What started as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving business capturing the heart and soul of the Mornington Peninsula.

In this episode, we sit down with Amber Gardener, the woman behind Natural Light Photography, to hear how she turned her passion into a career.

Amber shares her journey into photography, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the joy she finds in working with such a diverse range of local businesses, from makers and cafes, to wellness brands and community events.

It’s a story about following your instincts, staying grounded, and building something beautiful right where you are.

What started as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving business capturing the heart and soul of the Mornington Peninsula.
In this episode, we sit down with Amber Gardener, the woman behind Natural Light Photography, to hear how she turned her passion into a career.
Amber shares her journey into photography, the lessons she&rsquo;s learned along the way, and the joy she finds in working with such a diverse range of local businesses, from makers and cafes, to wellness brands and community events.
It&rsquo;s a story about following your instincts, staying grounded, and building something beautiful right where you are.

Her Peninsula shines a light on the incredible women of the Mornington Peninsula.

The quiet achievers, community builders, creatives, and leaders whose stories often go untold. Each episode dives into their journeys, celebrating resilience, passion, and the unique ways they contribute to life on the Peninsula. From personal triumphs to community impact, it’s about amplifying voices that inspire and connect us all.

Proudly supported by Community Bank Southern Peninsula.

Her Peninsula shines a light on the incredible women of the Mornington Peninsula. The quiet achievers, community builders, creatives, and leaders whose stories often go untold. Each episode dives into their journeys, celebrating resilience, passion, and the unique ways they contribute to life on the Peninsula.&nbsp;From personal triumphs to community impact, it&rsquo;s about amplifying voices that inspire and connect us all. Proudly supported by Community Bank Southern Peninsula.

HER Peninsula

From Passion to Profession – Amber Gardener’s Local Lens

In this episode of HER Peninsula, Sophie sits down with Stephanie Hill, Philanthropy and Engagement Manager at the Payton Foundation, for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, generosity and creating lasting impact.

Steph leads donor engagement and strategic partnerships that support grassroots organisations across Australia, Asia and Africa, connecting people with communities driving change in health, housing and education. But her passion for this work began much earlier.

She shares how a school trip to India became a pivotal moment in her life, opening her eyes to global inequality and igniting a desire to build a career with purpose. From her time working with Fusion in Mt Martha to her role today at the Payton Foundation, Stephanie reflects on the experiences and relationships that have shaped her journey.

Together, they explore what it means to give with intention, how meaningful connections can create lasting change, and why legacy is about so much more than money. It's a conversation about turning awareness into action and finding purpose through serving others.

In this episode of HER Peninsula, Sophie sits down with Stephanie Hill, Philanthropy and Engagement Manager at the Payton Foundation, for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, generosity and creating lasting impact.
Steph leads donor engagement and strategic partnerships that support grassroots organisations across Australia, Asia and Africa, connecting people with communities driving change in health, housing and education. But her passion for this work began much earlier.
She shares how a school trip to India became a pivotal moment in her life, opening her eyes to global inequality and igniting a desire to build a career with purpose. From her time working with Fusion in Mt Martha to her role today at the Payton Foundation, Stephanie reflects on the experiences and relationships that have shaped her journey.
Together, they explore what it means to give with intention, how meaningful connections can create lasting change, and why legacy is about so much more than money. It's a conversation about turning awareness into action and finding purpose through serving others.

Steph Hill: Purpose in Action

This week on HER Peninsula, we meet Amy Yargi, a familiar face to racing fans as a mounting yard analyst with Racing.com, but away from the track she's also a devoted mum, wife, and self- confessed crazy animal lady.

Growing up in a family deeply connected to the racing industry, Amy reflects on the legacy of racing, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what it means to forge her own path in a sport she loves.

From life behind the scenes in racing to balancing family life, caring for a menagerie of animals, and navigating a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Amy shares an honest and engaging conversation about passion, resilience, and staying true to yourself.

A warm, insightful chat with a woman who wears many hats, and wears them all exceptionally well.

This week on HER Peninsula, we meet Amy Yargi, a familiar face to racing fans as a mounting yard analyst with Racing.com, but away from the track she's also a devoted mum, wife, and self- confessed crazy animal lady.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to the racing industry, Amy reflects on the legacy of racing, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what it means to forge her own path in a sport she loves.
From life behind the scenes in racing to balancing family life, caring for a menagerie of animals, and navigating a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Amy shares an honest and engaging conversation about passion, resilience, and staying true to yourself.
A warm, insightful chat with a woman who wears many hats, and wears them all exceptionally well.

Amy Yargi: Racing, Resilience and a House Full of Animals

This week on HER Peninsula, we’re joined by Maggie Chretien for a deeply honest conversation about identity, motherhood, grief, and navigating life through seasons of change.

Maggie reflects on growing up with dreams of becoming a performer, the unexpected twists that shaped her early career, including a memorable chapter as the voice of a cartoon character, and the path that led her to the life she’s built today.

Together we talk about marriage, motherhood, and what happens when life changes in ways you didn’t expect. Maggie opens up about the significant changes her family has experienced in recent times, and how she’s learning to move through uncertainty with honesty, humour, and grace.

One of the most moving moments in the conversation is Maggie’s description of grief, how it stays with us “like glitter”: impossible to fully clean up, appearing unexpectedly, catching the light when we least expect it. It’s a beautiful and powerful reflection on resilience, and learning to hold joy and sadness at the same time.

Warm, vulnerable and incredibly relatable, this episode is about reinvention, letting go of who you thought you’d be, and finding your way through life’s messy, beautiful middle.

This week on HER Peninsula, we&rsquo;re joined by Maggie Chretien for a deeply honest conversation about identity, motherhood, grief, and navigating life through seasons of change.
Maggie reflects on growing up with dreams of becoming a performer, the unexpected twists that shaped her early career, including a memorable chapter as the voice of a cartoon character, and the path that led her to the life she&rsquo;s built today.
Together we talk about marriage, motherhood, and what happens when life changes in ways you didn&rsquo;t expect. Maggie opens up about the significant changes her family has experienced in recent times, and how she&rsquo;s learning to move through uncertainty with honesty, humour, and grace.
One of the most moving moments in the conversation is Maggie&rsquo;s description of grief, how it stays with us &ldquo;like glitter&rdquo;: impossible to fully clean up, appearing unexpectedly, catching the light when we least expect it. It&rsquo;s a beautiful and powerful reflection on resilience, and learning to hold joy and sadness at the same time.
Warm, vulnerable and incredibly relatable, this episode is about reinvention, letting go of who you thought you&rsquo;d be, and finding your way through life&rsquo;s messy, beautiful middle.

From Passion to Profession – Amber Gardener’s Local Lens

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