The 110-stand Toganmain woolshed, one of the largest in Australia, has been lovingly restored by a community of dedicated volunteers in the NSW Riverina. But how did they do it? Councillor Christine Chirgwin, one of the powerhouses behind the project, shares the highs and lows of this impressive endeavour, which is ensuring that much more than an historic building is preserved.

The 110-stand Toganmain woolshed, one of the largest in Australia, has been lovingly restored by a community of dedicated volunteers in the NSW Riverina. But how did they do it? Councillor Christine Chirgwin, one of the powerhouses behind the project, shares the highs and lows of this impressive endeavour, which is ensuring that much more than an historic building is preserved.

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

How to save an icon: Christine Chirgwin from the Friends of Toganmain Woolshed

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>

Nurse, wool handler, shearer and mental health advocate Carol Mudford is the AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year

Rebecca Henry, a dedicated horsewoman and owner of Sugarbag Station in North Queensland, shares her journey from managing a family cattle station to becoming an accomplished equestrian coach and course designer. She discusses her deep connection with horses, her experiences in show jumping, and her commitment to retraining ex-racehorses for new lives. Rebecca reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, the importance of community, and her future aspirations in the equestrian world.

Some key takeaways
Rebecca Henry manages Sugarbag Station, a family legacy.
She has a deep connection with horses, starting from childhood.
Show jumping became her passion after her first competition.
Rebecca retrains ex-racehorses to help them adjust to life off the track.
She emphasises the importance of trust between horse and rider.
Her education in business management empowered her coaching career.
Rebecca is actively involved in course design for equestrian events.
She has international experience in course design, including in Germany.
Rebecca finds joy in helping horses find their forever homes.

Rebecca Henry, a dedicated horsewoman and owner of Sugarbag Station in North Queensland, shares her journey from managing a family cattle station to becoming an accomplished equestrian coach and course designer. She discusses her deep connection with horses, her experiences in show jumping, and her commitment to retraining ex-racehorses for new lives. Rebecca reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, the importance of community, and her future aspirations in the equestrian world.
Some key takeaways
<ul>
<li>Rebecca Henry manages Sugarbag Station, a family legacy.</li>
<li>She has a deep connection with horses, starting from childhood.</li>
<li>Show jumping became her passion after her first competition.</li>
<li>Rebecca retrains ex-racehorses to help them adjust to life off the track.</li>
<li>She emphasises the importance of trust between horse and rider.</li>
<li>Her education in business management empowered her coaching career.</li>
<li>Rebecca is actively involved in course design for equestrian events.</li>
<li>She has international experience in course design, including in Germany.</li>
<li>Rebecca finds joy in helping horses find their forever homes.</li>
</ul>

How to save an icon: Christine Chirgwin from the Friends of Toganmain Woolshed

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