Voice it: Recent Episodes
Annabelle Homer
This podcast is about showcasing talented people in the Clare Valley and across the mid north of South Australia. These people started with nothing and developed a successful brand and business through sheer grit and determination. You will hear the personal stories of artists, photographers, financial planners, winemakers, chefs and engineers and many more who have made a difference to their local community.
It’s a family affair in this episode.
You’ll hear from the Redden brothers — Tom, Leo, and Steve — who went into business together and formed Dalgety Redden Agencies in Riverton and Gawler, alongside their wives Jenni and Jenny (Steve and Leo’s partners). The business specialised in all things agriculture: livestock, realestate, insurance, and agronomy.
What simply happened was this: Leo, who worked for Elders, Tom, a stock agent and sheep farmer, and Steve, from Elders Real Estate, took on a business that was initially bankrupt — and turned it around within 12 months. This was back in 1991.
In this recording, you’ll hear about the blood, sweat, and tears they poured into the business during those early years. The brothers leave no stone unturned, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
You’ll first hear from Leo and Tom, then they’re joined by Steve — and Tom’s daughter, Lara.
Enjoy this episode — a story filled with deep respect, love, and pride for one another. And despite the occasional blues that come with business, family always came first.
This recording was initially part of Tom Redden’s private memoir I recorded in 2024. With Tom and the family’s permission they have allowed me to share this part of recording to the public.
The episode kicks off with Leo Redden — enjoy.
Links:
Voice it https://voiceit.me/NB. This episode was taken from Tom Redden's private memoir recording. Thank you to Leo, Steve, Tom and Lara for giving me permission to make this small section of the recording into a public podcast.
It’s not that often you meet a makeup artist who’s also a farmer.
Alastair is a a 36 year old sheep producer from Eudunda and also director of Sensation Makeup Artistry.
This episode focuses on a bloke who had a rough start in finding his way in life, navigating through some tremendous up and downs to find makeup as his source of identity.
From dropping out of school at 16, roustabouting in shearing sheds, and working on pig and poultry farms, Alastair was told throughout his youth he wasn’t good at many things. Until he started applying makeup at drag shows - a skill he excelled at.
After getting his diploma he went on to educate future makeup artists, worked on film sets, dance shows and weddings…to then creating his own makeup line - Bush Babes!
There’s so much to Alastair's story - because he’s also a farmer, in the early stages of establishing his own sheep stud - that in itself is a story…because his family is also deeply connected to Anlaby Station at Kapunda.
Enjoy the charismatic Alastair…and get some makeup tips along the way.
CONTACT DETAILS:
For more details about Alastair and his makeup line 'Bush Babes' or to find out more about his Beauty and Bubbles sessions, contact him on Instagram or Facebook or visit his website:
https://sensationmakeup.com.au/
To learn more about Voice it, follow @voiceitsa on Instagram and Facebook or Annabelle Ottens on LinkedIn or check out her website:
https://voiceit.me/
In this episode, you'll meet the woman behind the newly opened, architecturally stunning gin distillery that now stands proudly among the vineyards on the edge of Clare.
The Clare Valley Distillery, along with its beautifully designed tasting room, officially opened its doors in March 2025. Behind this exciting new venture is Katherine Nugent — a lawyer, teacher, and proud Clare Valley local.
Known affectionately as "Karks" to most, Katherine has been nurturing this dream for the past seven years. She developed the concept alongside Guy Parkinson, former chef of Seed, and her beloved aunt and godmother, Di Mayfield — both now her business partners.
Karks is passionate about gin and community. Her vision was to create a welcoming space in the Clare Valley — not just for gin lovers, but as a creative hub, especially for writing retreats. That makes sense, because she’s also in the midst of writing a book.
But there’s far more to Karks than distilling botanicals. Originally from the Adelaide Hills, she takes us on a rich and colorful journey through her life — from the Hills to Denmark, with career chapters in journalism, law, teaching in Galway, and ultimately, finding home in Clare.
This episode is packed with inspiration, reflection, and storytelling. So whether you're brewing a cup of tea or heading out for a long walk — settle in. This is Katherine's story.
https://www.clarevalleydistillery.com.au/
https://operationflinders.org.au/
https://www.kademacdonaldfoundation.org/
Find out more about Annabelle Homer and her communications business Voice it:
https://voiceit.me/
Meet Tim Grigg, the man behind Travelwild Australia.
A tour company offering 4WD experiences across the wilds of the Kimberley, South Australia’s Outback and Flinders Ranges to the more pleasurable slower paced walking tours through rolling hills and vineyards in the Clare Valley.
Originally from Mildura, Tim moved to South Australia to pursue a career in industrial design, a career that wasn't for him as he always had an yearning to be in the bush. So he approached a company who ran tours to Alice Springs and from that moment he was hooked.
In this episode, Tim takes you through the highs and lows of starting a tour company, from not making any money with his first tours to Kangaroo Island, constantly fixing up trucks in the Kimberley, to navigating the GFC and COVID and pivoting the company out of challenging financial situations.
This is not just a business story, it’s a love story too.
Tim met his now wife Bianca, a young backpacker from Holland in his first six months as a tour guide and they’ve been touring together ever since.
Enjoy this fascinating behind the scenes journey of the unglamorous world of tourism with Tim Grigg.
https://travelwild.com.au/
https://clarevalleywalk.com.au/
https://voiceit.me/
Meet the super vivacious, creative individual Nicky White - the founder of Mickelloo.
From her humble beginnings as a marching girl, meeting her farmer husband Joel at the Planet nightclub to moving to the Clare Valley and creating her own business - Nicky is not short of a story.
She's been a Nutrimetics consultant, ran her own Weight Watchers’ group and delved into jewellery design and fashion.
Nicky is a self-taught jewellery maker and fashion designer, creating hand stamped jewellery, designing and making scardis, to now running her own on-farm fashion boutique.
It was once considered a hobby, now it’s a full-blown successful business where she is selling her designs across Australia and overseas.
Strap yourself in - this is Nicky’s story.
https://www.mickelloo.com.au/
Nicky reduced her opening hours in 2024 to give her more time to make accessories. She is open every Friday and two Saturday’s a month and by appointment. One-on-one styling is available for 6 months of the year. Hop onto Nicky’s website to get all the details and do some online shopping - she has some beautiful pieces!!
https://voiceit.me/
Voice it is a communications business specialising inpublic speaking training, media training, podcasting, audio memoir production and MC work.
I’m passionate about giving people the skills to beeffective, engaging and memorable communicators - not just on stage but in life. I’m a former ABC broadcast journalist and also 12 years experience in AMEB speech and drama, I use those skills to bring you engaging, fun workshops and recording sessions to make you feel at ease andenjoy the process - because I get it, public speaking can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Also, I’m happy to toot my own horn - this year Iwas a finalist in the Agrifutures Rural Women's Award in South Australia - a fantastic experience I encourage any women to pursue if they have a business or a project idea that can make a difference to regional communities.
https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/
Welcome to Season 4 of the Voice it Podcast!!
So glad to be back and to bring you more delightful guests from the Clare Valley and mid north area of South Australia.
Malcolm Stanley Heinrich, is the managing directorof SC Heinrich and Co - a family owned and operated company specialising in earth moving, quarrying, and transporting based here on the outskirts of Clare.
The business was originally started in 1954 by StanHeinrich, Malcolm’s father and has been operated by the Heinrich family ever since. Stan retired in his 50th year in business but remained actively involved for a further 6 years until his passing in 2010.
Malcolm has working full time in the business since he was 15 years old - that’s just over 50 years. He’s workedmainly alongside his brother Robert, who most recently stepped away and now runs it with his younger brother Andrew and his son Alex.
Malcolm takes you through the history of his family and the business - how it all began, the high and the absolute lows through the 1960 and 70’s, the absolute transformation of the business during Covid and his plans for the future.
Enjoy this ‘rags to riches’ tale with Moose Heinrich.
Find out more about SC Heinrich and Co: https://scheinrich.com.au/
Tom Kruze - the outback mailman: https://lastmailfrombirdsville.com.au/
Find out more about Annabelle Homer and her communications business Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
In this episode I’m introducing you to the SA finalists of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
An award that acknowledges the essential role women play in rural industries, business and communities.
It’s a big deal.
The finalists were required to present a project, idea, or initiative that benefits rural South Australia in some way. The state winner will receive a $15,000 bursary to bring their project to life, with the winner announced on April 8th, 2025.
Big welcome and congratulations to:
Emma Gilbert from Clarendon Farm and Incubate Pro
The Chicken Lady who's produced a hatching app that could transform the poultry industry.
Kelly Johnson from SPhiker, who's recycling all the food waste in the world.
Marie Ellul from Artlab Solutionshas invented a new pregnancy device to reduce the need for rectal examinations in cows.
and me....
Annabelle Homer from Voice it.
I want to provide more people across regional SA with the skills to communicate confidently and authentically through subsidised face-to-face programs. Be it on stage at conferences, on podcasts or in community - its for everyone!
We all sat down at Emma's kitchen table at Clarendon Farm to chinwag about our backgrounds, our projects, and our experiences as RWA finalists.
We hope you enjoy!
Links:
AgriFutures Rural Women's Award: https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/
Sphiker:
https://www.facebook.com/sphikerhttps://www.sphiker.com.au/
http://www.instagram.com/sphiker.com.auhttp://www.tiktok.com/sphikerfood
https://au.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johnson-92400153
Clarendon Farm & Uncubate Pro:
https://www.thefarmclarendon.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmClarendon/https://www.incubatepro.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/thefarmclarendon/
Artlab Solutions:
https://www.artlabsolutions.com/https://au.linkedin.com/in/marie-ellul-01912b78
Voice it
https://voiceit.me/
https://au.linkedin.com/in/annabelle-ottens-51573b1a7
https://www.instagram.com/voiceitsa/
https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa/
It's an end of an era for this man.Peter Shearer.After 22 years at St Joseph's School in Clare, Peter has decided to step down from the top job at the end of 2024.Peter has touched the lives of many people across the regional South Australia working in Catholic schools in Jamestown, Yorketown, Loxton and finally Clare. Originally from Cherryville in the Adelaide Hills, Peter didn’t care much for the classroom, preferring to be outside playing sport or working on his next-door neighbor’s...
In this episode you’re going to meet Kate Mensforth. We all call her Miss Kate, she’s the woman that's built a soaring business providing children across the Clare Valley and mid north of South Australia access to the world of dance.
Kate is the brains behind the Clare Valley School of Dance offering all modes of dance ballet, jazz, ACRO, contemporary, hip hop and even ninja kids, appealing to dancers on a recreational level but also giving them the chance to compete on the statewide stage.
Starting with 50 students in 2018 to now over 300 students, 2 campuses and 4 teachers, the business continues to grow.
This episode takes you back to Kate’s early beginnings in dance with the Johnny Young Talent Team in Western Australia, which ignited her passion for dance and performance. She then moved to Adelaide and discovered classical ballet which took her dance career to a whole other level. You’ll hear her journey from her days at Xcel Dance Studios, Footsteps Dance Company, ballroom dancing at Dance Corp, teaching at Geelong College , meeting the love of her life, Luke, at the Havelock, and then her entry into the primary teaching world which drew her and Luke up to Clare Valley in SA’s Mid north.
But this creative journey in dance has come with some serious challenges for Kate. A couple of years into establishing Clare Valley School of Dance, Kate was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor, followed with a diagnosis of an extremely rare auto-immune condition in her pituitary which has continued to plague her health for the past 5 years. But these experiences would have stopped most people in their tracks - but not Kate. Even during her lowest times, not once did she consider closing the doors on her beloved dance school, in fact her determination has not wavered as she continues to live out her childhood dream and create dreams for hundreds of young dancers in the Valley.
The words Amazing, Inspiring and Passionate are over-used in this day and age, but these words I would truly describe Kate Mensforth.
Enjoy!!
Clare Valley School of Dance - https://www.clarevalleydance.au/
Xcel Dance Studios - https://www.xceldancestudios.com.au/
Footsteps Dance Company - https://footstepsdancecompany.com.au/
Voice it - https://voiceit.me/
My name is Annabelle Homer, I am a former ABC broadcast journalist and presenter. I now run my own business specialising in podcasting for organisations, voice coaching and public speaking training for individuals, groups and corporates. I also MC professional events and record and produce audio memoirs for families. Reach out if any of those services interest you.
This episode is about a man who had a entrepreneurial seizure.
What was a one-man-show in agribusiness consulting, now is the Chairperson of a multi-national company called Pinion Advisory. A leading-edge national agribusiness, water and environment consulting firm with tentacles reaching across Australia and into America.
It all started in South Australia's Clare Valley.
Before Pinion, Dave Heinjus founded Rural Directions in 1997, one of the first agribusiness consultancies in the state. It started with just him and he manages over 100 people on his team. After 23 years, he led the merger integrating Rural Directions with 3 other Australian agri-consulting companies to form Pinion; Macquarie Franklin, Sunraysia Environmental and Hydroplan.
In this podcast, you’ll hear his journey from his early days working as a contractor with the Department of Agriculture, branching into self-employment with Rural Directions, the late nights, the ongoing study, balancing all that with a young family to then chairing a multi-national company.
But let’s start with Dave’s early days growing up on the family farm on the western edge of the Barossa , a farm that he still manages.
Enjoy this journey – a journey he reflects back on and can’t believe he is where he is today.
Pinion Advisory: https://www.pinionadvisory.com/
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
About Voice it:
My name is Annabelle Homer. I grew up on a cattle station in Central Queensland and now live in the Clare Valley in South Australia with my young family. Before children, I was an experienced broadcast journalist with the ABC travelling across the country reporting on rural issues, (The Country Hour) presenting state-wide radio programs
( Late Afternoons) and reporting for ABC TV shows ( Landline and Behind The News).
I have also completed 12 years of AMEB Speech and Drama in Queensland.
I started Voice it in 2020 specialising in public speaking training which has morphed into podcasting for organisations, private audio memoirs for families, media and interview training for organisations and MC'ing events. Thank you for tapping into Voice it and I hope you stay with me as I bring you more episodes featuring the very talented business minds of the mid-north of SA.
Welcome back to the second instalment featuring George Millington.
In the last episode you heard about George’s rise in the business world – from his early stock broking days, to transforming a humble coffee business into a successful sought after coffee brand Monjava, which was swiftly bought by San Remo. To then moving into logistics, APD Parcel Delivery.
In this episode, you’re going to hear all about the rise and rise of his rural livestock empire. Since he was a young boy, George’s dream was always to run a farm.
"I had a feeling this was what I wanted to do, I wanted to bring my family up in the country, and Sophie did too, so we came up there and almost from the first month, just absolutely loved it."
George is the owner of Collinsville Stud Merinos – one of the country’s most well respected and prominent sheep studs in Australia.
To find out how that all came to be, enjoy the rest of George’s story.
This episode starts following his decision to leave the day to day running of his logistics company ( which he is still partly owns) to venture north into pastoral country.
Since this interview was recorded George has been elected as a board member of Australian Wool Innovation – an organisation that collects wool grower levies, markets the Woolmark label and receives co-funding from the Federal Government. George speaks about his vision for AWI and that more needs to be done to boost marketing of Australian wool overseas because not enough is being done.
Enjoy the second part of the journey with George Millington. This interview took place at the end of 2023.
Collinsville Stud Merinos: https://collinsville.com.au/
Australian Wool Innovation: https://www.wool.com/
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
Today you will hear the absolute success story of George Millington.
He is the man behind Collinsville Stud Merinos – one of the most prominent and well respected sheep-studs in Australia located in the mid north of South Australia.
George's success story begins begins with his venture into the coffee industry, where his excellent business sense and a stroke of luck made him a millionaire by his early 30s. After selling his coffee business, he transitioned into logistics, laying the groundwork to create a rural livestock empire across the mid north of the state.
This two-part series explores George's journey, mindset, and decision-making process, starting with his roots in Adelaide, his early stock broking days, and his Monjava coffee venture.
Enjoy the first part of the journey with George Millington. This interview took place at the end of 2023.
Collinsville Stud Merinos:
https://collinsville.com.au/
Monjava Coffee:
https://monjava.com.au/
APD Parcel Delivery:
https://apdparcel.com.au/
Voice it:
https://voiceit.me/
Meet the super vivacious Ali Cooper, the owner of the The Park in Jamestown.
In this case Ali hasn’t started from scratch, but probably feels like she has. She's transformed the local caravan park in Jamestown into a boutique accomodation space for travellers.
Ali is also involved in the family farming business with husband “ Seth cooper, has 3 children and is an extremely active community volunteer.
Ali’s vision was to provide a boutique accomodation space in Jamestown to encourage travellers to stay longer in the town, to support other businesses, to turn their regional town into a bustling pace – a tourist destination.... and she is achieving this,if the reviews are anything to go by.
"What a gem, excellent caravan park; fantastic little gem, clean comfortable and convenient, outstanding comfort and welcome, great weekend away"…
So if you’re into vintage caravans, beautifully renovated cabins, impeccably kept green spaces and and a welcome grin that can rival no other, you need to book into The Park.
The Park - https://www.theparkjamestown.com/
Voice it - https://voiceit.me/
Meet Kelly Morgan, the woman behind Kelly Kelly Legal, a successful law firm in Jamestown.
Kelly grew up on a farm near Yongala, the coldest place in South Australia.
She describes herself as an ‘accidental lawyer’, she initially wanted to be school teacher or an architect, but it was her father that ignited the idea of law.
When Kelly graduated she had this big idea to head to Sydney and work for the big law firms but her life took an unexpected turn when her father passed away suddenly.
She headed back to the farm to help her Mum and started to work for a local law firm in Jamestown. Ten years later in 2014, she started up her own practice.
She talks about what’s involved in running a law firm in the country, the rapid growth it underwent as soon as she opened the doors, her frustrations when people perceive country law firms as inferior to city ones and her passion to train and nurture law graduates to encourage them to undertake a country posting.
But her personal life has been a roller coaster ride as we also delve into how she navigated life after her father’s suicide, becoming pregnant with twins 4 months after starting her own practice and then losing one. To then getting pregnant with twins 5 years later – with Max being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
I love Kelly’s motto; Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.
I guess this has got her through the tough times but also has led her to build such a successful business.
Enjoy Kelly’s story.
Kelly Kelly Legal: https://www.kellykellylegal.com.au/
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
My name is Annabelle Homer. Voice it is a regional communications business specialising in public speaking/media training for individuals and groups, podcast hosting and production, audio life stories and event MC. Get in touch if any of those services interest you.
This is a delightful story about Sophie Whitehead which was played on the Clare Valley Podcast a few months ago and I loved it so much I wanted to share it with my Voice it listeners.
Sophie Whitehead's first job job out of college was cooking for royalty.
In this episode, you'll hear how she came to be cooking for the Queen Mother, and the experiences she had with not just her, but many members of the Royal family, eg. dancing with Prince Charles at Balmoral Castle. WOW!!
But the career development didn't end there, Sophie ended up here in Australia cooking for the rich and famous on super yachts and in Sydney north shore mansions.
She’s left the rich and famous behind and has moved to the Clare Valley with her husband David. While caravanning around Australia, they came across the Curly Goose in Sevenhill, bought it and transformed it into a gin space.
Enjoy Sophie's journey!
Sawmill Gin and Curly Goose: https://www.sawmillgin.com/
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
In this episode, you'll meet Brian McInerney, one of the founding fathers of one of the top insurance brokerages in Australia. He’s the 'M' in MGA insurance.
We will of course talk about MGA’s astronomical growth from humble beginnings back in 1975 to now over 65 thousand clients and a branch network across Australia and one in Cambodia.
But we’ll also find out more about the Brian’s background, his humble beginnings growing up in Melrose with his family, his love for footy and tennis, a high school stint at Sacred Heart College to then doing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner working for BHP at Iron Knob and Iron Baron.
So how does a fitter and turner, end up in insurance to then running one of the biggest insurance brokerages in Australia?
It’s an inspirational tale – you could also say it's a 'rags-to-riches' story.
He’s now 80 years old and formerly retired and misses it like crazy!!! But he's still got his toe in the water and sits on the Board.
Enjoy the journey with Brian McInerney.
Links:
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
MGA Insurance: https://www.mga.com/
Today you’ll get to meet the youngest Chief Flying Instructor in Australia.
George Seppelt.
Well one of the youngest, another bloke is about to cut his lunch apparently!
At the prime age of 15, before he could even drive independently, he had his restricted pilot’s licence.
By the time he was 22, he was a fully-fledged flying instructor in the mid north of South Australia.
George always had a goal of getting his commercial pilot’s licence and being a Flying Doctor, but he’s had a few speed bumps and obstacles along the way.
You’ll hear about a chance encounter with the current Australia aerobatic champion who ignited is flying passion; George’s health scare that literally grounded him for 8 months – the toughest 8 months of his life and how his flying mentor became paralysed after crashing his plane but amazingly learnt to walk again.
His big love these days is electric aeroplanes and being one of 12 people in Australia that knows how to fly on. This guy keeps on kicking goals and I’m excited to see what he does next.
Enjoy this inspirational journey with George.
Since this recording George has resigned from Spencer Gulf Flight Training in Port Pirie, and also instructing at the Clare Valley Aerodrome.
Good luck in what the future may hold for you George. I have a feeling, you’ll continue to make your mark in the world of aviation.
If you’d like to find out more about me, I’m a voice coach, podcaster, audio memoir producer and MC. I have a website https://voiceit.me.
I’ll catch you next time for another Voice it episode.
Today, you'll hear about the life of an Outback Film Caterer.
Steve Marcus is the man behind Marcus Film Catering. He’s been preparing meals from outback locations for 32 years. He’s traveled in is catering bus to remote locations such as Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, Kalgoorlie, you name it, he’s been there. He also catered on the 4 outback cattle drives.
He’s rubbed shoulders with big movies stars, Australian A listers and cooked private dinners for Hollywood directors. The stories Steve shares of his outback adventures and the people he's met along the way are pretty amazing. Who gets to go on a morning stroll with Mick Jagger? Steve does!
Steve is from Adelaide, he grew up in Unley Park, one of six kids. His outback adventures began after school when he tried his hand at jackarooing near Broken Hill, followed by a brief stint on Kangaroo Island which is where the hospitality seed was planted. He then opened his own restaurant in Broken Hill which is where the film catering career began. It's a journey, and an inspiring one.
Now retired in Clare, he's handed the tongs and bus over to his daughter Rachael.
Enjoy this unique career story!
Check out this clip of Steve in action on the bus!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBr9aXMCOgI
To find out more about me! This is my website:
https://voiceit.me/
In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing a former Olympian who calls the Clare Valley her home.
Anna McVann is the youngest of 6 kids who grew up in the Adelaide suburbs - but she wasn’t just any kid.
At the age of 15 she represented Australia at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
There she made 4 finals, an amazing result which put this teenage girl in the spotlight as a up and coming Australian swimmer to watch.
In this episode, you’ll hear about the gruelling training regimes, the diet, the international swimming comps, the Olympic experience, the Australian Institute of Sport, Crystal Palace and being a physio for the Olympic Diving Team. This woman has done so much, I’m bursting at the seams to share it with you!
I’ve never met anyone with such discipline and dogged determination, who else would rock up to swimming training in a wheelchair, with a leg in plaster and still want to train!! This is just one of the many stories you’ll hear in this episode.
After the dizzying heights of swimming stardom and international travel, Anna saw her life to be in Paris, London, and New York however on a trip back to Australia she was swept off her feet by Clare Valley farmer – Tom Hawker. She settled down, had 4 children and set up her own successful physiotherapy business.
Strap in, this is Anna’s story.
In this episode you will meet country copper and local Clare businessman, Mark Hill.
He has served as the local police officer in Clare for 25 years as well as running a driving school business for the past 17 years.
In this episode, you’ll hear Mark’s journey from being a young copper chasing stolen cars in the northern suburbs, going undercover in Adelaide brothels to then leaving the excitement behind to become a country cop.
Though he says, Clare is a region where there’s little crime, he was still faced with many challenges being an officer in a close-knit community.
After 25 years and at the age of 52, Mark’s ready for a change and about to embark on being a police prosecutor.
Enjoy the journey with Senior Constable First Class, Mark Hill.
What is a Police Prosecutor?
In Australia, all States and Territories (other than the Australian Capital Territory) employ Police Prosecutors to work in their summary courts. These police prosecutors are almost exclusively sworn police officers who are trained to act as advocates in summary criminal prosecutions. Some police prosecutors hold legal qualifications; however, this is not a requirement to perform the role.
Today you’ll meet Edward McArdle– everyone knows him as Eddie.
Eddie is the man behind the early beginnings of Agfert, one of the state’s successful fertiliser distribution and trucking companies.
Eddie talks of his humble beginnings at Avon, a small town in the lower north, his desire to quit school and start working for his father at 16 years old. This desire and determination led him to build up his father’s business at Avon where he sold and delivered bagged bulk fertiliser. He then moved to Balaklava and expanded to a 400 tonne capacity storage facility, importing fertiliser and expanding his transport fleet to travel interstate. The company now boasts a storage capacity of 40,000 tonnes with a blending plant and two out loading facilities.
Like most success businesses, it doesn’t come without some serious challenges. Along the way, Eddie faced serious financial trouble where a significant amount of money was lost, which forced him to sell much of the business’s assets to stay afloat and literally start again.
Also, he reflects on losing his youngest son, Matt, in truck roll over near Clare in 2016, at the age of 24.
Today, Eddie runs McArdle Pty Ltd focusing on transport and cement mixing and has handed over reins of Agfert to his daughter Meghan and her husband Grant.
Eddie has had 51 years in business, he has nine trucks and five cement trucks and at the age of 67, there’s no signs of retirement.
Despite the lawn mower, the whipper snipper and phone call interruptions, enjoy this episode with Eddie McArdle.
McArdle Pty Ltd - https://mcardlepl.com.au/
Agfert- https://www.agfert.com.au/
Voice it - https://voiceit.me/
Today you’ll meet Mim Ward.
Most people in the tourism/ hospitality space in regional South Australia would know Mim. She’s a larger-than-life character, who has done an exceptional job looking after all things tourism in the Clare Valley, however Mim's career began in the outback.
Mim’s early beginnings in hospitality and eventing began at the famous Prairie Hotel in the Flinders Ranges. She then started her own events business called Outback Events and was one of the major players behind The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive during the Year of the Outback. She managed hotels with her husband Bruce in Victoria as well as the iconic William Creek Hotel in the far north of SA.
After working for many years in Clare as the region's tourism manager, Mim's embarking on a new challenge and heading outback once more. She'll be joining her husband in Coober Pedy as Bruce is the new Outback Mail Man.
Before we embark on her next chapter in life, let’s hear more about Mim’s past and let’s just say, she’s lived a full life . Strap on your seat belt, you’re in for a ride.
Good luck Mim, and watch out Coober Pedy!
Listen up followers!
Episode 20 of the Voice it podcast is now available for your listening pleasure.
FEATURING GIEDRE BUDRIUS
Giedre is the creative director at Honeycomb Design, a web and graphic design business in the South Australia's Clare Valley. This local business is also celebrating 15 years in business this year. WELL DONE!!!
This woman has quite a story.
In this episode, not only will you hear about career, but also;
- Her early life in Lithuania
- What led her to travel and permanently settle on the other side of the world
- The struggles she faced living in Australia initially,
- Her move to Clare,
- Coming out as a gay woman.
This is quite a journey! She’s packed a lot in to her 38 years including 2 children, her proudest moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whirlwind chat with Giedre and I’m more than positive you will too.
This is the last episode of Season 2.
I hope to be back after winter with some more interesting interviews featuring great people doing great things in the Clare Valley and mid north of South Australia. Keep your recommendations coming.
LINKS
Honeycomb Design: https://honeycomb.design/
Lithuania: https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania
VOICE IT: https://voiceit.me/
Charmaine Photography: She took the 'very cool' professional photo of Giedre:
https://www.charmainephotography.com.au/
Mr Dave Willson has been described as the quintessential Aussie bloke, a true character, who absolutely loves a chat.
You may know him as the bloke who runs Clare Valley Tours, but he has lived quite a full life before transporting tourists around. He’s been a wool classer, excavation contractor, the resident grave digger, and a private wool buyer.
In this episode you'll learn all about a Mungindi shandy, his recreational flying escapades, and the time he accidentally dug the grave in the wrong spot!!
It’s also insightful especially when he reflects on his wool buying days and his relationships with farmers and his vision for Clare Valley tourism.
Enjoy the journey with Mr Dave Willson.
Get in contact with Dave and Clare Valley Tours:
https://www.clarevalleytours.com/
The Voice it Podcast is coming up to its one year anniversary in May - 19 episodes over 8000 downloads - thank you for your support.
ABOUT ME
My name is Annabelle Homer, I am a podcast host, and produce podcasts for other organisations and businesses, I also run public speaking skills training for adults and teenagers and record audio memoirs for families.
https://voiceit.me
Facebook: @voiceitsa
Instagram: @voiceitsa
I didn’t know ANYTHING about the Tech industry before I approached my next Voice it guest.
To be honest, I was a little bit intimidated because she is so accomplished in her field and such an influential player in the global tech industry, I didn’t want to come across as an absolute fool.
I don’t know about you, but when I think about tech, I think of lots of really smart people sitting behind computers typing really complex algorithms ferociously onto a black screen.
How wrong am I!!
So that is why I found Jo’s story so fascinating.
We don't go too much into the nitty gritty of it all, but I do love her stories about information security and the widespread nature of hacking. Also, she tells stories about her role in getting more women involved in tech worldwide and taking on leadership roles in the industry – more lipstick and heels in the boardroom!!!
But the biggest part of her story is her stint with the United Nations! ( I won’t say anymore, you’ll have to listen)
She is so articulate and tells such a good story….and she does all this from her home in Auburn!!
Enjoy the journey with Jo Stewart- Rattray.
Jo Stewart- Rattray - linkedin.com/in/jo-stewart-rattray-4991a12
If you'd like to get in touch with Annabelle - ME!!
Instagram: @voiceitsa
Facebook: @voiceitsa
Website: https://voiceit.me
Email: voiceitinfo@gmail.com
"It's better to try and fail, than to fail not trying".
In the first instalment you heard about Tim’s family's mission to escape the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, their trek through the jungles of Cambodia to the Thai Border and the horrors that they faced during that 2 year experience.
Then you followed their life in Australia and the challenges they faced surrounding poverty, racism, and bullying. Life took a different turn, however, when they received support from their local church who lobbied on their behalf to be given a better education and attend a better schools.
This chance saw Tim and all his siblings climb their way out of poverty and experience a better life.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Tim embarked on a career in Pharmacy and how he’s built his pharmaceutical empire across the mid north and what drives him to keep growing the business. Also, we get an insight into his personal life and meeting his partner Megs and then we head back to Cambodia where Tim, has for the past 12 years, been giving back to the country that was torn to bits all those years ago through his work with New Hope Cambodia.
Enjoy the second part of this journey with Tim Siv.
New Hope Cambodia: https://newhopecambodia.com/
Tim Siv's Terry White Chemmart, Clare Valley: https://www.facebook.com/clarechemmart/
ABOUT ANNABELLE
Hello! I’m a podcast producer and host. I have the privilege to listen and share people’s stories for a living. I also produce audio memoirs for families and run public speaking skills sessions for corporates, adults and future school leaders. Thank you so much for listening to the Voice it Podcast.
This podcast will be celebrating its first birthday in May, my aim is to get to 10 000 downloads by then. It would be wonderful to reach this milestone by racking up 4000 downloads over the next 2 months. Can you hep me do it? Is it possible? Challenge is set!
Voice it: https://voiceit.me
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa
Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/voiceitsa
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/annabelle-ottens-51573b1a7
WOW!!!!
The story you’re about to hear will give you goosebumps. It will blow your mind. It will make you appreciate the comforts in life. This is a story of hope, courage, hard work and sheer determination.
Tim Siv has all these qualities. You may know him as the local pharmacist in the Clare Valley, with his big happy face plastered on the shop front in the Main street.
But there’s more to Tim than meets the eye....way more!
Tim is a refugee kid.
He tells the story of his family fleeing the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia during the late 70’s, facing death numerous times, gun point, starvation, and slave labour. Tim was born in the middle of it and he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a bag of fish.
Tim takes you back to Cambodia, to the refugee camp in Thailand, and then to their new life in Australia, however his life took a turn in high school, a turn which led him on a path to success and out of poverty.
It’s an inspirational tale of someone who started with nothing, and now has something. A successful career, a good and comfortable life while still giving back,through his work with New Hope Cambodia.
This is a 2 part series, in this episode you’ll hear about his life in Cambodia and the sheer horrors of war, and his early life in Australia.
Enjoy this extraordinary first part of the journey with Tim Siv.
LINKS:
Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10684399
Tim Siv: https://www.facebook.com/clarechemmart/
ABOUT ANNABELLE
Hello! I'm a former ABC radio broadcast journalist now a podcast host and producer. I produce podcasts for government, different organisations and small groups. The Voice it podcast is my little baby that I do for fun. I feel it is a privilege to be in this position to hear people's stories and to share them with you all. Thank you for all the people that have volunteered their time to tell their stories and for all of you who have listened.
Also I produce audio memoirs for families and run public speaking skills sessions for corporates, adults, and teens/school leaders. Get in touch if you're interested in any of these services I provide.
voiceitinfo@gmail.com
https://www.voiceit.me
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to start your own clothing business, listen to this episode.
Bronwyn Campbell started Sassy Lass 5 years ago in Riverton, a small town in SA's mid north.
It was originally just an excuse to sell a few clothes and drink bubbles with her friends, never did she expect such growth and success in that time.
You'll hear about Bron’s life before Sassy Lass, being a mother to a daughter with Down Syndrome, how she ended up in Riverton and the challenges of running a retail store during COVID.
She’s a breath a fresh air who brings a lot to the town of Riverton and surrounding areas with her support for people in need and her contributions to charities.
Enjoy the journey with this Sassy Lass.
Sassy Lass: https://www.sassylass.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/sassylassboutiques/
Voice it : https://voiceit.me
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceitsa/
My name is Annabelle Homer, I'm formerly a ABC rural broadcaster now the owner of Voice it, a small business I started a year specialising in podcast production, audio family memoirs and public speaking training.
It's time to get an insight into the newspaper game!
In this episode you’ll meet Andrew Manuel, the owner of the Plains Producer.
Once a local rag, now a major regional newspaper.
Though he didn’t start this family newspaper business, he can take a lot of the credit for growing and transforming it. Since taking over the reigns in 2008 he now owns a large slab of the regional newspaper network in regional South Australia.
Apart from owning the Plains Producer in Balaklava, he’s now the managing director of Papers and Publications which includes the Eyre Peninsula Advocate, Two Wells and Districts Echo and part owner of The Border Watch...and he’s got no plans of slowing down.
This is such a good news story, as so many regional papers across the country have closed down or struggling to stay afloat.
Enjoy the journey with Andrew Manuel.
Plains Producer: https://www.plainsproducer.com.au/
Two Wells and Districts Echo: https://www.twowellsecho.com.au/
Eyre Peninsula Advocate: https://www.epadvocate.com.au/
The Border Watch: https://borderwatch.com.au/
Voice it: https://voiceit/me
Welcome Abby McKee to the Voice it Podcast.
By day Abby works in a bank, by night she's in her dungeon arranging beautiful flower arrangements for her next event.
Abby is the face behind Magnolia and Co. She started the business 3 years ago and very quickly became one of the most sort after florists and event stylist's in the Clare Valley.
Abby grew up on a horse stud near Scone in New South Wales and made her way to the Clare Valley after she met her husband, Angus at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.
Abby was unsure what she wanted to do in life but knew she had a creative side. Her knack for flower arranging was discovered by accident when she was flung into the role at her brother's wedding.
I love Abby's honest approach to taking risks in business, the importance she places on friendships and family and how those relationships gave her the confidence to plunge into the world of small business.
Abby wants to take Magnolia and Co beyond just flowers and delve into the world of landscape and home design.
Enjoy the journey with Abby McKee.
Magnolia and Co - https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaandCo19
Voice it- https://voiceit.me/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa
Instagram- https://instagram.com/voiceitsa
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annabelle-ottens-51573b1a7
You must finish high school if you want to run a successful business.
Whoever believes that, they're mistaken!
This week's guest is proof you don't need a high school or a tertiary certificate to run your own successful business!
In this episode you'll meet a bloke who dropped out of school, 3 weeks into Grade 12, and now runs his own little trucking empire.
Rohan Welke operates Welke Transport out of Blyth, in SA's mid north. At the age of 25, he bought his own truck, and 18 years later he owns 8 trucks, employing a handful of staff and carting livestock right across Australia.
This is such an inspirational tale about one young bloke making his own way in the world doing what he loves. Like any small business, he's had many successes and challenges along the way, which you'll hear all about.
Enjoy the journey with Rohan Welke.
Welke Transport: https://www.facebook.com/Welke-transport-714524385361106
Voice it: https://voiceit.me/
Insta: @voiceitsa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/annabelle-ottens-51573b1a7
Deb Scammell runs a business called Talking Livestock, specialising in animal nutrition. Her knowledge and expertise on the subject, is exceptional, to the point, she is considered as one of the state’s most highly regarded and sought after livestock nutrition consultants.
Deb grew up in Blyth, she went to University in Adelaide, and worked in numerous roles in agriculture across South Australia and Queensland, to now running her own consultancy in a sector that was pretty much non-existent 20 years ago.
Over the next 40 minutes you’ll hear about Deb’s life so far.
Her love for horses, she reminisces about Uni days, which go hand it hand with Thursday nights at the Maid and Magpie, and how she met her long haired beau, Joe. But Deb also reveals the heartache of losing her father too early to brain cancer and then not long after, a near death experience, where she terrifyingly rolled the car with her 3 month old in the back seat.
I laughed and cried through this interview – and I’m pretty sure you will too.
Enjoy the journey with Deb Scammell.
Talking Livestock: https://www.facebook.com/talkinglivestock/
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/deb-scammell-7839b06a
Voice it: https//voiceit.me
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceitsa
Instagram: @voiceitsa
Today you’ll meet a very quick witted, heavily tattooed Kiwi who dabbles in wine.
His name is Colin McBryde.
He and his wife Jen Gardner run a small wine company called Adelina Wines, located in close proximity to the very well established Wendouree Wines, in the beautiful Clare Valley.
There are numerous reasons why I wanted to meet Colin. Firstly I haven’t heard much about Adelina, and secondly,I love the sound of his other label “Some Young Punks”.
Are you intrigued?
I sat down with Colin in his winery one chilly Monday morning, and to be honest I caught him on the back foot because he forgot I was coming, but I was determined to stay and get his story.
He’s an entertaining bloke, very humble as you’ll hear, and obviously very good at what he does.
Enjoy Col's story!
Adelina Wines - https://adelina.com.au/
Check out this article : https://www.australianwine.com/en-AU/our-makers/colin-mcbryde
Some Young Punks - https://www.someyoungpunks.com.au/
My name is Annabelle Homer, nice to get your attention through this podcast!
To find out more about what I do, check out my website:
https://voiceit.me
I'm a voice coach, podcast host and producer and an audio memoir interviewer.
If your organisation or business would like to deliver information in a podcast format, get in touch.
If you would like to get a loved one to record their life story, get in touch.
If you would like to gain more vocal confidence and nail your next public speaking event, get in touch!
Catch you next time for another episode of Voice it.
"Agriculture is becoming Australia's darling again".
That's the view of this week's guest, Will Gywnn Jones, owner of Remarkable Meat Company, a meat wholesaling business based in the Clare Valley, South Australia.
With many sectors across Australia struggling to survive in a COVID environment, agriculture is one industry that's holding strong. Will has great hopes for the future of agriculture and the growth of corporate farming in this country.
Will would know, as he's been involved in the industry for 25 years.
From jackarooing on sheep stations in SW Queensland, working for the highly regarded Collinsville Sheep stud in SA's mid north, managing Managed Investment Schemes in western Victoria to introducing Dorper's to SA's mid north, Will has pretty much covered all the bases.
After working for other people all his career, he's now running his own show, selling buffalo, camel, beef and lamb to the retailers and wholesalers across Australia and at times dabbling in the the live trade.
Will's story is quite a journey!
Enjoy !
Remarkable Meat Company - https://www.remarkablemeat.com.au/
Collinsville Stud Merinos - https://www.collinsville.com.au
Dorper Sheep - https://www.dorper.com.au
Managed Investment Schemes - https://www.papers.ssrn.com
I'm your host, Annabelle Homer. I'm a former ABC radio journalist and presenter who's decided to run her own business, Voice it. In a nutshell I'm a voice coach who:
-Runs public speaking skills sessions,
- Conducts a drama hub for primary aged kids
- Hosts and produces podcasts
- Records life stories for people to pass onto future family generations.
Get in touch if you'd like to find out more.
https://voiceit.me/
Meet the lady behind Bukirk Glamping.
Alison 'Chook' Meaney wanted to create a new tourism experience to draw people to the Clare Valley.
She thought if people were glamping in England, they'll glamp in Clare surely?!!!
She was right! She's been run off her feet since she started the fancy tent project back in 2018.
Before running her own glamping project, Chook lived a nomadic life, first travelling the world, then living the FIFO life in remote Australia.
In this podcast, she reflects on her life growing up in Horsham, Victoria, where her dad trained race horses, to her days living on Barrow Island off the coast of Western Australia.
You will find out why she's called 'Chook' and why her business is called Bukirk!! Big hint...it's all related!!!!
Chook is hard working and a seriously entertaining lady! She tells some absolute cracker stories about some of her guests, the challenges associated with running a glamping operation, and the joy she feels when she reads all the glowing reviews.
Bukirk Glamping: https://bukirk.com.au/
I'm your host Annabelle Homer. I run a small voice coaching business in the Clare Valley. I run public speaking training sessions for adults and school leaders, a drama hub for primary aged children and I produce podcasts. My latest venture is 'Voice it Memoirs', recording and capturing your loved one's life stories for future family generations to enjoy.
https://voiceit.me
Today you’ll meet an Syrian drug dealing pilot who lives in South Australia's Clare Valley.
He’s of Syrian descent, he’s flies a plane and he sells drugs - but the legal kind.
Richard ( El-koo- ree) Elkhoury has been a pharmacist in the Clare Valley for 21 years. He's the managing director of Clare Pharmacy Group, Board of directors of Country and Outback Health, Chair of the Yorketown Medical Service and a sponsor of the Children’s charity, the Variety Bash.
When he’s not running his pharmacies in the mid north he’s in his Cessna 182 flying across the regional South Australia visiting patients.
In this episode Richard talks about the difficulties of running a pharmacy in the regions, as attracting and retaining staff is a major problem and not just in pharmacy but across the board in the health industry. He has devoted the last 21 years of his life to giving regional people the same health care as those in the cities, but it hasn’t been easy. He also tells tales about the children's charity, the Variety Bash where he gets to fly his plane and drive in his pink ice cream truck.
Richard's family emigrated from Syria in 1972, and he was born 4 years later. He never ventured far from the city apart from trips to Port Pirie to see his uncles because his parents worked seven days a week in delicatessens.
Was Richard going to follow his family’s footsteps? He had other ideas.
This is Richard’s story.
Country and Outback Health: https://cobh.com.au/
Go Rural campaign: https://www.healthstaffrecruitment.com.au/news/go-rural-campaign-aims-address-rural-doctor-shortages/
Top Gun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqVVswa420
My name is Annabelle Homer your podcast host and owner of a little business Voice it. I’m a voice coach, podcaster, a former ABC rural broadcast journalist who's passionate about giving people the skills to communicate well in public. If you want to 'up' your public speaking game either on stage at any event, a conference, a father of the bride speech at a wedding or simply being interviewed on a podcast - get in touch.
https://voiceit.me
My guest this week is a very talented woman who has been described as Australia’s Riesling Queen.
Kerri Thompson has been making wine in South Australia’s Clare Valley for more than 20 years, founding her winery, Wines by KT in 2006.
KT grew up by the beach at Glenelg, but spent a lot of time in the mid north at her grandmother’s farm at Black Springs near Robertstown. So this beach loving girl always had some affinity with the land, which could partly explain why she went down to the winemaking path.
Kerri’s story starts at Roseworthy Agricultural College as a young 17 year old girl about to embark on a career in a male dominated industry. It wasn’t easy being the youngest in her year or a female for that matter, but despite sailing through some rough seas, KT has come out the other end as one of the country’s top Riesling makers making wines that express spirit of place and enjoyment.
Enjoy!
If you’re passing through Auburn, drop by KT's gorgeous cellar door on the Main Street and get your palate prepped for some delicious wines by KT. You won’t be disappointed!
I hope you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and share with your friends and I please rate and review – it makes my day!
If you’re wondering what Voice it is all about, it’s my little business. I’m a voice coach offering public speaking sessions for adults, corporates and teenagers who want to up their speaking game. I emcee events and run a small Drama Hub for primary children. I’m originally an ABC broadcast journalist with 12 years experience. I loves capturing peoples stories which is why this podcast has to come to life.
To find out more about Voice it head to my website: https://voiceit.me.
Keep listening and thank you for your support.
Check out Wine by KT: https://winesbykt.com/
This is a story about a Scottish lass, who at the age of 22 came to Australia for an 18 month stint to have a crack at being a vet.
Little did she know she would meet Mr Right, have three children and two decades later, own and operate three veterinary clinics across the mid north of South Australia.
Dr Louise Lehmann is originally from a dairy farm in south-west Scotland. Her first pet was a horse called Mr Wellington,a much loved pony who ignited her passion to be a vet.
She was christened Helen, but don't call her that as she might cry! Now that's a funny story you'll hear in this episode.
Lou talks about the time she was discouraged to be a vet, the challenges facing the rural veterinary industry in Australia and her personal journey with breast cancer.
Lou’s energy and positivity is infectious and you won't want to stop listening to her delightful accent!
Enjoy!
To find out more about Clare Valley Veterinary Services: https://www.cvvs.com.au/
More information about the shortage of vets in rural Australia: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-08/regional-veterinary-closes-due-to-vet-shortage/13131676
Mammogram details: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/early-detection-of-breast-cancer
My name is Annabelle Homer and I am the face behind Voice it.
I am a Voice Coach who helps adults and teenagers build on their public speaking skills. As we are relying more on social media and texting to have a conversation, the art of communication can sometimes be a struggle for many people.
I also run a Drama Hub for primary aged children, do the odd MC role and float around the regional South Australia interviewing interesting people about their flourishing small businesses! I absolutely love it!
To find out more about VOICE IT: https://voiceit.me
Sam MacDonald.
Most people in the Clare Valley would know Sam as the owner of SJM, the largest construction company in the mid north of South Australia. He wanted to bail on this interview, not wanting to be in the spotlight, but I’m so glad he went ahead with it as his story is captivating.
A 9 –time award winning company, SJM employs 22 people, working on more than 200 new homes, renovations and commercial projects in the mid north.
Many people would also know Sam after the devastating loss he and his family faced a few years ago when his eldest son Kade passed away.
But this episode is all about Sam. About the struggles in the early days, about the time he walked away from the opportunity to be professional rugby player, and about his passion for sustainable building design.
How did he get to where he is today? We need to go back to the beginning.
Sam’s life began in Melbourne. For 12 years he grew up in Boronia in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges with his mum and 3 younger brothers. His dad left when he was only 8 years old which made him grow up very quickly. His mother worked night shift a lot , which meant he had to step up and cook dinner for the rest of the family and care for his younger disabled brother, Hamish who had cerebral palsy.
Hamish is an inspiration to Sam. You may or may not know, but Hamish is now considered one of Australia most respected Paralympians. He is a gold medallist, a shot put world record holder, worked for the UN, has an OAM and now works for the Australian Institute of Sport as a coach and is off to the Olympics in Tokyo later this year.
This interview begins at a time when life for Sam and the rest of his family was pretty tough, but then it all changed.
To find out more about SJM: http://www.sjmbuilders.com.au/
Check out Hamish MacDonald : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamish_MacDonald_(athlete)
I'm a former ABC radio broadcaster and journalist based in the Clare Valley in regional South Australia. I have recently started a small business called Voice it. I am a Voice Coach, teaching public speaking skills to to adults and children and I also run a Drama School, MC and this podcast is a complement to the business. I absolutely love interviewing and hearing people's stories and sharing them with the world. To find out more check out my website: https://voiceit.me.
Thank you for listening. Please share with your circles, and if you have a spare moment I would love a rating or a review.
I'd like to introduce you to the funniest person I have ever met. A big statement I know, but truly I laugh so hard my chest hurts every time I chat to this woman.
Marnie Roberts is a owner/winemaker at Matriarch and Rogue in the Clare Valley in South Australia. As well as her quick wit and dry sense of humour, she makes beautiful wine, carving quite a following in wine circles and beyond.
She is originally from Mildura, growing up on a block with her parents and older brother Tony where they grew citrus, dried fruit and wine grapes. She felt like a workhorse in her youth and didn't particularly enjoy 'block life', and little did she know she would be as ‘busy as a termite in a sawmill’ running her own successful wine enterprise 30 years later. She moved to South Australia and set up stumps in the Clare Valley back in 2008. Six years later, she established her own label , Matriarch and Rogue, inspired by her dear old Nanna.
Marnie describes herself as a floater, with no solid plan and not overly ambitious, but what she lacks in planning she makes up for in drive, determination and basically being a 'lucky bastard'.
I sat down with Marnie in her shed on a cold wintry day with the rain pounding on the roof, sharing a Subway salad and a bottle of her finest red.
Enjoy!
To order any of Marnie's delicious wines go to: https://matriarchandrogue.com.au/
Check out Sideways - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGP8PwCpxLk
I am a former ABC radio broadcaster and journalist based in the Clare Valley. I have recently started a small business called Voice it. I am essentially a Voice Coach, teaching public speaking skills to adults and children. I also run a drama school, MC and this podcast is newly launched as a complement to the business. I love interviewing and hearing people’s stories.
To find out more, check out my website:
https://voiceit.me/
Thank you for listening. Please share with your circles, and if you have a spare moment I would love a rating or a review.
My guest is a hard working, honest, compassionate individual. She has also been described as clever, funny, down to earth and blunt. She loves helping people and making a difference to people’s lives. She despises mouth noises - a bit quirky, and she loves a challenge. So if you said she could not do something, she would set out to prove you wrong.
Meet Lissy Wood.
Lissy is originally from a farm near Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula. She’s a true blue country girl, apparently she was pretty wild too! But I’ll let her tell you that story. Her grandfather was Arthur Whyte, a state Liberal politician who held his seat from the late 60’s to mid 80’s and her Auntie is Caroline Schaefer, who also was state liberal politician for 17 years.
No, Lissy had no intention of following in those footsteps, instead she wanted to make her own way in the world.
Lissy is a Financial Advisor in the Clare Valley in South Australia’s mid north. She started up her own business, Vestra Wealth, four years ago. Lissy now has two people working for her, Alice and Sheree, who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes. Lissy says she could not do what she does, without them. These three Muskateers now have clients across SA and interstate.
Also in the 2020 SA Woman Awards, she was the winner in the People’s Choice for the All Rounder Category. Lissy is also a mother of three girls, and a wife to Ryan.
Over the next half an hour you will get to know Lissy and what makes her tick and how she thrives in an industry that has its challenges.
Enjoy!
This podcast is all about showcasing talented people in the Clare Valley and across the mid north of South Australia. It is all about recognising those people that started with nothing, who have then built a name, a brand, a successful business through sheer grit and determination. These people are not heavy hitters, they are not making squillions of dollars but they are making a difference to themselves, their families and their communities.
Photographer Nadinne Wilkinson and Artist Alysha Sparks are two such people. Enjoy their stories.