- One in six rural mothers report their nearest hospital no longer offers maternity care, with 36% travelling more than two hours to give birth (rising to 91% in the Northern Territory).
- 42% of rural mothers have no access to a local mothers' group.
- A third are simultaneously managing farm work, paid employment, and raising children.
- The report was launched at Government House, with Motherland founder Steph Trethewey — a former journalist, rural mum, and 2024 Tasmanian Australian of the Year — available for interview.
- Queensland cattle farmer Rhiannon Finger, whose premature son spent 99 days in neonatal intensive care far from home, is also available to speak, alongside other case studies from mothers across different states and regions.
The report also shows what’s behind those numbers:
- One in six say their nearest hospital no longer offers maternity care, and 36% travelled more than two hours to give birth. In the NT, it’s 91%.
- 42% have no access to a local mothers’ group.
- A third are juggling farm work, a paid job and raising kids, all at once.
Available for interview
- Steph Trethewey: Motherland’s founder, a former journalist, rural mum and 2024 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.
- Rhiannon Finger: mum of four from a cattle property near Clermont in Central Queensland. Her son Oscar was born at 24 weeks weighing 770 grams, after she was flown to Townsville for an emergency caesarean. He spent 99 days in neonatal intensive care, far from home. After her daughter was born, Rhiannon had postnatal depression and took a long time to reach out for help.
Also available
- The full report: Raising Rural
- Official press release and Event images: Download Here
- Case studies from mums in your state or region, on request
About us:
Motherland is a national Australian charity dedicated to reducing isolation and improving mental health outcomes for rural mothers. Founded in 2019 by Stephanie Trethewey, Motherland connects and supports rural mums across Australia through its award-winning podcast, online mothers' group program Motherland Village, Motherland Connect health platform, Scholarship Fund, regional events and advocacy.
With a mission to ensure no rural mum is left behind, Motherland is committed to making connection, community and support accessible to rural mothers, regardless of their postcode.
Motherland is proudly supported by its Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
For more information, visit motherlandaustralia.com.au.
Contact details:
Media Contact:
Steph Trethewey
Founder and CEO [email protected]
