One of Australia’s most trusted agricultural brands, Elders, has announced a partnership with national charity Motherland, becoming its first Workplace Partner. This marks a significant commitment to strengthening the wellbeing of rural mothers and families within its workforce.
Elders team with Motherland Founder Stephanie Trethewey at the 2026 Motherland National Conference.
Through this partnership, Elders will provide dedicated annual access to the Motherland Village program for rural mums connected to its workforce. This includes both employees and partners of employees - embedding structured family support into its broader employee wellbeing framework.
Motherland Village is Australia’s first online rural mothers’ group program. Delivered over six weeks, the facilitated program brings small groups of rural mums together from across the country to build meaningful peer connection and reduce isolation - one of the most significant challenges facing rural women.
Each intake combines guided group discussion with expert-led education on key topics including mental health, matrescence, identity, relationships, parenting across different ages, and the unique pressures of rural life. Designed for rural mothers with children aged 0 to 18 years, the program ensures women can access evidence-informed support regardless of location.
The partnership was officially announced at Motherland's 2026 National Conference Gala Dinner in Toowoomba on Friday evening in front of 550 guests, including government representatives, rural industry leaders, families, and businesses.
Motherland Founder, CEO and 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, Stephanie Trethewey said the partnership represents a new benchmark for how agribusiness can support rural families.
“We are so excited to see Elders investing directly in the wellbeing of rural mothers and families,” she said.
“This partnership isn’t symbolic. It’s structural. Elders is setting the standard for what it looks like to support rural families in a real, measurable way, and we are so grateful for their leadership.”
Motherland was founded in 2019 to reduce the isolation many rural mums face by connecting them to a community and critical support, no matter where they live. Since launching its Motherland Village program in 2021, participants have reported overwhelmingly positive outcomes, including significant improvements in mental health and reduced isolation.
By formally integrating Motherland Village into its employee wellbeing framework, Elders is recognising that when rural families are supported, businesses are stronger. Family wellbeing directly impacts retention, engagement and workforce participation, particularly for women in agriculture.
Elders knows first-hand the foundational role that mothers play in rural communities and so we are delighted to partner with Motherland to bring this virtual village to life,” Elders Managing Director and CEO Mark Allison said.
“We hope that through this partnership, women who would otherwise be isolated from support and connection during such a pivotal period of their life, will have access to resources and connection that will help them to thrive as mothers, individuals, farmers, and valued members of their communities.
“For us, this investment is a step in growing how we best support our employees and their families, to create a stronger workforce and industry Australia-wide.”
This partnership signals a meaningful shift in how rural employers can move beyond traditional workplace benefits to invest in prevention, connection and long-term family wellbeing - ensuring that no rural mum is left behind.
The partnership will officially commence in July 2026.