Riverland Women

In this episode of Riverland Women, Kerrie Lush speaks with Jayne Meneghetti from Loxton about her son Jock and the life-changing diagnosis that reshaped their family. During her pregnancy, Jayne unknowingly contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common but little-known virus that can have serious consequences for unborn babies. Jock was born with multiple disabilities, and from that moment, life as Jane knew it shifted completely.

Jayne shares the emotional journey from diagnosis through to birth, the early days in hospital and the reality of raising a child with complex needs. She speaks openly about grief, resilience and the day-to-day challenges of navigating therapies, medical appointments and the NDIS, while also raising two other children and maintaining a sense of normal family life.

In this episode of Riverland Women, Kerrie Lush speaks with Rachel McLeod, whose journey from a young dancer in Adelaide to building a thriving dance school in the Riverland has left a lasting impact on the community. Dance was always a central part of Rachel's life, taking her to Melbourne at just sixteen to pursue full-time training, before eventually guiding her back toward teaching.

Rachel shares how her career evolved through teaching, hospitality and eventually starting her own dance school in the Riverland. What began as a handful of classes quickly grew into a much-loved studio, built on strong values of encouragement, discipline and confidence. Over fourteen years, Rachel created more than just a dance school. She built a community where young people could grow, connect and believe in themselves.

As her family's needs changed, Rachel made the difficult decision to step away and move to Adelaide. She reflects on the emotional process of letting go, the legacy she leaves behind, and the importance of supporting the next generation to step up.

In this episode of Riverland Women, Kerrie Lush speaks with Caitlyn Larssen from Berri, whose journey to the Riverland is anything but ordinary. Originally from the United States, Caitlyn trained in theatre in New York before building a career in circus performance, travelling extensively and working across the globe.

After moving to Australia, Caitlyn's life took an unexpected turn with the arrival of her daughter during the height of COVID-19. What followed was a deeply challenging introduction to motherhood, including serious health complications and postnatal mental health struggles. Caitlyn speaks openly about that period, sharing the realities of postpartum depression and the long road back to herself.

Now based in the Riverland, Caitlyn has channelled her experience and passion into building her business, Fit to Fly, while also helping shape the region's creative and events scene. From grassroots circus classes to large-scale performances and festivals, she is creating space for connection, creativity and community in a region she now calls home.

The Podcast Station

In this episode of Riverland Women, Kerrie Lush speaks with Suzi Evans from Mantung — a passionate advocate for mental fitness.

After the devastating loss of her only son to suicide, and supporting her husband Mick through a life-threatening illness, Suzi found purpose in helping others. She shares how studying positive psychology, training in mental health first aid, and developing her own program, Workbench for the Mind, became tools for both her own healing and for supporting her community.

Suzi opens up about:

• Navigating grief and trauma

• Supporting a loved one through illness

• How mental fitness differs from mental health

• Simple strategies to build resilience every day

• The importance of accessible tools between "zero to psychologist"

Her story is one of strength, determination, and finding purpose after tragedy.

Resources & Links: Follow Suzi on Instagram: @suzi_evans Find out more about Suzi's workshops, book, and podcast here

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Imagine discovering you had hundreds of siblings you had never met…

In this episode of Riverland Women, I sit down with Kat Dawson. After learning she was conceived through anonymous sperm donation, she began searching for her biological connections. What she never expected was the sheer scale—she could have up to 700 siblings… maybe even more.

Now, Kat is on a mission to track down as many of them as possible—not just to connect, but to share crucial information about significant mental and physical health concerns that could impact them all.

Before we get into that, we talk about Kat Dawson, the person—her love for music, life growing up in the Riverland, and what drives her passion for uncovering the truth.

📌 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: Riverland Women 🌐 Visit www.thepodcaststation.com.au to learn more about podcast production, coaching workshops, one-on-one sessions, and family history recordings.

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In this episode of Riverland Women, Kerrie Lush sits down with Caroline Phillips, the dynamic Mayor of Karoonda East Murray. Caroline shares her story, from growing up on her family's farm in Wynarka to studying abroad in Norway, dressing up as a Caramello Koala in Rundle Mall and eventually becoming a driving force behind some of the most exciting projects in her local community.

Caroline talks about the inspiration behind the iconic Karoonda silo art project, how she helped create the town's first childcare and afterschool care facility, and her commitment to upgrading local infrastructure to benefit both residents and tourists alike. We also dive into her earlier career in tourism and marketing, her passion for giving back, and what it's like to balance leadership with family life.

Topics Covered:

• Caroline's upbringing on the farm and her journey back to the Riverland after studying and working in Adelaide and Norway
• The Karoonda silo art project and how it's putting the town on the map
• Caroline's work to develop the first childcare and afterschool care facility in Karoonda
• Key upgrades to community infrastructure, including caravan parks, playgrounds, and sporting facilities
• Her transition from marketing and tourism to local government leadership
• Caroline's volunteer roles and her passion for the Riverland and Murraylands communities.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on your podcast platform and following Riverland Women for more inspiring stories from our incredible community. You can also connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date on future episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

The Podcast Station

Riverland Women: Episode Summary

Guest: Pat Mickan

In this episode of Riverland Women, we sit down with one of the Riverland's most accomplished athletes, Pat Mickan. Growing up in Renmark, Pat's sporting talent took her from local courts to the international stage, representing Australia in basketball at two Olympic Games and three World Championships as a member of the Australian Opals.

Pat shares her incredible journey, from playing both basketball and netball at elite levels to becoming a coach, journalist, and even a business owner in Renmark. She reflects on her memories from her hometown, the challenges and triumphs of competing globally, and how the world of sport has evolved.

Recently widowed, Pat also opens up about the personal side of her life, discussing how she's navigating this new chapter with strength and resilience.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Pat's early life and connection to Renmark
• Representing Australia in three Olympic Games and three World Championships
• Balancing basketball and netball at elite levels
• Transitioning into coaching, journalism, and business
• Her recent loss and moving forward into the next stage of life
• Reflections on the evolution of women's sports

This episode is a testament to Pat's enduring spirit, her love for her community, and her remarkable achievements in sport and life.

The Podcast Station

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Corina Sims, a rural GP and obstetrician from Renmark, who shares her incredible journey from a challenging childhood in the United States to becoming a doctor in Australia. Corina reflects on her upbringing, marked by domestic violence, addiction, and instability, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and drive.

We explore her move to Australia, the impact of her new life on her children, and her passion for supporting women's health through her podcast, "Opt to Thrive." This episode highlights themes of overcoming adversity, embracing change, and making the most of life's opportunities.

Corina's story is one of strength, tenacity, and her commitment to empowering women.

It's a long journey from the bustling streets of central Dublin to the outskirts of Renmark, but for Stephanie Brookes, it's a journey that has led her to exactly where she wants to be.

Her path to the Riverland started with a stint as a winemaker – despite no formal qualifications and that's where she met her husband Andrew.

Now deeply rooted in the Riverland, and working for the Renmark Paringa Council, Stephanie has made this community her own, pouring her heart into creating and fostering connections.

But life in Australia hasn't always been straightforward for Steph. After welcoming her two daughters into the world, she faced new challenges, including an ADHD diagnosis

The Podcast Station

Welcome to another episode of Riverland Women. In this episode, our guest is Elspeth Radford. Elspeth is a woman of many talents and has a fascinating story to tell.

• Founder of Saltbush Clothing: Elspeth founded one of South Australia's most renowned country clothing brands.
• Nursing Career: From stitching up shearer's hands to being the onset nurse for the filming of the iconic Australian movie, Breaker Morant.
• Movie Appearance: Elspeth had a small but memorable role as Bryan Brown's wife in Breaker Morant.
• Health Advocate: She is now dedicated to encouraging more rural doctors to serve in regional South Australia through her role with the Flinders Medical School
• Airbnb Host: Elspeth and her husband Graham run an Airbnb at Wigley Flat.

Elspeth moved to the Riverland almost 15 years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experiences and stories. She grew up on a sheep station in the North East of South Australia, left for boarding school at the age of 10 before returning to rural life with her husband, Graham.

Key Takeaways

• Insights into growing up on a sheep station in the State's north east.
• The journey of founding and running Saltbush Clothing.
• Balancing multiple roles, including managing an Airbnb.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from her appearance in Breaker Morant.

Thank you for tuning in to Riverland Women! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from the incredible women in the Riverland region of South Australia.