Letters From Home – Details, episodes & analysis

In the second half of our conversation with Kimberley Wilson from Rutchillo Station near Julia Creek, we pick up where we left off - talking about her daughter Cadence, a bush kid turned medical student whose journey began in a tiny schoolroom on the family’s outback station.

After almost two decades as a home educator, Kimberley has seen education evolve across the airwaves and through the seasons. In this episode, she shares how that dedication - and her own teaching background - helped shape Cadence’s path from the station classroom to Fairholme College in Toowoomba, and now to studying medicine at James Cook University.

We also talk about the realities of remote life: farewelling children for boarding school, the challenges of distance, and the quiet strength it takes to keep children on track from hundreds of kilometres away. Kimberley opens up about her ongoing advocacy with the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association and her hopes for fair, accessible education for every rural and remote child.

It’s a heartfelt continuation of a story about family, endurance and the opportunities that grow from even the most isolated corners of Australia.

Read:

It’s The Ultimate Collaboration: Rural Boarders x Agricultural Advocacy

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. If, like Kimberley, you’re a family based in remote north-west Queensland then keep an eye on our Mount Isa Boarding Schools Expo page - we’ll be back up there in November next year and schools are registering to join us. 

In this two part episode of Letters from Home, we travel to Rutchillo Station near Julia Creek to meet Kimberley Wilson - a woman of the outback whose story will both humble and inspire you.

Kimberley has spent nearly two decades teaching her children through School of the Air, balancing lessons with station life and community commitments. In this heartfelt two-part conversation, she opens up about the joys and challenges of being both mum and teacher in one of the most remote parts of Queensland - and the heartbreak of losing her daughter Peyton just before she was due to begin boarding school.

We talk about the resilience that shaped her family, her deep involvement with ICPA Queensland, and her hopes for true educational equity for remote children. Kimberley also shares the remarkable story of her daughter Cadence, who studied at Fairholme College in Toowoomba and is now pursuing medicine at James Cook University, driven by a passion for rural health.

It’s a story about love, loss, education, and advocacy - and a reminder that the future of rural Australia often begins in a tiny schoolroom on a far-flung station.

For families who’d like to meet schools face-to-face, visit our Mount Isa Expo Directory and register to attend. Schools are still registering for this event at the end of 2026.  Our events are a place where connection and opportunity come together for regional and remote families.

Welcome back to Destination Boarding, where we dive into the big conversations that matter to families, students, and boarding school communities. Whether you're a parent—current or prospective—a boarder or ex-boarder, an expat looking to educate your child on home soil, or a boarding school staff member, there's something here for you.

Today, we’re sitting down once again with Dr. Lisa Fahey OAM. We’ve invited Dr. Lisa to be a regular contributor to the podcast, and after hearing her insights, you’ll understand why. Her advice for families is invaluable.

As a specialist in trauma recovery for young people, Dr. Lisa provides behavioural interventions to support families and children. Her entire career has been dedicated to working with teenagers, and as a mother of five former boarders, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the table.

In this episode, we’re tackling the growing concerns around screen time—whether it’s smartphones, computers, or tablets—and the impact it has on teenagers. Research now shows that more than two hours of daily screen time can noticeably affect a young child’s intellect.

Here’s a myth-buster: a toddler’s ability to navigate a touchscreen has no correlation to their academic ability.

This issue is more relevant than ever, as the Federal Government debates new restrictions on social media use for children under 16. But perhaps the most confronting aspect? It’s not just kids who struggle to disconnect—parents do too. Cutting the digital umbilical cord is proving to be a challenge, and finding a balance is crucial.

Join us for this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Lisa Fahey, where we unpack the realities of screen time and its influence on our families.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

Boarding Schools Expo: ⁠https://boardingexpo.com.au⁠

Quovus: ⁠https://www.quovus.com.au/about-us

Dr Lisa Fahey OAM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lisa-fahey-oam-97a65625/

In this episode, we chat with Nonie Ayling from Wenona, a girls' school in Sydney. Nonie was of our panellists for last year’s Australian Boarding Schools Summit, where we explore the question: Big or Small… Does Size Really Matter in a Boarding House?

Families often ask me whether the size of a boarding cohort makes a difference—what’s best for their child, and what are the benefits or challenges of each option? There’s sometimes concern about smaller boarding communities, so I wanted to open up the conversation and bust some myths.

What I loved about talking with Nonie is that Wenona doesn’t shy away from being a smaller boarding school—they embrace it. They celebrate their cultural diversity, welcoming international students, ex-pats, city-based boarders, and rural families alike.

At the end of the day, you know your child best. You know the environment where they’ll thrive—and Nonie speaks directly to that. After this conversation, I see small boarding communities in a whole new light… and in a really positive way.

Enjoy our chat!

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

Boarding Schools Expo: https://boardingexpo.com.au

Wenona: https://boardingexpo.com.au/schools/wenona/

In this episode of Destination Boarding, we sit down with Richard Stokes, Executive Director of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), to explore what it means to be an intentional and purposeful boarding parent.

Richard shares his expert insights on how parents can best support their children through the boarding experience, from preparing them for the transition to fostering independence while staying connected. We also discuss the evolving landscape of boarding in Australia and how parents can navigate the journey with confidence.

Tune in for practical advice, real-life stories, and expert tips to help you and your child thrive in the boarding school environment.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

ABSA: https://www.boarding.org.au

Boarding Schools Expo: ⁠https://boardingexpo.com.au

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Kennedy, a mother, farmer, and dedicated community member from Trangie in central western NSW. Kate is the proud mum of four—Belle, an early childhood educator; Annie, a paediatric nurse; Charlie, who now helps manage the family’s farming operations; and Ned, currently in his final year at boarding school.

After the devastating loss of her husband Al six years ago, Kate stepped into the role of sole operator of their 3000-hectare cropping farm, alongside a cattle trading business. With a strong background in agricultural operations and financial management, she embraced the challenge, growing the family business while ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

In this conversation, Kate shares her insights on navigating boarding school as a rural parent, the impact of scholarships, and how she balanced education choices with the realities of farming life—especially through tough times like the drought. She also reflects on the strength of her community in Trangie and the support that has helped her family through life’s challenges.

Kate’s story is one of resilience, determination, and deep love for her land, her children, and the broader agricultural industry.

Thank you Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

Boarding Schools Expo: https://boardingexpo.com.au

In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Heath, Head of Barker College, to discuss a key topic from this year’s Australian Boarding Schools Summit—Academics, Country Kids & the Art of Encouragement. We explore how parents and schools can best support boarders as they adjust to a new school environment, often facing a more challenging curriculum and the emotional toll of transition.

Barker College offers a unique approach to boarding, focusing solely on senior co-ed boarding from Year 10. While these students are a little older when they begin, they still encounter hurdles as they navigate this new chapter. It’s also interesting to note that Barker has no international boarding students, making its boarding community uniquely Australian.

At the end of our conversation, I asked Phillip whether a school’s success is defined purely by academics. While he acknowledged the importance of strong academic results, he was far more passionate about Barker’s focus on the three C’s. But what exactly are they? You’ll have to listen in to find out.

Barker College, set on 65 acres at the top of Sydney’s Upper North Shore, has had boarding as part of its story for almost 130 years. In this discussion, Phillip shares what drives him to ensure that senior boarding remains an integral part of the school—and how Barker truly values the contributions of country kids in boarding communities.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

Boarding Schools Expo: ⁠⁠https://boardingexpo.com.au⁠⁠

Barker College: ⁠⁠https://boardingexpo.com.au/schools/barker-college/⁠

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Lisa Fahey, a psychologist specialising in trauma recovery and behavioral interventions for young people. As a mother of five former boarders, Dr. Lisa brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the table—making her insights invaluable for families navigating the boarding journey.

This chat focuses on how parents can best support their children as they transition into secondary school, a shift that can feel overwhelming—especially for young boarders adjusting to a new environment, academic pressures, and increased independence. Dr. Lisa shares practical strategies to help parents instill confidence, set positive routines, and provide the right emotional backup.

This particular topic is featured on our Australian Boarding Schools Summit this year too, you can register for that via our website ⁠boardingexpo.com.au⁠, and watch on demand at a time that suits you.

We hope you take away some great insights from this conversation with Dr. Lisa.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.

Boarding Schools Expo: https://boardingexpo.com.au

Quovus: https://www.quovus.com.au/about-us

Each year we do a summer series for our incoming boarders called ‘Nailing Homesickness’ where I chat with current boarders from across Australia. We know that the schools, and friends will have sage advice for our kids before they head off - everyone really wanting to help alleviate the nerves of our new boarders. 

But truly, who best to speak to than the boarders themselves? Our mission is to help our new boarders for 2025 feel that little bit more confident about heading off. I ask the students the same 5 questions for each interview, and you’ll find that each of them have different insights to offer. There are such wise and heartfelt tips about how to cope with the feelings of homesickness along with advice on settling in at your new boarding school. 

Today I’m throwing the questions to Anna Clark and Will Ryrie from Tudor House, Moss Vale, NSW. Anna and Will are in Year 6 at the moment.

We would love you to share these student chats with any new boarders in your circle. If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow our listener base and help other families in their journey to boarding school. Follow our podcast Destination Boarding, and if you’ve got a spare minute then we’d love it if you left us a rating and even a review if your so inclined.

We hope you and your family enjoy our Summer Series and if you’ve got a new boarder in your household, we wish you all the very best of years ahead.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode. 

Tudor House:

https://boardingexpo.com.au/schools/the-kings-school-tudor-house/

Boarding Schools Expo:

https://boardingexpo.com.au

Each year we do a summer series for our incoming boarders called ‘Nailing Homesickness’ where I chat with current boarders from across Australia. We know that the schools, and friends will have sage advice for our kids before they head off - everyone really wanting to help alleviate the nerves of our new boarders. 

But truly, who best to speak to than the boarders themselves? Our mission is to help our new boarders for 2025 feel that little bit more confident about heading off. I ask the students the same 5 questions for each interview, and you’ll find that each of them have different insights to offer. There are such wise and heartfelt tips about how to cope with the feelings of homesickness along with advice on settling in at your new boarding school. 

Today I’m throwing the questions to Luke Bartolo from The Cathedral School, Townsville, QLD. Luke is in Year 12 and hails from Mount Isa, QLD. 

We would love you to share these student chats with any new boarders in your circle. If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow our listener base and help other families in their journey to boarding school. Follow our podcast Destination Boarding, and if you’ve got a spare minute then we’d love it if you left us a rating and even a review if your so inclined.

We hope you and your family enjoy our Summer Series and if you’ve got a new boarder in your household, we wish you all the very best of years ahead.

Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode. 

The Cathedral School, Townsville:

https://boardingexpo.com.au/schools/cathedral-school-st-anne-st-james-townsville/

Boarding Schools Expo:

https://boardingexpo.com.au