In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, Rebecca shares a pivotal childhood experience that planted the seed for her lifelong career in nursing. At just 10 years old, a broken arm led to an overnight hospital stay — and an encounter with one extraordinary nurse who changed everything.

This story isn't just about pain or hospitals or even the injury itself — it's about how someone made her feel in a moment of fear and vulnerability. That feeling, that kindness, and that sense of safety became the driving force behind Rebecca's passion for healthcare and her mission to offer the same comfort to others through her work.

In this episode, Rebecca reflects on:

- Why human connection is at the heart of healthcare

- The ripple effect of kindness, even when you don’t know you’re creating it How a childhood hospital stay shaped her entire career

- The beauty in reaching back to say “thank you” — and the surprising outcome of doing just that

Whether you're a fellow nurse, a parent, or someone who’s been touched by a kind stranger, this episode will remind you that how we make people feel can echo for a lifetime.

🧡 "People won’t always remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

If you’ve ever wondered how to fund that new community oven, clubhouse flooring, or even bring in someone like me to support your team — this episode is for you.

In this practical and jam-packed conversation, I sit down with Liz Fleming from The Grants Club to talk all things grants — and how to actually get them.

Liz shares:

- Why creating a “wishlist” is the #1 thing every community group must do before searching for grants

- The 3 levels of grants in Australia: Local, State, and Federal — and how to find them

- How to work out what size grant you need ($5k? $50k? $500k?)

- Why being strategic is key — and how to make it feel less overwhelming

- The truth about what grants will (and won’t) fund — and why they aren’t just for “big” organisations

- How to get quotes now so you’re ready to go when a grant pops up

- The power of collaboration — and why sharing the load can help your small town win big

We also chat about how you can apply for grants to access services and workshops like mine, and how Liz’s step-by-step resources and fortnightly grant writing workshops can help you feel confident, clear, and grant-ready.

Whether you're a time-poor mum juggling five community hats or just someone with a big idea and no budget, this episode is your permission slip to start where you are — and know that funding is possible.

Connect with Liz on her website www.grantsclub.com.au, Instagram @grantsclub_lizfleming or email [email protected]

In this episode, Rebecca from Rural Child Health sits down with Penny from Sick Happens — a seasoned peadiatric nurse, educator, and mum — to talk all things childhood illness.

While Rebecca works primarily in the well-baby space, Penny thrives in the trenches of managing unwell children, and she’s on a mission to take the fear out of sickness for parents everywhere.

Together, they explore:

- The difference between illness management and first aid (and why both matter)

- Why sickness is inevitable and how to feel less overwhelmed when it hits your home

- The mental load of decision-making for parents during illness and how Penny’s resources can help reduce it

- The importance of knowing your child and communicating that to healthcare providers

- How Penny created a role that didn’t exist — and turned her passion for parent education into a powerful resource that’s now helping families and clinicians alike

Whether you're a brand-new parent navigating your baby's first fever or a seasoned mum who's sick of second-guessing when to go to the doctor, this episode will leave you feeling more confident, empowered, and prepared.

🔗 Connect with Penny on Instagram @sick.happens

📘 Grab her downloadable resources & explore her courses at sickhappenseducation.com

Parenting in rural areas comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to accessing health services for our kids.

In today’s episode of Rural Child Health Chats, Rebecca talks us through the process of securing referrals to specialists and allied health professionals, like speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and more.

She discusses how to make the most of your GP appointments, what essential information should be included in your referrals to ensure timely care, and how you can stay proactive with your child’s health needs.

Rebecca also shares practical advice on how to navigate the funding options available, whether you’re looking at private services, subsidies through Medicare, or the public system.

What You’ll Learn

How to prepare for a referral to a health professional Key information to include in your referral to get the right attention

The triage process and why it’s important for getting on the right waitlist

How to follow up with health professionals to avoid missing your spot Funding options for health services, including Medicare rebates and private insurance

The benefits of GP management plans for accessing subsidies for health services Rebecca’s down-to-earth advice and easy-to-follow steps will leave you feeling empowered to advocate for your child’s health care needs, no matter where you live.

Plus, Rebecca shares her tips for handling the mental load of coordinating multiple health appointments, so you can feel more organised and less overwhelmed.

If you found this episode helpful please come over and say hi on Instagram 

In this episode, we dive into how farmers and agri-business owners can successfully pitch their ideas, diversify their operations, and set themselves up for sustainable growth. Our guest, Paige from Cross Country Management, shares her expertise on making your business vision a reality, offering practical tips for approaching bankers, outlining clear proposals, and identifying key risks and solutions for long-term success.

Key things we chat about

- How to find the right person to pitch your idea to and what you need to include in your proposal.

- Why clarity and professionalism are crucial when pitching, from asking for funding to diversifying your farming practices.

- The importance of planning, doing due diligence, and being open to adjusting your path as opportunities arise.

- How you can mitigate risks, including coverage for key personnel, and ensure your business remains sustainable.

- Practical advice on turning an idea into a viable business opportunity, whether it’s purchasing land, expanding your farm, or diversifying into new ventures.

Paige emphasizes that planting the seed for a new idea and having the right conversations can open doors for future growth, even if the results don’t happen immediately. It’s all about staying committed, exploring different opportunities, and not letting setbacks discourage you.

If you’re looking for professional guidance on your agri-business strategy, Paige offers introductory calls and is available to assist with business planning, financial proposals, and much more. 

Resources:

Cross Country Management

Follow on Instagram: @crosscountrymanagement

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, I reflect on the incredible women who have shaped my life—through both positive experiences and hard-learned lessons.

I dive into the three core values that define the relationships I cherish: 

I also share how small gestures—whether it’s complimenting a stranger, delighting in someone’s baby, or simply acknowledging someone’s effort—can brighten someone’s day (and your own!).

If you’ve ever hesitated to say something kind, this episode will inspire you to embrace the power of simple, meaningful connections.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on socials and share your experiences.

In this episode as a guest on podcast Two Blokes Chatting, we dive into the world of smartwatches and their impact on health and wellbeing. Are they a useful tool for tracking fitness, heart rate, and sleep? Or are they just another source of stress and obsession?

We chat about the pros and cons of wearable health technology, the importance of understanding your data, and why you shouldn't replace your doctor with a gadget.

Topics Covered:

Do you use a smartwatch for health tracking? Has it helped or made you more anxious? Let us know!

In this episode, Rebecca from Real Child Health is joined by Susan Davies, founder of Wise Plan Management, to unpack the world of NDIS plan management and how it can help families reduce stress and stay on top of their child's funding and services.

What We Cover:

Connect with Wise Plan Management: 

www.wiseplanmanagement.com.au

Instagram & Facebook: @WisePlanManagement

Parenting in the bush brings its own set of challenges—long distances, isolation, and the never-ending juggle of commitments. In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, we dive into the realities of managing our capacity as mothers.

How do we know when we're at our limit? Why is it so hard to ask for help or say no? And what happens when life throws unexpected hurdles our way?

Through honest storytelling and personal experience, Rebecca explores the pressures of people-pleasing, the guilt of canceling commitments, and the importance of prioritising our mental well-being.

Join us as we unpack:

✔️ Recognising when you're at capacity

✔️ Overcoming the guilt of saying no

✔️ Giving yourself the same compassion you’d give others

✔️ How setting boundaries benefits both you and those around you

If this episode resonates, share your thoughts, tag us, and connect with our online resources for more support on your parenting journey. Remember—you are enough, and you are never alone in this.

💛 Follow the podcast & check out our free masterclass and blog for more rural parenting insights!

In this episode, Rebecca from Rural Child Health chats with Mel from The Face Place, an Oral Health Therapist & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, about the often overlooked yet critical role of oral function in children’s health.

What You’ll Learn:

Resources & Links:

📌 Mel’s Podcast: The Face Place Podcast (Available on Spotify, Apple, Google)

📌 Free Download: Understanding Oral ties

📌 Find Mel online: https://www.thefaceplaceofm.com.au/ or instagram

 🎧 Listen in and discover why oral health is about more than just teeth—it’s the foundation of lifelong wellness!