Country singer songwriter Shenai Johnston grew up near Ongerup in WA with music in her veins — singing from the moment she could talk, winning competitions, and chasing her dreams. But at 19, she lost her mum — and with her, the music she loved. She put down the guitar, stopped singing, and tried to navigate life without the woman who had shaped her. Now, Shenai is a mum of three boys, two with autism, and is raising her family on a small farm in Boyup Brook while her husband works FIFO. Life has been chaotic, isolating, and at times overwhelming — but it also brought her back to the thing she thought she’d lost. Her voice. Country music has helped her process grief, navigate motherhood, and tell the stories that matter most. Last year, she recorded her debut EP in Nashville, marking a major milestone in her journey. This is her story. 

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Raising a child with disability or developmental differences can be isolating, especially in regional Australia. ENVISAGE is a free five-week online program offering support, connection, and practical tools for parents wherever they are located. No diagnosis or NDIS plan needed and free. Learn more at envisage.community. 

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