Helpful Articles, Stories and Resources

Boarding school didn’t give Jess Redfern her ambition, but it gave her the confidence and freedom to discover where it might take her. From a determined Year 8 boarder to entrepreneur, mum and founder of SAVVI, Jess shares how leaving home helped her become herself.

From Yambah Station to boarding school in Toowoomba, Sally Muenster shares the heartbreak of saying goodbye to her children, the importance of staying connected across thousands of kilometres, and the unexpected community boarding brings. It’s a story about keeping rural families connected to the places they love.

Georgie Cavanagh grew up in inner Melbourne, never imagining she’d one day marry a farmer, raise children in the bush and run a global luxury brand from rural Australia. Hear how boarding school planted the first seeds of that remarkable journey.

Fresh out of school, Prue Ritchie arrived in Bourke expecting to stay six months. Instead, she found a family, community and purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for rural education and children.

What began with a few boats and a belief that rowing shouldn’t belong only to cities and schools is becoming a movement across rural Australia.

Kaitie Nash, known online as ‘First Time Farmer,’ shares her journey from Perth to farm life in NSW, navigating drought, motherhood and now boarding school decisions — approaching each challenge, and her son’s voice, with honesty and humour.

Teacher, ICPA advocate and researcher Hannah Calcino moved from city life to Winton, driven by a belief that every child deserves equitable access to education. Her story explores purpose, place and rural education.

When Kate Brow spent a year boarding in the mountains, she had no idea it would shape her resilience for life. Now a farmer’s wife and mother, she’s helping rural women find connection through Motherland Village.

Rural school principal Brett Wilkie shares the deeply personal decisions many country families face when considering boarding school. A thoughtful conversation about choice, community, opportunity and why every family deserves the freedom to do what’s best for their child.

Agribusiness lawyer and Women in Ag co-founder Maddie Morgan shares how boarding school built her confidence, independence and lifelong friendships, preparing her for a successful career before returning to support rural communities and Australian agriculture.

When Katie and Dan Toney discovered boarding school could offer their children new opportunities without leaving the coastal community they loved, it transformed their family’s future. Their experience is now inspiring other families to rethink what’s possible.

After sudden tragedy, Sophie Elliott rebuilds life in Winton, raising children through distance education, reflecting on rural schooling, boarding school challenges, community resilience, and the sacrifices and opportunities shaping remote Australian families journey.