More than 350 rural mothers from across Queensland and Australia have gathered in Toowoomba for the 2026 Motherland National Conference, marking one of the largest events of its kind in the country.
The day began with 80 women taking part in a sunrise Walk & Talk through Queens Park before the conference was officially opened by Trevor Watts MP, Member for Toowoomba North and Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland. The Conference is being emceed by Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney and features an inspiring lineup of speakers from across Australia, exploring topics such as rural health, community, vulnerability and the mental load - shining a light on the realities facing women in rural Australia.
On Friday evening, 550 guests, including Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington and Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff, will attend the Motherland Gala Dinner, now firmly established as one of regional Australia’s most significant annual gatherings celebrating rural families.
The Gala will be hosted by television presenter Catriona Rowntree, with Australian Olympic legend Anna Meares OAM delivering the keynote address.
At the Gala, leading agribusiness Elders will be announced as Motherland’s first Workplace Partner - a landmark commitment to strengthening the wellbeing of rural mothers and families within its workforce.
Under the partnership, Elders will provide dedicated annual access to the Motherland Village program for rural mums connected to its workforce - including employees and partners of employees - embedding structured family support into its broader employee wellbeing framework.
Motherland Founder and CEO Stephanie Trethewey said the scale of the conference and the partnership announcement signal a turning point in how rural motherhood is recognised.
“When 350 rural mums gather in one room, it sends a powerful message that connection is essential, not optional,” she said.
“To see a national agribusiness like Elders formally embed support for rural families within its workplace framework shows this issue is being taken seriously at every level.”
Founded in 2019, Motherland is a national charity that reduces isolation and improves mental health outcomes for rural mothers, ensuring no woman feels alone, no matter where she lives.
The Elders partnership will officially commence in July 2026.
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About us:
Motherland is a national charity that supports and connects rural mothers across Australia and delivers services that reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes.
It takes a village to raise a child, but living rurally means many mums feel isolated during their motherhood journey. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis in the bush, and mums are struggling. After battling with my own mental health after having children and experiencing crippling isolation, I am fiercely passionate about supporting and advocating for women on the land.
Motherland’s mission is to ensure no rural mum is left behind. Through the Motherland podcast, our online Motherland Village program, Scholarship Fund, Motherland Connect platform, online support network, fundraising events, and advocacy, we have become the voice and village that rural mums desperately needed but didn’t have, until Motherland.
50 per cent of rural mums say they can’t access a mother’s group, and more than 70 per cent say isolation is the hardest part of rural motherhood. Lack of social connection and feelings of isolation are a major health risk factor, and Motherland has connected thousands of rural women across the country to help tackle this issue.
