This winter we were lucky enough to include photographer Elena Chalker
and her beautiful family in our campaign.
We loved working with her so much that we asked her to share some of her family
portraits with us, while we chatted about her thoughts on rural motherhood.
Did you grow up on a farm?
I grew up in Walgett in Northwest of NSW, focusing on sheep & cropping.
Its where my family still reside and the place, I’ll always call home.
What is a childhood memory of you and your mother?
My memories with my Mum are something I see now in more depth, as mother myself.
As children our Mum was someone who provided a picture of a strong and capable Mother
— the person who can pick up where dad had left off with a mob of sheep, manage school
lunches, paperwork, and juggle 3 kids whilst running a shearing contracting business on top.
Did you grow up on a farm?
I grew up in Y Walgett in Northwest of NSW,
focusing on sheep & cropping. Its where my family
still reside and the place, I’ll always call home.
What is a childhood memory of you
and your mother?
My memories with my Mum are something
I see now in more depth, as mother myself. As
children our Mum was someone who provided
a picture of a strong and capable Mother — the
person who can pick up where dad had left off
with a mob of sheep, manage school lunches,
paperwork, and juggle 3 kids whilst running a
shearing contracting business on top.
Describe to us where you live, what your family does on your farm and what you love best about it?
I live Cowra NSW, with my husband Brad and our three children Harper, Harry & Joe.
We run a sheep, cropping and irrigation enterprise along with our Lach River Merino
Sheep Stud. What I genuinely love best about being out here is the way of life, there
is a stark contrast between here and the city, although its lovely to visit its always nice
to come back to the open space and quiet.
What is it like raising kids on a farm?
Raising children has challenges no matter where you live. But I don’t take for granted the
experiences they get to keep and life lessons that are gifted from living on the land.
It’s also so very special to have the opportunity to re live some of my childhood — with them.
What does a day look like to you?
In all honesty it varies — this comes down to the type of year we are
having, the time of year, children, and good old Mother Nature. Whether
it be sewing, harvest or shearing there is always a variation of things
happening and happy little Vegemite’s in tow.
What does a day look like to you?
In all honesty it varies — this comes down to
the type of year we are having, the time of year,
children, and good old Mother Nature. Whether
it be sewing, harvest or shearing there is
always a variation of things happening
nd happy little Vegemite’s in tow.
What are your hobbies?
Whilst we're busy a lot of the time, I’ve really enjoyed pulling out my camera
or bringing with me for whatever we may be doing and documenting our days.
It’s really nice to be able to do something for yourself that you enjoy,
and I’ve really found that in photography.
What is your contribution to Beauty in the Bush?
I’m one of 10 members who collaborated during Covid to bring to life the Beauty
that can be found in the bush and showcasing parts of our lives and rural Australia.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
Mother’s Day is a moment where I’m able to reflect on how grateful
I am for three beautiful — sometimes well-behaved children —
and all the variations of what motherhood may look like.
Describe to us what your ideal Mother’s Day looks like?
A moment of stillness, sitting on the bank of the river with the kids and their fishing lines.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
Mother’s Day is a moment where I’m able to reflect
on how grateful I am for three beautiful —
sometimes well-behaved children — and all the
variations of what motherhood may look like.
Describe to us what your ideal Mother’s Day
looks like?
A moment of stillness, sitting on the bank of the river with the kids and their fishing lines.
