to having 9 other mums in the…
Jessie C.Village member"I cannot recommend this program enough"
I will be forever grateful I actually sat down & watched Landline with my husband & discovered Motherland. I have LOVED the past 6 weeks,…
Rebecca F.Village member"Truly un-explainable"
Joining a motherland village is truly un-explainable until you are in one. The support, kindness and how vulnerable strangers can be just in a…
Bridget G.Village member
Drag or use arrows to explore
Corporate Workplace Partners
Elders - our first workplace partner
Elders give eligible employees and their partners access to Motherland Village for free.
Partner with us →Good to know
Your questions, answered.
What you might want to know before joining the program.
Still not sure?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and we'll help you work out if the Village is right for you.
Contact us →Should I join while pregnant?+−
Congratulations on your pregnancy! We love your enthusiasm! It's important to have the right support system set up for you before you have your baby. We recommend timing the start of your program when your baby is around 3 months. The fourth trimester can be a blur with lack of sleep and learning your new little one. The best time to join is when you're all settled in and have the time to participate fully in the program!
How will I be matched to a group?+−
Group composition really depends on who signs up for each intake and how people want to be matched. Once enrolled, you will be given the opportunity to preference if you would like to be located close to other participants (e.g. in your state or region if possible) or would prefer more anonymity. You can also indicate if you'd like to be matched with women with similar careers or lived experience, or a diverse group of mums. Not all preferences are guaranteed as it of course depends on the types of women enrolling in the program at that time. We do our absolute best to give groups the best chance of success. You may be matched with a group of mums with different living situations or farming operations to you, however most groups find what bonds them together is the similarity in feelings and the desire to connect with other rural mums. We ask that you join Motherland Village with no judgement and an openness to getting to know your group on a deeper level.
Can I join Motherland Village again?+−
No. To ensure participants are committed to getting to know their group and staying in touch after the program ends, you can only complete the program once. Motherland Village is not a dating platform, our aim is to create a safe space for rural mums to open up and share, connect with empathy and kindness, and respect that you may not resonate with each others' life experiences and circumstances but you all have the common ground of feeling isolated and seeking connection. If you join Motherland Village with an open mind, curiosity, kindness and commitment, genuine connection is possible and in some cases so are longterm friendships. If you have participated in the program and want to join a different age group, please get in touch to discuss.
Is Motherland Village designed for new mums only?+−
Not at all! It's open to rural mums with children aged 0-3 years, 4-10 years and 11-18 years. You just need to select the age category you are most interested in joining.
How does it differ from a traditional mothers group?+−
Unlike traditional mothers groups which are often run by Maternal Child Health Nurses, Motherland Village is focused on facilitating friendships and meaningful connections, and is run by Motherland's trained ambassadors. Our program is not a replacement for any services offered by medical or allied health professionals and we do not offer any professional advice when it comes to your own health or the health of your child/ren. If you need support in certain areas of expertise such as breastfeeding, sleep and settling (etc), we can point you in the right direction to services that can support you.
How many rural mums are in each mother's group?+−
Each group is capped at 10 women maximum. Spots are limited for this reason.
What do I need to join Motherland Village?+−
A reliable internet connection, a mobile phone or laptop and your own Facebook account. We use Zoom for the video calls but you don't require an account to join the calls. Please note for privacy reasons, you cannot join the Facebook group that is set up for each Motherland Village with a shared Facebook account. You will need to create your own individual account prior to your group commencing.
What happens if I have more than one child, which age group should I join?+−
Whichever age group you want! Pick one of your children's ages bracket that you need the most support with which will connect you with rural mums with kids of a similar age.
How much time commitment will the Motherland Village program take?+−
Over the six-weeks, you will have 4 x 1 hour Zoom sessions with your group. These meetings are a critical part of the program and enable you to meet your group 'face to face' via video. Your facilitator will run each session and you'll be given one month's notice of the dates. Other than those four sessions which are locked in at the start of the program, Motherland Village has been designed to be very flexible. You will be supported with weekly email check-ins from Steph, including suggested icebreakers and activities for your group.
How will my group communicate?+−
In addition to Zoom calls, your group will have its own private Motherland Village Facebook group and Messenger chat.
What can I expect to gain from the program?+−
Like anything, you get out what you put in and this will all depend on how engaged you are with your mothers' group. If you're eager to make meaningful connections and get to know the other rural mums as much as possible, please spend the time posting, chatting and getting to know them each week.
Can the Zoom catch ups be rescheduled?+−
Unfortunately, no. They are scheduled in the evenings to allow participants the best chance to attend with no distractions. When these dates are locked in one month in advance of the program starting, please alert any support people you have so they can be around on those evenings to help with children if required. These sessions are YOU time. It's a commitment to yourself and your fellow group members. It's a chance for you to invest in relationships with other mums. If you can't get help though, don't worry, you can show up however you need to, with kids in tow or not. The most important thing is that you join the call!
What if I can't get someone to look after my kids for our Zoom?+−
No problem! Our catch ups are very relaxed and family friendly. We understand unavoidable commitments pop up and your kids might need you. For younger children and babies, you might need to feed them, hold them or tend to them during our call, and they are absolutely welcome to join us! Just please remember to pop your microphone on mute if you are not speaking so we can avoid background noise for your group. Of course, if you really can't make the call, then please let your facilitator know as soon as possible so we are not waiting for you unnecessarily on the night.
Can my group arrange our own Zoom calls outside of the Program ones?+−
Absolutely! We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and catch up as much as you want to outside the facilitated calls. The more chances you have to connect via video catch up, the better for your group's relationship.
What happens after the six weeks are up?+−
When the official Program ends, your group doesn't! You are all free to keep chatting and connecting privately, continuing your journey together. That's the beauty of it! After Week 6, a handover will take place for your group where the Motherland team will leave the group permanently, and handover admin to all the members of your group so you take full control. The majority of our groups continue to put in the effort to stay in touch!
What if I have other questions?+−
Please contact Steph and the team and we'll get back to you.
Where can I read the Motherland Village T&Cs?+−
You can find them here.
What time of the day are the video calls?+−
The four video calls are scheduled on a weeknight at 8pm NSW time. Once enrolled, you will be notified of the details one month prior to your group commencing.
Who will facilitate my mothers group?+−
All our facilitators are rural mums themselves who live and breathe life on the land, and understand the unique challenges of being a rural mother. Our facilitators have been taken through Motherland's extensive training program under the guidance of our CEO Stephanie Trethewey. Please note our facilitators are not mental health professionals. They can refer participants to the appropriate services, if required. All facilitators have completed Lifeline's Accidental Counsellor and Domestic and Family Violence training as well as Empathy and Grief Training.
Find your people
It’s time to join your Village.
Fill in the short enrolment form and join now - or apply for a free spot. It only takes a couple of minutes.