Which trees survive cyclones? How do you help trees withstand cyclones?

February 9th, 2024

Note: this was posted on 16 Feb 2011, after cyclone Yasi. 2024 Feb 9 – I’ve added a few notes/made some adjustments after cyclone Kirrily. There is very little publicly available Australian information on what trees withstand cyclonic winds well and which don’t.  This is despite copious studies being made of areas hit hard by cyclones – […]

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Rural photography competitions can help foster a thriving rural photography scene – but most don’t

September 7th, 2020

After running rural drone or photography workshops I’m usually approached by at least one parent asking whether their daughter, who is really keen on photography, should pursue a career as a photographer. (And yes, virtually every time it has been daughter, not son.) If I say ‘yes go for it’ (as many other photographers do) […]

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All agricultural conferences must now be in regional areas. No excuses!

February 9th, 2020

You think the ‘buy from the bush’ campaign is a good idea? Here’s an equally useful way to shift large amounts of money into the bush. Agricultural conferences have traditionally been run in capital cities for sound reasons. Because back when ag conferences started to crank up: Regional flights were less frequent and a lot […]

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Irrigation schemes in Australia

January 30th, 2020

Irrigation is vital in Australia; it’s the only way we can produce a lot of our food, due to our naturally erratic rainfall. And in dry years, it’s the only way a lot of livestock can be kept alive, or fattened. But it’s very frustrating to hear politicians and others yet again spruiking the idea […]

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Why do cities exist and bushfire protection

January 3rd, 2020

It seems many Australians need a good think about why large towns and cities came into being because the fundamental reasons why are still relevant today. But rarely discussed. A reminder of the principal reasons may help more thoughtful decisions be made about where and how to live. When looking for a house to live […]

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Quality merino wool jumpers, coats, skirts, blankets

November 15th, 2019

I wrote this blog post listing Australian wool clothing makers who are online because surprising numbers of people end up on my website after searching for Australian Merino wool-related subjects. Many are looking for woollen garments or information. So here’s a useful shortlist of some of the better-known retailers and manufacturers, so you can do […]

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When is the best time to travel?

February 22nd, 2019

Now. Why? Because none of us know what tomorrow will bring. We all have to keep a bit aside in case we reach 95. And nobody wants to reach 80 & be scratching for cash. But on the other hand, most 95 year olds need very little spending money; they’re not going out on the […]

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Just how much does the weather affect our behaviour and outlook?

March 10th, 2017

Earlier this week, I completely lost my mojo. There was no obvious explanation for it.  Had I just scoffed six roast chickens? Run a marathon? Been up all night? No to all of the above. The only reason I could think of was the weather. This wet season has been a particular disappointment – usually […]

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Latest news – workshops, webinars & dinner speaking engagement

September 17th, 2016

Unique rural travel tips workshops during October 2016: As well as presenting ‘Making photography work for you’ workshops, I’m thrilled to bits to be presenting a new workshop I’ve called “Ag travel around the planet – without costing the earth” at this year’s QRRRWN Conference in Roma (Queensland) and the NSW Rural Women’s Network conference […]

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Rural Women’s Organisations – Australia and other countries

February 20th, 2016

Australia is fortunate to have a number of strong state and national rural women’s groups.  Each is unique, though perhaps these differences aren’t immediately apparent to anyone on the sidelines. Rural women’s organisations (worldwide) include at least one of the following aspects.  Some include all three: A strong emphasis on directly lobbying governments to improve […]

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