From her studio in regional Victoria, Becky-Jane Fortin is one of just a few milliners lovingly restoring Akubras. It was working with fur felt during her training in Germany and at a millinery master’s workshop in France, that the seed for working with Akubra was planted. In any given week there could be up to 10 hats at various stages of repair within her studio in the northern Victorian town of Shepparton. 

From her studio in regional Victoria, Becky-Jane Fortin is one of just a few milliners lovingly restoring Akubras. It was working with fur felt during her training in Germany and at a millinery master&rsquo;s workshop&nbsp;in France, that the seed for working with Akubra was planted. In any given week there could be up to 10 hats at various stages of repair within her studio in the northern Victorian town of Shepparton.&nbsp;

R.M.Williams OUTBACK reangles its authentic, experienced lens on rural and regional Australia into the audio space. The hugely successful OUTBACK magazine has been published for 25 years and knows the Australian bush like nobody else. This podcast is inspired by the informative writing and spectacular photography in the magazine but is not limited to this content. Explore Australian news, events, stations, nature, art, people, history, gear, tracks, travel, pubs, towns and much more.

R.M.Williams OUTBACK reangles its authentic, experienced lens on rural and regional Australia into the audio space. The hugely successful OUTBACK magazine has been published for 25 years and knows the Australian bush like nobody else. This podcast is inspired by the informative writing and spectacular photography in the magazine but is not limited to this content. Explore Australian news, events, stations, nature, art, people, history, gear, tracks, travel, pubs, towns and much more.

R.M.Williams OUTBACK

A journey in hats: Becky-Jane Fortin, international milliner and Akubra repairer

Robert Ravens shares the fascinating story of Tasmania's Bridestowe Lavender Estate, from its ambitious origins to its global reputation for premium lavender products. Discover the innovative history, strategic marketing, and sustainable practices that have transformed this estate into a world-renowned destination and brand.

Some highlights:
History of Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Innovations in lavender, cultivation and distillation
Marketing strategies and social media impact
Challenges of agricultural management and biosecurity
Future plans and legacy of the estate

Robert Ravens shares the fascinating story of Tasmania's Bridestowe Lavender Estate, from its ambitious origins to its global reputation for premium lavender products. Discover the innovative history, strategic marketing, and sustainable practices that have transformed this estate into a world-renowned destination and brand.
Some highlights:
<ul>
<li>History of Bridestowe Lavender Estate</li>
<li>Innovations in lavender, cultivation and distillation</li>
<li>Marketing strategies and social media impact</li>
<li>Challenges of agricultural management and biosecurity</li>
<li>Future plans and legacy of the estate</li>
</ul>

Behind Tasmania's iconic Bridestowe Lavender Estate: owner Robert Ravens on bringing this historic property back from the brink to become a social media sensation

Photographer Andrew Chapman shares his journey through rural Australia, especially his stunning documentation of the country's disappearing woolsheds and the hard-working shearers within them.

Some highlights:
Andrew Chapman's first encounters with shearing sheds
The dramatic light and composition in rural photography
The importance of honesty in photography
Capturing the storm at Weja and the power of nature
Portrait of the drover's wife and rural life
Andrew Chapman's rural roots and early influences
Documenting the disappearing sheds and rural heritage
Andrew Chapman's health journey and transplant experience
Future projects and the legacy of Andrew Chapman

Photographer Andrew Chapman shares his journey through rural Australia, especially his stunning documentation of the country's disappearing woolsheds and the hard-working shearers within them.
Some highlights:
<ul>
<li>Andrew Chapman's first encounters with shearing sheds</li>
<li>The dramatic light and composition in rural photography</li>
<li>The importance of honesty in photography</li>
<li>Capturing the storm at Weja and the power of nature</li>
<li>Portrait of the drover's wife and rural life</li>
<li>Andrew Chapman's rural roots and early influences</li>
<li>Documenting the disappearing sheds and rural heritage</li>
<li>Andrew Chapman's health journey and transplant experience</li>
<li>Future projects and the legacy of Andrew Chapman</li>
</ul>

From the great woolsheds to life-saving organ transplants and a lot in between: documentary photographer Andrew Chapman

In this engaging conversation, Carol Mudford, the Rural Woman of the Year, shares her journey from childhood on a sheep farm to becoming a mental health advocate through her initiative, Shedway. The discussion highlights the importance of community support in rural areas, the challenges faced by women in the shearing industry, and the impact of mental health awareness initiatives. Carol reflects on her experiences with grief, the significance of physical work for mental wellbeing, and the evolving role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Key points:
Carol Mudford is a mental health advocate and Rural Woman of the Year.
Shedway was created to address mental health issues in the shearing industry.
Isolation is a significant challenge for shearers regarding mental health.
Physical work in shearing can positively impact mental well-being.
Women are increasingly entering the shearing industry, breaking traditional barriers.
Shedway offers workshops and training for mental health awareness.
Grief can be processed through work and community connection.
The importance of recognising and discussing emotions for mental health.

In this engaging conversation, Carol Mudford, the Rural Woman of the Year, shares her journey from childhood on a sheep farm to becoming a mental health advocate through her initiative, Shedway. The discussion highlights the importance of community support in rural areas, the challenges faced by women in the shearing industry, and the impact of mental health awareness initiatives. Carol reflects on her experiences with grief, the significance of physical work for mental wellbeing, and the evolving role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Key points:
<ul>
<li>Carol Mudford is a mental health advocate and Rural Woman of the Year.</li>
<li>Shedway was created to address mental health issues in the shearing industry.</li>
<li>Isolation is a significant challenge for shearers regarding mental health.</li>
<li>Physical work in shearing can positively impact mental well-being.</li>
<li>Women are increasingly entering the shearing industry, breaking traditional barriers.</li>
<li>Shedway offers workshops and training for mental health awareness.</li>
<li>Grief can be processed through work and community connection.</li>
<li>The importance of recognising and discussing emotions for mental health.</li>
</ul>

A journey in hats: Becky-Jane Fortin, international milliner and Akubra repairer

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