Podcaster zeros-in on Riverland Women

Former print journalist and ABC Radio radio host Kerrie Lush (Robertson) has taken on the challenge as a "community service" to share local stories about local women.

Kerrie lives on grazing property Chowilla Station, north east of Renmark, and was inspired to put a spotlight on rural women through some of her own experiences.

"I presented the ABC Saturday morning program for about seven years, but it became too difficult to manage when our tourism business was inundated by River Murray floodwaters in 2022 and running around after children at school in Adelaide and Renmark," she said.

"I was then asked to do a podcast for Riverland Wine when I had finished up with the ABC and then I went back to my freelance communications business, which I'd been operating on and off for the past 16 years."

But Kerrie had carried a burning urge to get her own podcast up and running.

"It had been in the back of my mind for a long time and late last year, I said to myself, I was going to get serious about it," she said.

After putting her nose to the grindstone, the podcast Riverland Women was born and Kerrie plans to put about 10 episodes to air, before seeing if the idea can grow further.

"It will be women focussed and I guess I am maybe a bit of an advocate to help their businesses grow," she said.

"Small business is so tough and anything which can provide a bit of boost will be beneficial for the region."

But, the podcast deep dives into more than just business talk.

"Sometimes you just see the shop front or the social media posts but overtime you work out there is quite a lot of back story to many of these women," Kerrie said.

"I thought it could be beneficial to put the spotlight on them."

After only a few episodes, the podcast has already developed a strong following and Kerrie hopes it will continue to build the community of women in the Riverland.

"At the moment, I'm aiming to continue to roll out weekly episodes and I have a few up my sleeve for the future," she said.

"If it goes well, I might look at breaking it up into seasons and see if I can release an interview each week for the rest of the year."

The podcast profiles women in business and behind the business.

The first episode profiled macaron enthusiast Hayley Pokorzynski of Zynski Bakes in Renmark - a former art teacher who began baking as a side hustle.

"She was a great story to kick off with after she grew this amazing local business to a point of having her own shop and a food van," Kerrie said.

In that episode, the women discussed the struggle of small business, particularly in the Riverland region, as well as the long-term impacts from the pandemic, floods and the increasing cost of living,

Another inspiring woman, Sue Heward, from Singing Magpie Produce, moved from Melbourne, Vic, back to the family fig orchard at Monash, after signing-off from corporate life in the city.

She returned to the family farm to value-add and develop their product.

"She also talks about her cancer journey and how her business helped keep her focussed and positive while undergoing treatment," Kerrie said.

A woman who has worn many hats, including producing and performing caberet productions, being a radio host, teacher and wedding celebrant, who then went on to struggle with infertility has also been profiled.

It is safe to say, Kerrie and her subjects cover a lot of ground.

"It is not just about a business, it is about the whole person," she said.

"I always ask people about what brought them to the Riverland or why they stay - it's always interesting to hear what people love about this region."

Kerrie also provides a communications service through her business, The Podcast Station, and airs a podcast for Citrus SA - The Citrus Segment - the first citrus industry-specific podcast in Australia.

"I help businesses bring podcast ideas to life and offer other communications services. I can help bring a podcast to fruition or from start to finish, and host," she said.

The future for Riverland Women is bright and despite Kerrie not knowing where it could lead, her passion for the project is unwavering.

"It could lead to hosting events or gatherings, or even become a collective. I have a bit of a vision for it," she said.

Down the track, Kerrie hoped to get a van and head around the region recording stories.

"Podcasts are a really accessible way for people to get stories and hear different voices which may not fit into the mainstream media. Not everyone can offer longform interviews," she said.

"As country people we spend a lot of time in the car and driving can be the only time we get to listen, so listening to a podcast is a great way to pass the time."