Chances are, when you were growing up, the idea of becoming a professional female footballer or even a female footy umpire for men’s games… was simply impossible.

But NOW, it is. And that’s awesome. However it’s throwing up a few issues; such as how can women achieve pay parity with the men? How can we ensure women are safe playing the game (acknowledging that women’s bodies are different to men’s bodies)?

In this episode we meet two passionate pioneers of women’s footy. Yes, we cover both AFL and NRL (whatever ‘footy’ means to you!):

• Tara McGrath-West - NRLW player - a ‘workhorse’ middle forward for the St George Illawarra Dragons. Originally from Harden, NSW
• Bec Malseed - one of the only female umpires for AFL Victoria men's games (she umpires for women too!), based in Hamilton, VIC.

These women don’t shy away from the hard questions around getting their professions the recognition and remuneration they deserve.

EPISODE SPONSOR: Squadron Energy - Australian owned renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns energy assets for local communities. Squadron Energy is also the Major Partner of the Dragons’ NRL and NRLW teams.

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If you’ve spent a decade or more building a professional career - the idea of starting a business might seem out of reach. But you have plenty of skills already, in fact you are probably REALLY good at a couple of things… that people will actually pay you for.

In this episode, hear from two rural women who talk about how you can use your established skills, networks and passion to start a business. All you need to do is plug the gaps in your knowledge. (And work pretty bloody hard).

*Rebecca Saunders - serial entrepreneur, business coach and founder of the Champagne Lounge, Mudgee NSW

*Paige Cross - founder and owner of Cross Country Management, former agribusiness manager for NAB, Greater Adelaide region, SA.

We discuss whether you need to identify a problem first to have a business, how to tap into your established network and how to find mentors. Also, how do you know when to spend money to make money?

EPISODE SPONSOR: The Hamilton Hamper - we are delighted to have such a wonderful brand sponsoring us for this episode!

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If you can’t get your partner to book a holiday with you… would you just go without them? That’s just one of the tips and tricks we discuss in this episode on how to convince your partner to go on a holiday… because we all know what farmers can be like.

We also look at the research behind the benefits of taking a break and the psychological barriers around taking time away from the farm that our partner (or even ourselves) might have. And we get some practical advice about how to discuss this issue with your partner, how to get the farm and household ready to leave and clever ways to save for a trip.

This episode, from 2023, is one of our most popular so we are replaying it for you over the holidays!

It features:

Chantal Corish – Psychologist and PhD Candidate, based in Goondiwindi, QLD

Carmen Quade – Director of AgriFocused, a business skills consultancy, based in Tallimba, NSW

By the end of this episode, we want you to find the answer to break through whatever holiday barrier you have... to get that get away booked!

** This episode is sponsored by Alison Hamilton, farm office coach and creator of the Functioning Farm Office.

This episode was originally released in April 2023.

If you would like to sponsor an episode, email us: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

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