Rural Venture Collective

When Michelle Perry speaks, you can almost feel the breeze from East Gippsland's rugged coast on your face. This episode is a ticket to the close-knit community of Orbost, where Michelle, a local through and through, embodies the spirit of resilience and warmth. Her tales are a tapestry of the town's intimate connections, woven through the shared experiences of working, raising a family, and the communal embrace of the Orbost Community College. She serves as a living testament to the power of place and the strength found in neighborly bonds, painting a vivid landscape of life that's far more than just a postal address.

Embark on an enlightening exploration of menopause with Di Gibbs, a seasoned Women's Health Nurse from Women's Health Centre in Bairnsdale. As we converse, Di brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion, unravelling the once-muted narratives of menopause and championing the modern crusade for awareness and support. Together, we address the importance of understanding the changes women's bodies undergo and examine the wide spectrum of symptoms that accompany this life stage. Hormone therapy's role emerges as a beacon of relief for many, spotlighting the progressive dialogue and advocacy that women over 40 are now courageously leading.Womans Health ClinicJean Hailes Health Clinic 

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a pulsating festival that celebrates local produce and community spirit? Meet Jodi York, the trailblazing entrepreneur who's putting East Gippsland on the map with the Mallacoota Wild Harvest Seafood Festival. In our latest episode of the Rural Venture Collective podcast, we pull back the curtain on the vibrant local culture of this stunning region, showcasing the women who are its heartbeat. From Jodi's tales of sea urchin delicacies gracing our plates to the festival that's become a beacon of regional pride, we traverse the landscape of innovation and resilience that defines East Gippsland.Save the dates for the 26th-28th of April and be sure to visit the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival Facebook page or website.

Ever felt like the weight of the world is perched squarely on your shoulders? Caz Sanderman, an inspiring emotional well-being practitioner from Lake Entrance, joins us to share her transformative journey from stress-induced breakdowns to becoming a beacon of resilience. As we navigate her personal story, Caz unveils the process she has developed, a revolutionary approach designed to help parents, educators, and community leaders alike recognise and manage their stress. She's not just healing individuals; she's igniting generational healing to foster resilient communities and enrich the lives of future generations.Follow Caz Flow Wellbeing on Facebook or visit her website Flow Wellbeing Bowen Therapy & Stress Management (flowwellbeingandresilience.com.au).Or even better drop into her studio in Lakes Entrance - Breathing Space 2|239 Esplanade.For all your yoga, reiki, sex, love and relationship coaching needs visit Julia Wolfram, the Breathing Space's co-founder website at www.juliawolfram.com.

When Paris swapped her corporate career in Melbourne for the tight-knit embrace of Mallacoota, she didn't anticipate how the smoky haze of bushfires would paint her family's new beginning. Our latest episode navigates through the transformative tale of Paris from the Wilderness Collective, a story of resilience, community building, and how a small coastal town is rising from the ashes to redefine itself. As Paris recounts the critical moments that solidified her bond with Mallacoota, she also unveils the ever-growing sense of belonging that newcomers infuse into the fabric of East Gippsland.Visit the Wilderness Collective website here!

In this episode, we have a delightful chat with Rebecca Steenholdt, the Economic Development Coordinator at East Gippsland Shire. Rebecca shares her journey from growing up in small East Gippsland schools to pursuing a career in fashion and eventually finding her way back to the region. We learn about her experiences, passions, and the diverse pathways that led her to her current role in economic development.

Ever thought about what it takes to go from city life to leading a rural community? Join us as we sit down with Natalie O’Connell, the youngest ever Mayor of East Gippsland. Natalie shares her fascinating journey of trading her bustling city life in Melbourne for the rural charms of her childhood home, stepping into a position of influence at just 33 years old. In our intimate chat, Natalie throws light on her drive to ensure representation for her community, what sparked her transition into politics, and how she balanced her responsibilities with a newborn in tow. Discover the compelling story of Natalie's resilience, ambition, and commitment to her region, and be prepared to be inspired by the strength and spirit of the women shaping East Gippsland. Tune in for an episode filled with insights and tales from the heart of this unique corner of the world.

Are you eager to savor a slice of entrepreneurial innovation? Join us as we pay homage to the power of creativity and ingenuity, served fresh with Merryn Padgett, the dynamic owner of Earth and Soul Pizza. Merryn’s business isn't just about crafting mouth-watering pizzas; it's a reflection of her commitment to sustainability, community, and staff well-being. With local produce at heart, waste management strategies, and a four-day work week, Earth and Soul Pizza is an inspiring example of a mindful modern business.

Have you ever dreamed of combining work, travel, and family life? Join us as we explore this unconventional lifestyle with our special guest, digital nomad Kristen Ryan. Kristen shares an intriguing glimpse into how she manages work remotely, irrespective of her location. Kristen discusses the essentials for a remote office setup, from a stable internet connection to balancing the computer on your lap - and how this approach to work isn't restricted to any specific career. We also delve into the ups and downs of this lifestyle, juggling work demands and occasional interruptions from her adorable trio of kids.

In this episode, Liz chats with Vanessa to discover her path from Corporate employee to self employed. Ness paints a vivid picture of the power of community and collaboration. She shares the story of a networking group she co-created to support women taking their first steps into business. Discover how this group became a strong support system, contributing to the success of many businesses in East Gippsland. We also chat about her popular podcast 'Thriving in Business Together', where she and her business partner Nikki offer invaluable insights for entrepreneurs. Tune into this inspiring conversation and witness how resilience, innovation, and courage can shape your professional life. A tale of transformation awaits you!

Welcome to the Rural Venture Collective podcast, the show that celebrates the strength, innovation and resilience of women across East Gippsland. In a region where the land stretches wide and the community spirit runs deep. We're going to share the stories of women who are making their mark, forging their own paths and connecting in ways that transcend distance.  In todays episode we are joined by Jodie Wilmer from Happy Changemakers and we will discuss the Rural Venture Collective and what it's all about. We will also chat to Jodie about her life and work in East Gippsland, and what has led her to this point. 

What is mental health to you? Are you comfortable discussing it? Ever felt like a fraud despite your achievements? All too often, these questions are swept under the rug, but we dive into these stigmatised topics head-on with the inspiring Karen Tough. A mother, social worker, and mental health clinician based in East Gippsland, Karen bravely shares her journey into mental health and how it shaped her life and business, Lighthouse Mental Health. She challenges common misconceptions about mental health and illness, highlighting how it's a continuum of experiences that impacts us all. Tune in to hear Karen's motivational story and gain valuable insights into mental health.