Wise, Wild & Woven

About Wise, Wild & Woven

Welcome to Wise, Wild & Woven, a NSW Rural Women’s Network podcast featuring the incredible women who make country NSW a better place to be. Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Your program host and producer is Dimity Brassil from A Lasting Tale.

Publisher

NSW Rural Women's Network

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Apr 2026

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   Episode 11 - Carol Mudford

   It was a privilege to interview Carol Mudford, the 2025 Agrifutures Rural Woman of the Year. Carol is the founder of sHedway, a health promotion charity for suicide prevention and positive mental health in Australia's shearing industry. Carol sums up their work best - sHedway exists to help the shearing industry have brave, tough conversations, to look out for each other and to reach out for expert mental health when needed. We chatted in my home town of Albury-Wodonga - a place Carol was visiting and knows well, having spent much of her youth here - even attending Australia’s only circus school - the Flying Fruit Fly Circus! That certainly got our conversation off to a flying start. To contact sHedway visit https://shedway.org.au/ Content Warning This episode contains an open and honest conversation about suicide and mental health. We understand that these topics can be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please prioritise your well-being and consider whether now is the right time for you to listen. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:131114) | lifeline.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.lifeline.org.au) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300224636) | beyondblue.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.beyondblue.org.au) 13YARN: 13 92 76 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:139276) (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.13yarn.org.au) Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300659467) | suicidecallbackservice.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au) Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1800551800) | kidshelpline.com.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.kidshelpline.com.au) In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000). Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Episode 10 - Shoshanna Griffin

   Shoshanna Griffin is a founder of Albury-Wodonga’s answer to the Tony's! That's right, the Amateur Performance in Theatre - or APT - Awards. Now in its sixth year, the APT  Awards are creating change and connection in a region known for its commitment to amateur theatre and high-quality productions. Shoshanna’s life values are  honesty, transparency, fairness, and opportunity. It’s how she approaches everything she does – be it volunteering, mentoring, or working in theatre. Credits Wise, Wild &Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

3. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Episode 9 - Ellen Crepaz

   Ellen Crepaz is a Port Macquarie community-building powerhouse. A Western Sydney girl, Ellen and her family made the brave move of turning their holiday destination into their home back in 2015. It was when Covid lockdowns hit in 2020 that Ellen formed Port Macquarie Eats, an online community that helped restaurants pivot from dine-in to takeaway and delivery. This led to her being named NSW Hidden Treasure, as well as for her advocacy in the homelessness and mental health space. Join Anna and Ellen for this fascinating conversation about food, community, mental health and of course something close to many hearts, Grandmothers. Content Warning A heads up that we touch on some heavier themes today like trauma and abuse, though we don't go into specific details. Just wanted to let you know before we start. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:131114) | lifeline.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.lifeline.org.au) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300224636) | beyondblue.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.beyondblue.org.au) 13YARN: 13 92 76 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:139276) (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.13yarn.org.au) Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300659467) | suicidecallbackservice.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au) Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1800551800) | kidshelpline.com.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.kidshelpline.com.au) In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000). Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

4. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Episode 8 - Chantelle Shevels

   Let's head to the the rural centre of Deniliquin, sitting on the beautiful Edward River in the Southern Riverina, to meet local powerhouse, Chantelle Shevels. Chantelle wears many hats, including owner of Grassroots Finance, ex-President of the Deniliquin Show Society, and long-term Rural Fire Service Volunteer. What's most inspiring about our conversation is Chantelle's passion for Deniliquin - or Deni as it’s more commonly known -  her can-do attitude, her positivity and her collaborative nature. As you will hear, Chantelle loves a good mantra - including “don’t let a good disaster go to waste” or “be the change you want to see”. After the interview, I was lucky enough to get a guided tour of the Deniliquin Show Grounds on the river bank - and I advise all our listeners to get themselves to Deni for a visit. Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

5. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Episode 7 - Theresa Mitchell

   We sat down with a powerhouse of homelessness advocacy in NSW - Theresa Mitchell. From her roots in Mackay to founding Agape Outreach Inc. 17 years ago, Theresa’s journey began with a single meal and a deep commitment to those on the margins. A newly registered Clinical Psychologist currently completing her PhD, Theresa is moving beyond the front lines of Byron and Runaway Bay to produce the cost-benefit research needed to shift national homelessness policy. Recognised as the 2026 NSW Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards, she is a voice for the vulnerable, demanding that we stop looking away from systemic rental scarcity and substandard housing - and start pushing for real reform. Content Warning This episode contains brief discussions regarding sexual abuse, mental health struggles, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:131114) | lifeline.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.lifeline.org.au) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300224636) | beyondblue.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.beyondblue.org.au) 13YARN: 13 92 76 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:139276) (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.13yarn.org.au) Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300659467) | suicidecallbackservice.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au) Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1800551800) | kidshelpline.com.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.kidshelpline.com.au) In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000). Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

6. 

   31 May 2026

   Episode 6 - Sue Eggins

   In this episode, Dimity chats to Sue Eggins, the long-time President of the Kiama Historical Society. The Bugle, Kiama’s local newspaper, says about Sue “She’s not just preserving Kiama’s history, she’s safeguarding it’s soul.” We recorded this interview on location at the museum, the old Pilot’s Cottage – so close to the Kiama Blowhole you can nearly feel the spray! Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

7. 

   6 May 2026

   Episode 5 - Joy Beames

   We're talking with Joy Beames, from the famously named Dunedoo. Joy was recently the Country Women's Association NSW State President, with her three-year term finishing in mid-2025. Joy and Dimity chatted over a sometimes difficult internet connection between Albury and Dunedoo - something even the former State President of the CWA has to still contend with. But our conversation doesn’t dwell on the difficulties facing rural NSW - instead Joy talks about advocacy, connection, positivity and her Kindness Project, of which she is particularly proud. Joy has sage advice for others looking to volunteer, saying “I think do it, but do it well. I’ve seen too many circumstances in the past where people have put themselves forward to wear the badge, not to do the job. So be aware of what it entails, but give it your all, put your heart in it and do it.” Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

8. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Episode 4 - Dr Saba Nabi OAM

   Dr Saba Nabi OAM is a NSW Hidden Treasure, a pharmacist, a PHD and an OAM. And so much more! When Saba arrived in Wagga Wagga back in 2011 with her husband and baby girl in tow, she approached this incredibly new world with positivity, thoughtfulness and gusto. A lifelong community volunteer, Saba turned her hand to community work to settle herself and her family into the regional Australian lifestyle. From Patna in India via Saudi Arabia and then to Wagga Wagga join Saba as she tells us of this thrilling ride. Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

9. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Episode 3 - Jane Harris

   “Everyone has something they can give to the world” - and our guest today, Jane Harris - has certainly given much of her time, talents, passions and skills to her local community of Finley in the Southern Riverina. Jane is a powerful volunteer in her community and uses her brave and strategic voice to advocate for real change. Her achievements are numerous - the Finley Farmers Markets, chairing Birralee Preschool, working on Finley’s Dancing with the Stars, advocating for her local high school Finley High, and launching the Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative - and that’s just all before lunchtime! It was an absolute pleasure to interview Jane on the family farm near Blighty, on the road between Finley and Deniliquin. Jane’s a friend of mine, and I’ve been enjoying her sage advice for many years now - I’m sure you will too. Content warning This episode contains an open and honest conversation about suicide and mental health. We understand that these topics can be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please prioritise your well-being and consider whether now is the right time for you to listen. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:131114) | lifeline.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.lifeline.org.au) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300224636) | beyondblue.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.beyondblue.org.au) 13YARN: 13 92 76 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:139276) (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.13yarn.org.au) Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1300659467) | suicidecallbackservice.org.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au) Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 (https://www.google.com/search?q=tel:1800551800) | kidshelpline.com.au (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.kidshelpline.com.au) In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000). Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com/)

10. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Episode 2 - Kirsty Evans

    On November 18th 2022, the New South Wales Central West town of Molong was devastated by a flash flooding event. More than 100 millimetres of rain fell in a six-hour period.  Kirsty Evans – an experienced commercial lawyer who also operates a farming enterprise in Molong – spurred into action. Kirsty did what she knew best – and lodged the insurance claims for Molong’s local business owners. And then - the insurance claims started being denied. Kirsty, in partnership with her Orange legal firm Cheney Suthers and others in the community – did not give up the fight. What they’ve achieved is truly remarkable. Let’s listen to what Kirsty – termed the Flood Victim’s Warrior by the NSW Law Society – has to say. Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com)

11. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Episode 1 - Mary Hollingworth

    Mary Hollingworth is a legend within the NSW Rural Women’s Network and our broader regional NSW Community. A CWA Land Cookery Judge, a member of Rural Women’s Network Advisory Committee, founder of the Women's Gathering, a dedicated volunteer Deep Water and Glenn Innes, a NSW Community Hero of the Year in 2023 - and that’s just the start! Mary and Dimity met in person in Bowral - approximately half way between Dimity's home of Albury, and Mary's home in Glen Innes. We settled into the podcast studio at The Office Bowral on a quiet Sunday afternoon not long before Christmas. Mary was wearing a fantastic self-designed Christmas outfit and I was more, well Scrooge-like, in boring all black. But the conversation is all colour. Listen into this really great chat complete with turning points, community, strength and fun - plus finally learn how to nail that sponge cake recipe. Credits Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network (https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network) Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com (http://www.alastingtale.com)

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.