The ABC's team of specialist reporters introduce you to the people and places that make up country Australia.
Young people finding their voice in reggae and country shows helping farming communities through tough times
Meet the bands telling outback stories through desert reggae music; the country shows providing rural communities with an opportunity for connection; first generation farmers winning awards for raw sheep milk cheeses; food photographer telling the stories of people behind the produce.
10/20/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Caring for endangered native plant and green thumbs across generations
Rural property owners inherit endangered native species, nurture it through drought; old and young green thumbs working together in tiny school's kitchen garden; cider maker turns to producing vinegar from surplus fruit; how breeding and training pigeon's helps Kimberley's mental health.
10/13/2024 • 25 minutes, 6 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
10/6/2024 • 25 minutes, 6 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/29/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Securing a future for 125-year-old brass band and coffee on a claypan
The all-ages band saving small town's musical institution; graziers become part-time baristas with outback coffee van; Megan's long journey to barrel racing competition; taxidermist turning roadkill into art.
9/15/2024 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Mustering in Gulf country and Lorna's delicious legacy
Dirt, dust and noise all part of the muster on Gulf country; Lorna's legacy is leaving behind an avocado plant producing gigantic fruit; 'Unsung heroes' of the cattle industry captured in portrait exhibition; Mic's multi-year cycling odyssey paying homage to fallen soldiers.
9/8/2024 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Turning salvaged timber into treasures and Guides giving girls in remote town a voice
Turning salvaged timber into wooden treasures; the remote Girl Guides Group that's thriving; chef instilling love of food and cooking in next generation through kitchen garden program; female students take lessons in shearing.
9/1/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Goats to guitars and life of a mudcrabber in the Gulf of Carpentaria
Outback station embracing agritourism, playing host to music lovers for annual festival; the life of a mudcrabber working in croc infested waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria; olive oil shortage presents opportunity for grape growers; push to raise profile of native finger limes.
8/25/2024 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Returning artefacts to country and special bond between Emily and Brutus
Returning artefacts to rest on country; working dog helping sick kids; the community choir that's about connection, not perfection; in a cost of living crisis and loneliness epidemic, the lounge in Launceston is providing a place to gather without spending a cent.
8/18/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Homeschooling with tiny country town as classroom and passing on passion for birds
Climbing trees and counting passing trucks in country hometown is helping Jake learn to love learning; 'Bushy' Bob inspiring others to care for birds; planning transition from prison life to farm life as inmates learn skills of dairy industry; the equine dentist looking into horses' mouths to keep them healthy and happy.
8/11/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Searching the bush on horseback and sharing love of records
Training day helping horseback searchers hone skills in wilderness; coal-mining community salvaging old jetty timber to preserve history; record collector taking his tunes on the road with regional record fairs; camel farmer turning milk to chocolate.
8/4/2024 • 25 minutes, 21 seconds
Fierce but friendly ploughing contest and bringing back Murray crayfish
Art classes helping community heal from trauma of natural disaster; retirees bottling the scent of the bush; fierce but friendly competition at national ploughing contest; release program bringing Murray crayfish back to the river.
7/28/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Mustering at 90 and housework in a spectacular setting
Cattleman Bill is still mustering at 90; parks staff using water and elbow grease to clean spectacular caves; principal of NSW's most remote school enjoys a idyllic start to his working day; plants that feed on animals proving popular with collectors.
7/21/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Female riders keeping traditional hunt club alive and growing pecans for gelato
Female riders keeping traditional horse and hound hunt happening; fruit grower pivots to pecan crop; long outback horse ride aiming to raise awareness of rare diseases; resident biologist recording and restoring island's natural environment.
7/14/2024 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Truffle hunting in Tasmania and exploring the world's most southern coral reef
Treechangers' move to Tassie paying off as truffle harvest gets underway; taking tourists snorkelling on the world's southern-most coral reef; farmer moonlighting as a marriage celebrant; Indigenous youth from top-end travel south to learn butcher skills.
7/7/2024 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Falling in love with cattle station life and growing elderberries
European backpackers trying out cowgirl life in Queensland outback; Victorian growers raising the profile of elderberries; mountain guide sharing his love for being immersed in nature on heritage-listed Lord Howe Island; the bush nurses caring for remote residents.
6/30/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Science saving rainforests and family's change to island life
Science project helping rainforests survive; chestnut growers adapting business as climate changes; lure of a barefoot lifestyle draws family to remote island; farm to face for family's jojoba crop and skincare business.
6/23/2024 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Pop-up lingerie store bringing bras to the bush and slice of Italy in W.A's south
The pop-up lingerie store supporting rural women; slice of Italy on W.A's south coast; new caretakers needed for 100-year-old organ; alpaca farmer welcomes fluffy new brood.
6/16/2024 • 25 minutes, 12 seconds
Ecologists studying unique species on former cattle station and supporting women in the wine industry
How the fab ladies wine society is supporting fellow females, one glass at a a time; former outback cattle station home to unique fish, snail and crustacean species; farmer counting every drop of rain for weather bureau's records; mermaid group fostering community among ocean swimmers.
6/9/2024 • 25 minutes, 6 seconds
Farming community plants fundraising crop and reviving local pub
Community pitching in to plant barley crop to fund sports facilities upgrade; how revamping a tiny town's pub helped Cathy find a passion and purpose: farmers become retailers with 24-7, self-serve butcher shop; former sign writer growing wine grapes in an unlikely location.
6/2/2024 • 25 minutes, 4 seconds
Remote school's rewards program and welcoming regional refugees
Maureen recognised for helping refugees in her regional community; remote school keeping kids coming to class; giving old woollen clothes a new life as upcycled products; the animal sanctuary taking in abandoned maremmas.
5/26/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
European backpacker becomes outback drover and new home for wild horses
Dutch woman's new outback droving life; making a career out of love of nature; new 'cushy' domestic life for wild horses and the rising stars of stock horse scene.
5/19/2024 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
From paddock to pop stardom and pairing crickets with cabernet
Performer credits country childhood for success that sees her supporting pop idol; winery pairing wines with insects for unique cellar door experience; volunteers uncovering local history in pioneer graveyard clean-up; farmer earning a following for goat meat salamis and smallgoods.
5/12/2024 • 25 minutes, 10 seconds
Migrant workers take to festival stage and red desert turns green
Timorese migrant workers go from abattoir kill floor to festival stage after striking up friendship with country musician; floodwaters in the north wash through channel country turning red dirt plains green; cool climate farmer growing juniper berries for local gin production; country's oldest running textile mill marking 150 years of operation.
5/5/2024 • 25 minutes, 12 seconds
Researchers studying 'living fossil' and berry farmers' 30 years of sweet success
Researchers study 'living fossil' mountain shrimp; cooler climate lures mainland winemaker to island state; strawberry growers retire after three decades of sweet success; female competitors giving men 'the shakes' in speed shear competition.
4/28/2024 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Milking once feral camels and grape grower pinning hopes on Italian varieties
Milk from New South Wales camel dairy in high demand; grower turns to niche Italian grape varieties to survive industry glut; stone workers needed to preserve ancient walls for future generations; organic farmer growing tropical spice crop in dry climate.
4/22/2024 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Technology keeping remote cattle station running smoothly and forest therapy
Remote cattle station using wireless connectivity to keep things running smoothly; turning to the forest for therapy; working dog community turns out to honour legend of the sport; the program connecting generations through friendship.
4/15/2024 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Making art in sand and beauty of river shines through in wake of destructive flood
Sand artists bringing joy to local beaches; beauty of Daintree River shines through flood destruction; Country Womens Association considering men members as it celebrates centenary; harvest time for hops prized by brewers.
4/7/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Outback graziers finding solace for struggles and historic pub reopens in rural village
Outback residents finding solace in swimming, poetry, candle-making to overcome struggles; cousins reopen historic pub in tiny town; record-winning racehorse's first foal attracting attention of global industry; the grape grower who juggles farming life with music career.
3/31/2024 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Family friendly all female vet clinic and compost program diverting cafe waste from landfill
Country vet clinic creating flexible family-friendly workforce for all female staff; diverting cafe waste from landfill is creating gold for gardens; fig season is this fruit grower's favourite time of year; talking tuna with Queensland mum who is giving consumers a local alternative to imports.
3/25/2024 • 25 minutes, 8 seconds
Reigniting musical dream and counting baby lobsters
Baby lobster count helping to monitor health of fishery; memories of Mungo Man's discovery 50 years on; music lovers flock to Port Fairy's friendly festival; W.A mum pursuing country music dream in Nashville.
3/17/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Friendly game bringing farm workers together and growing yuzu
The beautiful game bringing together workers from rival berry farms for fun competition; Japanese citrus fruit yuzu in hot demand from chefs, outback helicopter mustering pilot living out dream in the air; new home for much loved river red gum tree stump attraction.
3/10/2024 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Musician and luthier meet over guitar and mermaids gather on the coast
The iconic instrument that bought a musician and craftsman together; escaping the humdrum of daily life through magical mermaid make-believe; gardening group helping women find connection; the couples making a new life in the country.
3/4/2024 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Reviving Country Women's Association and growing rare berries
Twenty-something saves local CWA; berry farm growing rare varieties; meet the outback educators helping station kids learn from home; Alys bought what she believes is Australia's cheapest house in outback W.A.
2/26/2024 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Overcoming fear of ocean to freedive and restoring old butter factory
Freediver overcomes fear of ocean to help others in time of need; land management with fire getting harder as seasons change; community restores old butter factory; Pacific women filling farm jobs in Tasmania.
2/19/2024 • 25 minutes, 12 seconds
Fungi farmers walk away from business and remembering 1924 Olympian
Remembering bush boxer who represented Australia at 1924 Olympics; calling time on fancy fungi business; tale of two turtles as one is released back to sea, another treated after suspected animal cruelty; the aviation pioneers who started a trucking company in outback WA.
2/12/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Bowls club bringing in tourists and marine debris becomes art
Bowls club welcomes campers; marine debris becomes work of art; young rodeo stars with big dreams of international careers; history of Queensland's gemfields.
2/5/2024 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Pursuing fishing passion and drawing the curtains on long cinema career
Teen angler pursuing his catch and raising awareness of painful condition; closing the curtain on long career playing the organ for silent films; teachers learning lessons as school embeds a first nations' perspective into curriculum; artist returns to Tamworth with painting of Aussie nostalgia.
1/29/2024 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Rural tennis club at the heart of farming community and planning a 'natural' burial
From tractor to tennis court, new chapter for sporting club that's been the glue of farming community for more than a century; natural burial site allowing people like Mary to plan for an environmentally friendly end of life; award-winning artist painting the streets where he once lived rough, before turning life around; passing food traditions down through generations.
1/22/2024 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Juggling station work and study and female goat farmers bucking industry trend
Ruby is pursuing her passion for mustering alongside getting a law degree; female farmers dominating goat industry in northern Queensland; changing the pace of netball pays of for sports lovers who are laughing their way through the game; from dealing with drought to serving up strawberries, farmer reflects on career change.
12/11/2023 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
12/3/2023 • 25 minutes, 16 seconds
Chasing bioluminescence and living shoreline providing protection from erosion
Chasing bioluminescence as firefly mating season gets underway; how saltmarsh and oyster reefs are protecting low-lying coastal town from erosion; postal pilot making sure mail gets through to remote farming properties; candle business allowing Sarah to tap into creativity from the farm.
11/27/2023 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Restoring a once abandoned town and taming wild horses
The retired couple on a mission to 'unabandon' a former hydro town in Tasmanian highlands; horse show proving wild brumbies have ability to be tamed and trained; how a love of huskies introduced South Australian woman to little known sport of dog mushing; months on from brain tumor, Corey the shearer is back doing what he loves.
11/20/2023 • 25 minutes, 14 seconds
Preserving the swamp habitat of 'bunyip bird' and koala colony thriving
Preserving the habitat of a threatened swamp bird; koala colony re-established in 1970s serving as a model of how to translocate animals; artists exhibiting works in book form at regional gallery; the hidden WW2 bunker serving as the ultimate man-cave.
11/13/2023 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Sawmiller custodian of precious timber and bringing back native food crops
Custodian ensuring remaining King Billy pine is put to good use; Indigenous farmer harvesting native yams as part of plan to reintroduce traditional crops; grower calls for research on quandongs as Central Australia records dismal harvest; dressage honour for double amputee horse-rider.
11/6/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Assisted migration aiming to save threatened gum tree species and whale numbers booming
The bold plan to aid the migration of threatened eucalyptus species in the face of climate change; an exhibition of paintings reveal brilliant mind of reclusive country artist; whale numbers booming on Australia's east coast; flower farming proving to be a perfect fit for working mum's raising families and pursuing passion project.
10/30/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Ukulele clubs creating social connections and breeding beneficial beetles
Ukulele clubs proving to be a weapon in fight against loneliness; farmers breeding dung beetles for their environmental benefits; chefs sharing skills to help home-cooks cater for cost of living pressures; grazier's lifelong passion for goats is what gets her out of bed in the morning.
10/23/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Cowgirls come together and artist tapping into knowledge of ancestors to craft traditional stringybark canoe
Cowgirl catch-up helping rural women build camaraderie and resilience; artist crafting canoe in the same way ancestors would have thousands of years ago; bird lovers calling for better protection for endangered species; training for the tricky job of working with power tools underwater.
10/16/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Droving the long paddock and prisoners learning to ride bucking bulls
Droving team spending days on dusty stock route ahead of dry summer; the inmates getting an opportunity to turn their lives around by learning how to ride bulls and compete in rodeo; ladies learning skills for life on the land; the unique pet cemetery that's put a tiny town on the tourist map.
10/9/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Ballet dancer returns from success in Romania to teach in outback Queensland and wombats suffering mange get special treatment from Wombat Guy
Before COVID, ballet dancer Douglas Stewart enjoyed stage success in Romania, but has returned to teach ballet in central Queensland. On A Big Country we also meet Wombat Guy, treating mangy wombats in the Hawkesbury.
10/1/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/24/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
A Big Country
Meet two winners of the Rural Women of the Year Award; Artistic Director of Moorambilla Voices choir Michelle Leonard, and pet food entrepreneur Emma Gibbons from the Sunshine Coast
9/17/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Embracing a new life at the edge of an ancient gorge and farewelling the family farm
How moving to an ancient gorge brought this family closer together; farewelling family farm after 130 years; the challenges of motherhood living and working on a remote cattle station; teens collecting native seed for regeneration project.
9/4/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Relocating tiny marsupials to island home and nursing penguins back to health
Taking tiny marsupials back to island part of a plan to restore pre-colonisation native wildlife; rare penguin nursed back to health and released to the ocean a long way from home; tapping into trauma of Black Summer bushfires for artistic inspiration; teens with gift of the gab give livestock auctioneering a red hot go.
8/28/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Healing with horse therapy and sending whisky to sea
How a lifelong love of horses led Elaine to help others; maturation on the high seas, meet the distillers using the 'slosh method' to produce a special whisky; farmers on small acreage find the perfect small livestock - breeding snails; meet Benji the pet goat whose regular beach walks bring joy to many.
8/21/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
From broadcasting to winemaking and studying seaweed for artistic inspiration
How reporting on the wine industry led to a new career making wine for former ABC presenter; artists beachcombing for seaweed to inspire creative works; Julie, the lifelong clown has settled in a small country town, after a career on the road as a traveller performer, but she still has some tricks up her sleeve; the couple who swapped lucrative mining salary for setting up a saddlery in regional Queensland.
8/14/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
From broadcasting to winemaking and studying seaweed for artistic inspiration
How reporting on the wine industry led to a new career making wine for former ABC presenter; artists beachcombing for seaweed to inspire creative works; Julie, the lifelong clown has settled in a small country town, after a career on the road as a traveller performer, but she still has some tricks up her sleeve; the couple who swapped lucrative mining salary for setting up a saddlery in regional Queensland.
8/14/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Compass trees of the desert and remote craft store
The desert tree that can serve as a compass; wool producer selling her fleece by the skein, direct to knitters from farm shop; four-legged furry friends trained as assistance animals helping war veterans with PTSD deal with daily demands of life; how Liam is sharing his Aboriginal culture with next generation through music.
8/7/2023 • 25 minutes, 36 seconds
Compass trees of the desert and remote craft store
The desert tree that can serve as a compass; wool producer selling her fleece by the skein, direct to knitters from farm shop; four-legged furry friends trained as assistance animals helping war veterans with PTSD deal with daily demands of life; how Liam is sharing his Aboriginal culture with next generation through music.
8/7/2023 • 25 minutes, 36 seconds
Bush two-up game spinning on and women taking the reins of saddle industry
Family ties keeping traditional bush two-up game going in the WA goldfields; young women carving out a career working with leather and taking the reins of saddle industry; adventure on the high seas aboard replica tall ship helping teens detox from devices; hair dyers, clippers and glue at the ready as junior cattle handlers take their heifers into the show ring.
7/31/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Bush two-up game spinning on and women taking the reins of saddle industry
Family ties keeping traditional bush two-up game going in the WA goldfields; young women carving out a career working with leather and taking the reins of saddle industry; adventure on the high seas aboard replica tall ship helping teens detox from devices; hair dyers, clippers and glue at the ready as junior cattle handlers take their heifers into the show ring.
7/31/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Outback pub at heart of community and channel country blooms with new life
Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.
7/24/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Outback pub at heart of community and channel country blooms with new life
Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.
7/24/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Outback pub at heart of community and channel country blooms with new life
Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.
7/24/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Art and yarning helping community heal from bushfire trauma and green ant harvest
Power of the paintbrush helping rural community heal from bushfire trauma; traditional owners collecting green ants struggling to keep up with demand from restaurant trade; students getting a feel for the wool industry through shearing school; Western Australia's most inland winery growing grapes in challenging conditions.
7/17/2023 • 25 minutes, 37 seconds
Art and yarning helping community heal from bushfire trauma and green ant harvest
Power of the paintbrush helping rural community heal from bushfire trauma; traditional owners collecting green ants struggling to keep up with demand from restaurant trade; students getting a feel for the wool industry through shearing school; Western Australia's most inland winery growing grapes in challenging conditions.
7/17/2023 • 25 minutes, 37 seconds
Artists inspired by outback and making model planes from scratch
Female artists telling outback stories one brush stroke at a time; perfect and precise tiny models of planes crafted by hand; plant breeders and farmers working on breeding next generation of fruit; entertainer using his whip to put on a cracking show for tourists.
7/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Artists inspired by outback and making model planes from scratch
Female artists telling outback stories one brush stroke at a time; perfect and precise tiny models of planes crafted by hand; plant breeders and farmers working on breeding next generation of fruit; entertainer using his whip to put on a cracking show for tourists.
7/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Bushwalking 1900s style and around Australia in a truck
Taking high tea in the bush, 1900s style; rusty old truck with rich history set for restoration ahead of becoming museum exhibit; celebrating 60 years with a lap of the country in beloved truck; couple discover big business in tiny animals as pygmy goats take off
7/3/2023 • 25 minutes, 43 seconds
Bushwalking 1900s style and around Australia in a truck
Taking high tea in the bush, 1900s style; rusty old truck with rich history set for restoration ahead of becoming museum exhibit; celebrating 60 years with a lap of the country in beloved truck; couple discover big business in tiny animals as pygmy goats take off
7/3/2023 • 25 minutes, 43 seconds
Feeding the hungry with fresh produce and planting native trees for parrots
Students gaining skills and helping the hungry with hands-on-learning in the veggie patch; olive growers helping others turn fruit to oil; replanting native trees to protect vulnerable parrot species; midwife taking skills into the paddock pregnancy testing on sheep.
6/26/2023 • 25 minutes, 43 seconds
Feeding the hungry with fresh produce and planting native trees for parrots
Students gaining skills and helping the hungry with hands-on-learning in the veggie patch; olive growers helping others turn fruit to oil; replanting native trees to protect vulnerable parrot species; midwife taking skills into the paddock pregnancy testing on sheep.
6/26/2023 • 25 minutes, 43 seconds
Tool library helping community rebuild and harvesting winter truffles
Community spirit epitomised in co-operative tool library helping residents rebuild after fire; conservation project teaching preschoolers to care for country and koalas through sounds and song; truffle grower flat-out unearthing winter black truffle variety to feed festival goers; nifty contraption helps with rolling harvest of toughest nut to crack.
6/19/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Tool library helping community rebuild and harvesting winter truffles
Community spirit epitomised in co-operative tool library helping residents rebuild after fire; conservation project teaching preschoolers to care for country and koalas through sounds and song; truffle grower flat-out unearthing winter black truffle variety to feed festival goers; nifty contraption helps with rolling harvest of toughest nut to crack.
6/19/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Camels helping to control weeds and community pooling olives for pressing
Camels come to the saviour of graziers battling invasive weed; community pooling picked olives to press for oil; flying doctor taking to the sky to see patients in rural town; cheese lover connecting consumers with farmers through new dairy range.
6/12/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Camels helping to control weeds and community pooling olives for pressing
Camels come to the saviour of graziers battling invasive weed; community pooling picked olives to press for oil; flying doctor taking to the sky to see patients in rural town; cheese lover connecting consumers with farmers through new dairy range.
6/12/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
6/11/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Sharing culture in country community and fruit from Amazon Basin thriving in Queensland
South American tropical fruit thriving in Australia's north; exhibition of Bangladeshi quilts telling the story of family, history and culture; breeding small cows for small farms; sheep farmer's passion project collecting historic shearing handpieces.
6/5/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Sharing culture in country community and fruit from Amazon Basin thriving in Queensland
South American tropical fruit thriving in Australia's north; exhibition of Bangladeshi quilts telling the story of family, history and culture; breeding small cows for small farms; sheep farmer's passion project collecting historic shearing handpieces.
6/5/2023 • 25 minutes, 48 seconds
Farmers turning fleece into family keepsakes and ploughing to win
Woolgrowers turning fleece into family keepsakes; virtual reality changing lives in regional aged care; inside the niche sport of competitive ploughing; birdwatchers counting birds on farms to boost biodiversity.
5/29/2023 • 25 minutes, 40 seconds
Farmers turning fleece into family keepsakes and ploughing to win
Woolgrowers turning fleece into family keepsakes; virtual reality changing lives in regional aged care; inside the niche sport of competitive ploughing; birdwatchers counting birds on farms to boost biodiversity.
5/29/2023 • 25 minutes, 40 seconds
A Big Country
Outback race meet bringing remote community together; learning the skills for a career change into the crocodile cage; how a nut orchard is providing a place of healing; the community collaboration that saved historic riverside boat house.
5/22/2023 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
Crowds gather for outback race meet and learning croc wrangling skills
Outback race meet bringing remote community together; learning the skills for a career change into the crocodile cage; how a nut orchard is providing a place of healing; the community collaboration that saved historic riverside boat house.
5/22/2023 • 25 minutes, 15 seconds
New generation of small scale farmers and fermenting grapes to music
New generation of farmers supplying top restaurants; meet the winemakers playing a soundtrack to fermentation; choirs celebrating friendship through song; flower grower working round the clock to deliver for mums.
5/15/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
New generation of small scale farmers and fermenting grapes to music
New generation of farmers supplying top restaurants; meet the winemakers playing a soundtrack to fermentation; choirs celebrating friendship through song; flower grower working round the clock to deliver for mums.
5/15/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Taking to the sky for outback mail run and sculpture to outlast us all
The mail plane delivering to remote communities and cattle stations; sculptor burning through power tools as she carves legacy piece from granite block; from riding his family pet pig to riding bulls on world stage, teen takes on rodeo champs; father and son team in the business of breeding queen bees.
5/8/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Taking to the sky for outback mail run and sculpture to outlast us all
The mail plane delivering to remote communities and cattle stations; sculptor burning through power tools as she carves legacy piece from granite block; from riding his family pet pig to riding bulls on world stage, teen takes on rodeo champs; father and son team in the business of breeding queen bees.
5/8/2023 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Breeding for cuteness and continuing family bean legacy
Breeding for cute factor with the 'labradoodle of sheep'; refugees gaining confidence through sewing lessons; growing beans from around the world and riding into town on a horse-drawn cart.
5/1/2023 • 0
Breeding for cuteness and continuing family bean legacy
Breeding for cute factor with the 'labradoodle of sheep'; refugees gaining confidence through sewing lessons; growing beans from around the world and riding into town on a horse-drawn cart.
5/1/2023 • 0
A Big Country
Outback charity horse trek aiming to raise funds for horse rescue and mental health programs; a record hop harvest caps off 50 years in the industry for third generation hop farmer Allan Monshing; combining old hops with old yeast for unique beer with a nod to the past; how dogs in the classroom are helping instil confidence in junior readers.
4/24/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Riding for charity and harvesting hops for the 50th time
Outback charity horse trek aiming to raise funds for horse rescue and mental health programs; a record hop harvest caps off 50 years in the industry for third generation hop farmer Allan Monshing; combining old hops with old yeast for unique beer with a nod to the past; how dogs in the classroom are helping instil confidence in junior readers.
4/17/2023 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Sharing stories of a threatened frog species and eating mutton bird
Celebrating threatened frog and keeping its traditional stories alive; island residents share culinary tips for eating fishy, oily bird; long-time shearer still going strong at 75; converting classic cars from petrol to electric engines comes at a cost, but with no regrets for EV enthusiast.
4/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Sharing stories of a threatened frog species and eating mutton bird
Celebrating threatened frog and keeping its traditional stories alive; island residents share culinary tips for eating fishy, oily bird; long-time shearer still going strong at 75; converting classic cars from petrol to electric engines comes at a cost, but with no regrets for EV enthusiast.
4/10/2023 • 25 minutes, 47 seconds
Remote school bus run and planting trees for koalas
Bus service for one of the country's most remote schools boosts student numbers; community group reaches milestone in mission to create wildlife corridor for koalas; patient farmer waiting for harvest of first crop of world's most expensive nut; Ancient Viking alcoholic drink gets a modern makeover.
4/3/2023 • 30 minutes
Remote school bus run and planting trees for koalas
Bus service for one of the country's most remote schools boosts student numbers; community group reaches milestone in mission to create wildlife corridor for koalas; patient farmer waiting for harvest of first crop of world's most expensive nut; Ancient Viking alcoholic drink gets a modern makeover.
4/3/2023 • 30 minutes
Resurrecting historic hut and swapping shearing for making spirits
Special family connection behind volunteer's drive to resurrect historic mountain hut; farmer swaps shearing for distilling; hot and sweaty past-time of sword play in the tropics; mystery artist has rural community bemused and delighted.
3/26/2023 • 30 minutes
Resurrecting historic hut and swapping shearing for making spirits
Special family connection behind volunteer's drive to resurrect historic mountain hut; farmer swaps shearing for distilling; hot and sweaty past-time of sword play in the tropics; mystery artist has rural community bemused and delighted.
3/26/2023 • 30 minutes
Performing music in a lighthouse and distilling rum with locally grown sugar cane
Musicians experimenting with sound in unique tin lighthouse; young students learning through distance education from island classroom; how a dive instructor became a rum distiller and blacksmith sharing skills of the trade.
3/19/2023 • 30 minutes
Performing music in a lighthouse and distilling rum with locally grown sugar cane
Musicians experimenting with sound in unique tin lighthouse; young students learning through distance education from island classroom; how a dive instructor became a rum distiller and blacksmith sharing skills of the trade.
3/19/2023 • 30 minutes
Volunteers harvesting hops for beer-making and the Darling River in flood
Brewery's hop harvest brings community together for day out in the sun; back to back flooding on the Darling River bringing back birds, fish and life; country women cook up a plan to cut through pineapple glut; martial arts world champ, sharing her love of the sport in country Queensland gym.
3/13/2023 • 30 minutes
Volunteers harvesting hops for beer-making and the Darling River in flood
Brewery's hop harvest brings community together for day out in the sun; back to back flooding on the Darling River bringing back birds, fish and life; country women cook up a plan to cut through pineapple glut; martial arts world champ, sharing her love of the sport in country Queensland gym.
3/13/2023 • 30 minutes
Growing garlic in red desert soil and planting native trees for birds and butterflies
Central Australian garlic crop offers pathway out of poverty; outback retreat providing veterans and first responders with a place of peace; planting native trees to attract birds, butterflies and bugs; gay graziers breaking stereotypes.
3/5/2023 • 30 minutes
Growing garlic in red desert soil and planting native trees for birds and butterflies
Central Australian garlic crop offers pathway out of poverty; outback retreat providing veterans and first responders with a place of peace; planting native trees to attract birds, butterflies and bugs; gay graziers breaking stereotypes.
3/5/2023 • 30 minutes
Connecting with culture at traditional camp and wet season burning
Saltwater women reviving traditional cultural practices with camp on New South Wales far south coast; support donkey helping staff and students at high school in flood affected region; wet season burns helping rangers and traditional owners stamp out weeds in Kakadu National Park; self-taught artist uses chainsaw skills to carve out wood spirits.
2/26/2023 • 30 minutes
Connecting with culture at traditional camp and wet season burning
Saltwater women reviving traditional cultural practices with camp on New South Wales far south coast; support donkey helping staff and students at high school in flood affected region; wet season burns helping rangers and traditional owners stamp out weeds in Kakadu National Park; self-taught artist uses chainsaw skills to carve out wood spirits.
2/26/2023 • 30 minutes
Restoring timber pub and creating an urban oasis for bees
Piano playing publican brings life to country pub; meet the Tassie grannies devoted to caring for rescued dogs; robot fruit pickers helping out with harvest; garden oasis on top of concrete car park providing a sanctuary for native bees.
2/19/2023 • 30 minutes
Restoring timber pub and creating an urban oasis for bees
Piano playing publican brings life to country pub; meet the Tassie grannies devoted to caring for rescued dogs; robot fruit pickers helping out with harvest; garden oasis on top of concrete car park providing a sanctuary for native bees.
2/19/2023 • 30 minutes
Farming worms and celebrating a century of family winemaking
One hundred years after Italian ancestors bought grapevines in suitcases, family celebrates winemaking history; farming earthworms proving perfect lifestyle job for young family; horse riding lessons building confidence and character; nature school expands to secondary education as demand grows for outdoor learning experience.
2/13/2023 • 30 minutes
Farming worms and celebrating a century of family winemaking
One hundred years after Italian ancestors bought grapevines in suitcases, family celebrates winemaking history; farming earthworms proving perfect lifestyle job for young family; horse riding lessons building confidence and character; nature school expands to secondary education as demand grows for outdoor learning experience.
2/13/2023 • 30 minutes
Ridding remote island of feral cats and family business collecting kelp
Catching feral cats to protect native species; family's unique business harvesting kelp on Tassie's wild and windy west coast; the couple who loved dragon fruit so much they decided to grow their own; life of an iron-ore train driver taking mineral to port in the Pilbara.
2/5/2023 • 30 minutes
Ridding remote island of feral cats and family business collecting kelp
Catching feral cats to protect native species; family's unique business harvesting kelp on Tassie's wild and windy west coast; the couple who loved dragon fruit so much they decided to grow their own; life of an iron-ore train driver taking mineral to port in the Pilbara.
2/5/2023 • 30 minutes
Growing edible natives and saving saltmarsh eco-systems
Researching native crops for drought resilience; saving saltmarsh eco-systems that serve as carbon sinks; flower farmers selling direct to public with 'pick your own' open days; filmmaker and traditional owners collaborate to tell story of central Queensland history.
12/12/2022 • 30 minutes
Growing edible natives and saving saltmarsh eco-systems
Researching native crops for drought resilience; saving saltmarsh eco-systems that serve as carbon sinks; flower farmers selling direct to public with 'pick your own' open days; filmmaker and traditional owners collaborate to tell story of central Queensland history.
12/12/2022 • 30 minutes
Urban farm bearing fruit and mine reopening revives rural town
Publican and distiller create urban farm on old car wash and gravel car park; mine reopening reviving rural town; swapping surfboard for tractor as harvest workers head west to help with farm work; scientists studying migrating whales to gauge what they can hear.
12/5/2022 • 30 minutes
Urban farm bearing fruit and mine reopening revives rural town
Publican and distiller create urban farm on old car wash and gravel car park; mine reopening reviving rural town; swapping surfboard for tractor as harvest workers head west to help with farm work; scientists studying migrating whales to gauge what they can hear.
12/5/2022 • 30 minutes
Thrilling hunt for rare trees and quest for carbon neutral brewery
Collector's decades-long thrilling hunt for rare trees; brewery powering on renewable energy; remote community turning dead wood into valuable resource; female apprentice butcher following in mum's footsteps.
11/28/2022 • 30 minutes
Thrilling hunt for rare trees and quest for carbon neutral brewery
Collector's decades-long thrilling hunt for rare trees; brewery powering on renewable energy; remote community turning dead wood into valuable resource; female apprentice butcher following in mum's footsteps.
11/28/2022 • 30 minutes
Growing French rose varieties in Tasmania and sharing the joy of beekeeping
The French connection helping to grow beautiful roses in Tasmania's Tamar Valley; youth workers turned beekeepers plan to share their joyful job in remote communities; retiring fisherman reflects on dangerous and adventurous life at sea; giving a voice to the experience of young flood survivors.
11/21/2022 • 30 minutes
Growing French rose varieties in Tasmania and sharing the joy of beekeeping
The French connection helping to grow beautiful roses in Tasmania's Tamar Valley; youth workers turned beekeepers plan to share their joyful job in remote communities; retiring fisherman reflects on dangerous and adventurous life at sea; giving a voice to the experience of young flood survivors.
11/21/2022 • 30 minutes
New chapter for outback pub and saving endangered crayfish
Family restores pub that holds a special place in their history and hearts; farmers' role in saving world's largest freshwater invertebrate; long-time bird watcher tracking migratory species; buddy program linking generations and bringing joy to old and young.
11/14/2022 • 0
New chapter for outback pub and saving endangered crayfish
Family restores pub that holds a special place in their history and hearts; farmers' role in saving world's largest freshwater invertebrate; long-time bird watcher tracking migratory species; buddy program linking generations and bringing joy to old and young.
Tiny country school prepare to harvest first wheat crop; community food swap takes off with edible produce exchange; couple's passion for horses leads them to establish brumby rescue clinic; why agriculture is a favourite subject for these high school students.
Tiny country school prepare to harvest first wheat crop; community food swap takes off with edible produce exchange; couple's passion for horses leads them to establish brumby rescue clinic; why agriculture is a favourite subject for these high school students.
11/7/2022 • 0
Creativity blossoms in cow paddock and putting pet emus to work on the farm
Young mum bringing creative colour to cow paddock; award-winning buffalo farmers swap research roles for working with animals; pet emus helping out on berry farm; enthusiastic whale watchers taking part in community day connecting to country and culture.
10/30/2022 • 30 minutes
Creativity blossoms in cow paddock and putting pet emus to work on the farm
Young mum bringing creative colour to cow paddock; award-winning buffalo farmers swap research roles for working with animals; pet emus helping out on berry farm; enthusiastic whale watchers taking part in community day connecting to country and culture.
10/30/2022 • 30 minutes
Gearing up for first mango harvest and making tea from fruit farm waste
Farmer working with tea blender to turn fig leaf waste into a herbal tisane; family growing plants for essential oils to make soap; former nurse, police officer gearing up for first harvest as mango farmers; the sheep breeder producing what could be the country's cutest farm animals.
10/23/2022 • 30 minutes
Gearing up for first mango harvest and making tea from fruit farm waste
Farmer working with tea blender to turn fig leaf waste into a herbal tisane; family growing plants for essential oils to make soap; former nurse, police officer gearing up for first harvest as mango farmers; the sheep breeder producing what could be the country's cutest farm animals.
10/23/2022 • 30 minutes
Growing native flowers for cosmetics and seed collecting hobby becomes career
Kangaroo paw flowers prized for anti-wrinkle properties; turning seed collecting hobby into full-time job; 12-year-old's booming chicken business; bike appreciation group celebrating older and unusual rides.
10/16/2022 • 30 minutes
Growing native flowers for cosmetics and seed collecting hobby becomes career
Kangaroo paw flowers prized for anti-wrinkle properties; turning seed collecting hobby into full-time job; 12-year-old's booming chicken business; bike appreciation group celebrating older and unusual rides.
10/16/2022 • 30 minutes
Teeing off on outback golf course and graveyard mystery
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
10/10/2022 • 30 minutes
Teeing off on outback golf course and graveyard mystery
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
10/10/2022 • 30 minutes
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/18/2022 • 30 minutes
A Big Country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/18/2022 • 30 minutes
The sound of healing and life on the farm with dementia
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/5/2022 • 30 minutes
The sound of healing and life on the farm with dementia
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
9/5/2022 • 30 minutes
Living medieval style in Tasmania and end of an era for small town sporting club
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
8/29/2022 • 30 minutes
Living medieval style in Tasmania and end of an era for small town sporting club
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
8/29/2022 • 30 minutes
Training feral donkeys as guardian animals and learning on country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
8/22/2022 • 30 minutes
Training feral donkeys as guardian animals and learning on country
Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.
8/22/2022 • 30 minutes
A Big Country
Hunting for heritage fig trees; rural fire brigade restoring old truck used by the first all Indigenous fire crew; farmers digging into the power of dung eating beetles; ranger caring for country from the sky.
8/15/2022 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Searching for natural weapon to halt spread of starfish and growing your own greens
Research aiming to halt spread of invasive starfish; tips on growing your own greens to reduce grocery bill; breeding Highland cattle with shaggy locks and distinctive horns; poultry club comes together for bird show after Covid hiatus.
8/1/2022 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
Swapping city life for truffle farming and making wine from bush block vines
Meet the tree-changers harvesting truffles in Tasmania; a winemaking family embracing an old-fashioned way of growing grapes; wildlife carers who spent their house deposit on looking after injured animals; and the young women taking the driving seat in motorsport racing.
7/18/2022 • 25 minutes, 49 seconds
The family that fossicks and a woodchopping legend
Meet a woodchopping legend, come on a fossicking family trip around Australia and join the crowd gathered to meet some famous Muster Dogs.
7/11/2022 • 25 minutes, 42 seconds
Three generations sharing a passion for railway and life of a remote road worker
Three generations of family keeping tourist railway on track; remote worker survives weeks alone in the outback with the help of his guitar; Tassie devils adjusting to life in tropical north as part of conservation project; breeding Boer goats for meat and weed munching.
7/4/2022 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Using fruit to flavour beer and giving grand, old homestead a new lease on life
Unwanted passionfruit pureed to make funky beer flavouring; relocating and restoring historic homestead in outback Queensland; turtle research focussed on keeping nests cool to prevent male drought; celebrating the rosella with plans to crank up jam business.
6/27/2022 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Tackling outback track on horseback and repairing river system
A gap year with a difference for teen horseback adventurer; environmental project helping to restore river; family reunion to remember Italian forbears who made a new life in the cane fields of northern Australia; talking tea cosies over a cuppa with an expert in the craft.
6/20/2022 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Exploring island bird life and challenging stereotypes of farmers
Appreciating biodiversity in the Capricorn Cays; photographer aiming to smash stereotypes of what a farmer looks like; lambs that love mangoes are helping farmers manage their orchard; growing rare varieties of bananas has kept this farmer in business.
6/6/2022 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Persimmon season and cast and crew remember Castaway series
Demand growing for unusual autumn fruit; cast and crew of Castaway series return to filming location nearly fifty years later for history project; adventurous tree changers swap beachside apartment living for farm life; after 21 years of tending to their olive grove couple pick final harvest.
5/30/2022 • 25 minutes, 46 seconds
Making beer with fresh local hops and perfect score for 100-year-old wine
Making beer with fresh, locally grown hops; accolades for century old wine; ambitious attempt to circumnavigate Australia in record speed; pony time helping with learning and relaxation.
5/23/2022 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Picking precious saffron stigma and restoring old boat
Busy saffron harvest has bees in a flop; maritime restoration a labour of love; yachtsman finds connection to land through farm work; scientists make most of extraordinary breeding season to study pelican population.