A Friend of Mine by OAK Magazine OAK Magazine

When you arrive at Kestrel Nest EcoHut, an off-grid, off-line and eco-luxury farm stay perched above a rocky mountain stream and surrounded by 360 degree views of rolling farmland, you can feel yourself exhale. 
Louise Freckelton, along with her husband David, are custodians of 840 acres of unceded Wiradjuri Land where they conduct small-scale, ethical farming with the conservation of one of Australia’s critically endangered forest types. The property also holds great cultural significance, and a cultural assessment was conducted to honour the land's original owners and their knowledge. 
On this stunning parcel of land, near Adelong in the Riverina Highlands of NSW, is the award winning Kestrel Nest EcoHut.
Kestrel Nest was built after a long and meticulous design process. Louise wanted a simple open-plan design that made one feel connected to the outdoors. 
The building was initially half-built when the January 2020 Black Summer fires swept through the area, burning two-thirds of the property. Despite the challenges, the strategic location of Kestrel Nest allowed for extensive firefighting efforts, and the building was ultimately saved. 
The hut is named after the magnificent Kestrel - the only bird seen near the eco hut for two weeks following the fires. 
In this episode, Louise discusses the inspiration behind Kestrel Nest including the challenges and process of building the eco hut using recycled and local materials. She speaks about the significance of acknowledging and preserving the cultural heritage of the land. Louise also reflects on her transferable skills such as her love for nature and her background in marketing and communications.
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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Michelle Rossiter is reluctant to call herself an entrepreneur but when you look back at her business journey, she has a knack of seeing a gap, filling it and doing so with great success. 
Michelle left school at 15 to become an apprentice hairdresser. At 21, she set out to travel around Australia, practicing her hairdressing skills along the way. It wasn’t until the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001, that Michelle felt a strong desire to return home and be near family. She soon relocated to Tumut, where her sister was living. It was in Tumut that Michelle's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked.
Recognising a lack of eateries in their hometown, Michelle took the initiative to establish a cafe of her own. She successfully launched The Coach House. Although the cafe has changed ownership over time, it continues to flourish.
Not stopping there, Michelle ventured into additional entrepreneurial pursuits, founding another cafe and operating a mobile coffee and pancake van. However, wanting a job that was less labour-intensive, Michelle decided to pursue her passion for outdoor riding. This led to opening Ground Up in 2017.
Ground Up stock a full range of bikes that cater to all needs, from seasoned professionals to beginners. The business outgrew its first store, and is now the largest bike store in the NSW Snowy Valleys region.
In this episode, recorded amongst the bikes at Ground Up, Michelle shares her business journey along with the challenges of running a retail business, the importance of a strong online presence,  and the impact of the pandemic on the bike industry. The mum of three also talks about balancing work and family commitments.
This episode is part of our special rural NSW podcast van tour. It was an absolute delight to meet these women in person and explore the place they live, work and drive change.
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

The Bendigo Cup is possibly the most iconic event on the Bendigo social calendar. 
I grew up not far from the Bendigo Jockey Club. On a clear day, you could hear the call of a race. And like many local school kids, I’ve run around the race track as part of cross country, a tradition that I also share with my kids.
As an adult, I’ve dressed up and enjoyed a public holiday at the races with friends many times.
This year, I have the honour of being ambassador of the Apiam Bendigo Cup, Wednesday 1 November. It’s given me a behind the scenes look at the races, and the opportunity to meet some of the incredible women in the industry.
I recently sat down with local trainer Jess Gleeson, Bendigo Jockey Club Commercial Manager Sue Opie, and former jockey and now clerk of scales Courtney Pace.
Jess moved from Ireland to Australia and speaks about the difference between the two countries, how she managed her pregnancy while being a trainer, and what she really wanted to be when she grew up. 
Sue gives us an insight into her early career as a business woman in Greece as the owner of a bar/nightclub/internet cafe, and the skills needed for successful partnerships. 
And Courtney shares her passion for the racing industry which she has been involved in at 14 years of age, and what it takes to be a female jockey.
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

In a quaint township named Coolamon, a name derived from the Wiradjuri language and their word meaning water basin or water dish, is an Ark; The Ark Coolamon. A luxury boutique accommodation situated in a restored historic church.
Owners Merrin and Philip had a lightbulb moment in late 2019 to give the Old Methodist church a different purpose.
Over the years, the church has served various purposes, including being leased as a dance studio, hosting niche music concerts, private dinners and small weddings. The couple eventually decided to restore and convert the space into boutique accommodation. This decision coincided with retirement from their secondary teaching careers.
The two year project gave Merrin and Philip the opportunity to utilise their skill sets in research, networking and collaboration; Merrin’s passion for gardening, interior styling, preserving seasonal produce; and their combined love for hospitality, sharing stories and focus on wellbeing.
In this episode, recorded in the 95 year old church with its cathedral ceilings, Merrin shares her love for old buildings and the challenge of adapting them, the luxury of now having time and flexibility to pursue her creativity, the establishment of a women in business network in her region and more.
Meet my friend and custodian of The Ark Coolamon, Merrin Glasgow.
This episode is part of our special rural NSW podcast van tour. It was an absolute delight to meet these women in person and explore the place they live, work and drive change.
TIMESTAMPS[00:01:20] Love for textiles and craftsmanship.
[00:06:14] An incredible building.
[00:09:05] Living in a church.
[00:14:23] A visionary builder
[00:19:35] The feel of the sheets.
[00:23:37] A rower's history.
[00:27:19] A versatile creative space.
[00:32:28] Living my best life.
[00:37:19] Women in business network.
[00:40:08] Social media and business support.
[00:44:11] Church as a community.
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Fisher & Farmer is not just a homewares store, it's a lifelong dream brought to life for owner Melissa Corbett.
Mel always had the vision of opening her own business, and her background in public relations has been a valuable asset in making that dream come true.
Mel's deep connection to her community led her to realise that her small town of Ganmain in rural NSW, could greatly benefit from a local homewares store, reducing the need for residents to travel to larger towns.
Fisher & Farmer started as a humble market stall in 2016. Over the years, it has grown into a small bricks and mortar store to now occupying the large space of the old supermarket in the main street of Ganmain. 
Not only does Fisher and Farmer provide residents with homewares, gifts, and even a coffee shop, but it also attracts visitors and tourists to the town, boosting Ganmain's economy and putting it on the map.
Mel is here for the long run, committed to the success and growth of her business and community.
In this episode, recorded in the outdoor area of Fisher & Farmer, Mel shares the challenges of running a retail store, the importance of thinking outside the box, why her team is her greatest asset, and her future plans for Fisher & Farmer.
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Jenn Donovan is a property law specialist turned retailer turned social media and marketing speaker, change maker, mentor, and coach to small businesses. Jenn's not just an entrepreneur; she's an advocate for rural and regional small businesses, with a community of over 380,000 people. Her ethos is simple but powerful, 'small business, big impact'.
Jenn runs her business, Social Media and Marketing Australia, from her farm in Yarrawonga. She is about to release a book specifically tailored for rural businesses, titled 'Small Town, Big Impact'.
In this episode, recorded in the podcast van on the foreshore of Lake Mulwala, Jenn will take us on her incredible journey in the world of business. She'll share her very first and oh-so-important lesson of business, 'listen to the customer'. 
Jenn will also discuss community as a superpower for small businesses, drawing insights from the BIG Small Business Survey that she's been conducting, how artificial intelligence is becoming popular with small business owners
This episode is filled with wisdom, insights, and tips that you'll want to listen to not just once, but twice, to capture all of Jenn's knowledge. 
ABOUT OAK MAGAZINEThis episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.
For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy