Riverland Women

In this episode of Riverland Women we chat with Amanda Wells, a PhD candidate researching the environmental history of citrus growing in the Riverland from 1948 to 1970. Amanda reveals that the name "Riverland" was initially a brand name for oranges and only became the region's name in the 1960s. She discusses her research journey, the evolution of the citrus industry, and the personal and historical influences which led her to this topic.

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As Benjamin Franklin, once said, from adversity comes opportunity and that was certainly the case for Jenny Semmler from 919 Wines at Glossop.

After the breakdown of her first marriage, the former pharmacist, then living in Victoria, threw herself into a wine making degree and then she met her now husband Eric. When a work opportunity in the Riverland presented itself to Eric, Jenny later followed. A few years later, 919 Wines was born.

This is Jenny's story.

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Life can be a funny thing; sometimes, circumstances lead you on a completely different journey than you expected.

That was certainly the case for Karlene Maywald before she won the seat of Chaffey in the 1997 election.

During her tenure, Karlene navigated the complexities of water management during one of the worst droughts in recorded history, playing a pivotal role in the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

She was also a trailblazer for women in politics, being the first woman to hold the seat of Chaffey and the first member of the State Government to have a baby while in office.

"It was a very steep learning curve as a new parliamentarian, balancing the power and having my first child. So I had three fronts on which I was doing all these firsts. But I was also the first woman elected to the seat of Chaffey. I was also the first woman to be the head of the parliamentary party in the National Party right across Australia. I'm also now just recently the first woman to be appointed as the chair of the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust. So there's still some firsts that are happening in my life as we speak."

Join us in this episode where we hear about Karlene's contributions to politics, water management, and her role as a pioneering woman in parliament.

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In this week's episode, we meet Elise Howie. She's a clinical psychologist based in Renmark.

As a teenager, Elise struggled with anorexia for six tough years. It was a difficult time that tested her in many ways, but she fought through it and eventually recovered.

But Elise's challenges didn't stop there. After having her son, Charlie, she experienced postnatal depression with psychotic features.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficult times, there are several support services out there. Please contact your GP or PANDA's National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline on 1300 726 306, for eating disorder related support, call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 334 763 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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In this episode of Riverland Women, we meet Jocie Cooper, a lifelong resident and volunteer in the Riverland community. Growing up near the now-famous Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery, Jocie has vivid memories of paddle steamers arriving at all hours of the day and night.

Jocie moved to Renmark for school, living with her grandparents due to (what was considered back then) the long distance from Murtho. For over 40 years, she's been a passionate bowler and dedicated volunteer. Jocie has been with the Women's Agricultural Bureau (WAB) at Paringa for 58 years and the Women's and Children's Hospital auxiliary Renmark Branch for around 30 years, hosting morning teas in her garden. She's also volunteered with the PS Industry and the Renmark Visitor Information Centre for about 30 years.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Riverland Women on your favorite podcast platform for more inspiring stories. Follow us on social media and share with friends and family.

Key Highlights:

• Jocie's childhood on the River Murray at Murtho
• Moving to Renmark for school
• Over 40 years as a bowler and volunteer
• Long-term involvement with WAB Paringa and WCH auxiliary Renmark Branch
• Volunteering with PS Industry and Renmark Visitor Information Centre

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Nicola Centofanti, a proud resident of Winkie, a skilled veterinarian, and a dedicated politician.

Nicola has been the Leader of the Opposition in the South Australian Legislative Council since April 2022. She also serves as the Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, Primary Industries, and Water Resources & the River Murray.

Nicola grew up in Berri and pursued her veterinary studies at Murdoch University, graduating with first-class honors. She returned to the Riverland to work at the Riverland Veterinary Clinic and has since become a key figure in both the veterinary and political fields.

In this episode, we'll explore Nicola's journey from rural vet to influential politician, her deep connection to the Riverland, and her vision for the future.

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Dr. Heather Neilly is an ecologist whose journey began in the mining industry in Queensland. Six years ago, she and her family moved to the Riverland, where she now works at Calperum Station near Renmark.

Heather has recently been awarded a nearly half-million-dollar grant through The Australian Research Council to continue her vital research on restoring and protecting the Eucalyptus Mallee, home to many threatened species.

Heather is also the author of two children's books, showcasing her diverse talents.

It's taken a couple of decades, a successful career in journalism and raising four children but Catherine Heuzenroeder from Berri has managed to rekindle her passion for music and has turned it into her new career.

She is now a piano and violin teacher at Music Alive and she's inspiring the future generations of musicians in the Riverland.

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In a time when many regional newspapers are shutting down across Australia, Sonia Fowler has defied the odds. From what began 18 months ago as a 16-page newsletter, Sonia is now publishing a fortnightly, tabloid newspaper, the Waikerie and District News and it continues to grow in popularity. Throughout her career in publishing and newspapers, she's moved around Australia, but Sonia says, the Riverland has always been home. The Podcast Station

In this episode of Riverland Women, we introduce you to Anne-Marie Reeks. If you grew up in the Riverland, chances are she might have been your kindergarten or primary school teacher.

But in recent years, Anne-Marie's journey has taken her beyond the classroom and into an exploration of self-discovery. Along this path, she stumbled the healing power of sound.

For the past six years, Anne-Marie has been enriching the Riverland community with her captivating sound baths.

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