In this episode, Dimity chats to Sue Eggins, the long-time President of the Kiama Historical Society. The Bugle, Kiama’s local newspaper, says about Sue “She’s not just preserving Kiama’s history, she’s safeguarding it’s soul.” We recorded this interview on location at the museum, the old Pilot’s Cottage – so close to the Kiama Blowhole you can nearly feel the spray!

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

We're talking with Joy Beames, from the famously named Dunedoo. Joy was recently the Country Women's Association NSW State President, with her three-year term finishing in mid-2025. Joy and Dimity chatted over a sometimes difficult internet connection between Albury and Dunedoo - something even the former State President of the CWA has to still contend with.

But our conversation doesn’t dwell on the difficulties facing rural NSW - instead Joy talks about advocacy, connection, positivity and her Kindness Project, of which she is particularly proud. 

Joy has sage advice for others looking to volunteer, saying “I think do it, but do it well. I’ve seen too many circumstances in the past where people have put themselves forward to wear the badge, not to do the job. So be aware of what it entails, but give it your all, put your heart in it and do it.”

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

Dr Saba Nabi OAM is a NSW Hidden Treasure, a pharmacist, a PHD and an OAM. And so much more! When Saba arrived in Wagga Wagga back in 2011 with her husband and baby girl in tow, she approached this incredibly new world with positivity, thoughtfulness and gusto. A lifelong community volunteer, Saba turned her hand to community work to settle herself and her family into the regional Australian lifestyle. 

From Patna in India via Saudi Arabia and then to Wagga Wagga join Saba as she tells us of this thrilling ride. 

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

“Everyone has something they can give to the world” - and our guest today, Jane Harris - has certainly given much of her time, talents, passions and skills to her local community of Finley in the Southern Riverina. Jane is a powerful volunteer in her community and uses her brave and strategic voice to advocate for real change. 

Her achievements are numerous - the Finley Farmers Markets, chairing Birralee Preschool, working on Finley’s Dancing with the Stars, advocating for her local high school Finley High, and launching the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative - and that’s just all before lunchtime!

It was an absolute pleasure to interview Jane on the family farm near Blighty, on the road between Finley and Deniliquin. Jane’s a friend of mine, and I’ve been enjoying her sage advice for many years now - I’m sure you will too. 

Content warning
This episode contains an open and honest conversation about suicide and mental health. We understand that these topics can be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please prioritise your well-being and consider whether now is the right time for you to listen.

If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000).

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

On November 18th 2022, the New South Wales Central West town of Molong was devastated by a flash flooding event. More than 100 millimetres of rain fell in a six-hour period.  Kirsty Evans – an experienced commercial lawyer who also operates a farming enterprise in Molong – spurred into action. Kirsty did what she knew best – and lodged the insurance claims for Molong’s local business owners. And then - the insurance claims started being denied. 

Kirsty, in partnership with her Orange legal firm Cheney Suthers and others in the community – did not give up the fight. What they’ve achieved is truly remarkable. Let’s listen to what Kirsty – termed the Flood Victim’s Warrior by the NSW Law Society – has to say.

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

Mary Hollingworth is a legend within the NSW Rural Women’s Network and our broader regional NSW Community. A CWA Land Cookery Judge, a member of Rural Women’s Network Advisory Committee, founder of the Women's Gathering, a dedicated volunteer Deep Water and Glenn Innes, a NSW Community Hero of the Year in 2023 - and that’s just the start! 

Mary and Dimity met in person in Bowral - approximately half way between Dimity's home of Albury, and Mary's home in Glen Innes. We settled into the podcast studio at The Office Bowral on a quiet Sunday afternoon not long before Christmas. Mary was wearing a fantastic self-designed Christmas outfit and I was more, well Scrooge-like, in boring all black. 

But the conversation is all colour. Listen into this really great chat complete with turning points, community, strength and fun - plus finally learn how to nail that sponge cake recipe.

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com