Motherland

Stories of the strength, heartbreak and passion of rural mothers.

'Motherland had me feeling angry, then sobbing, then laughing, then cheering and finally left me so inspired. These true stories, captured so beautifully by Stephanie Trethewey, reveal the guts, grit and courage of rural women while celebrating the power of the human spirit when adversity arrives. A must-read for all women.' Maggie Dent, bestselling author of Girlhood and From Boys to Men


'Motherland is a love letter to rural Australia. It's raw and real. What you read here is life in rural Australia and I'm so glad there these stories are out there.' Fleur McDonald, bestselling Australian author, Voice of the Outback


'I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried and, thanks to Steph's talented storytelling, I feel bonded to the women of the land she has highlighted so honestly.' Giaan Rooney, Olympic swimmer, television presenter and farmer


'Stephanie Trethewey's debut book, Motherland, offers us a very rare and personal insight into the brave and unique lives of Australian rural women - what a privilege.' Bridie Carter, actor


'What started as a way to connect lonely mums across the land has evolved into a touchstone of inspiration, friendship and camaraderie with a whirlwind of emotions thrown in.' Catriona Rowntree, Getaway presenter




Motherhood has not been an easy journey for me. After moving to the farm in 2019 with a 6-month-old in tow, I soon felt the pang of isolation. I started the Motherland Australia podcast to fill a gaping hole I felt out here...connection. I wanted to know that I wasn't alone. That some of the challenges I was facing as a mum were understandable. That being a rural mum matters, and even though we're all out here living our 'ordinary' lives, all our stories are extraordinary in their own way.


Behind the scenes of our farms and outback stations are incredible women whose stories reveal strength, vision and love, no matter the challenges they've overcome.


Stephanie Trethewey's Motherland gives a voice to the extraordinary lives of fourteen rural mothers across states, territories, cultures and generations. Each offers an unfiltered insight into the tragedies and triumphs that have shaped their lives on the land, motherhood being the most challenging role of all.


When her own transition to rural motherhood became fraught, Stephanie launched the Motherland podcast. She hoped that hearing other women's stories would help her feel less alone and believed that other rural mums might feel the same. There is now a powerful Motherland online community who generously share their experiences and forge strong connections just as Stephanie had dreamed.