The Farmer behind the Finance

Many people are quick to assume that my husband and I are from an agricultural background.  Although I grew up in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the closest I got to knowing what cattle farming was all about, was being the nominated sibling to take the drive with one of my parents to pick up the jerry can of fresh milk from the neighbours down the road.  “The Milk Lady” is the nickname I was bestowed during my primary school years.

Not much had changed in terms of my take on farming by the time I met my husband, Nathan.  My knowledge of the industry was still minimal, though one thing was for sure … we both had a desire to live on acreage. 

We were lucky that Nathan’s role in the Wholesale Nursery he was employed at, incorporated the role of Caretaker, which provided for a home on acreage.  At that time, it wasn’t ours, though it did inspire our dream of owning our own property.  When we stumbled across a lovely bush block in the area of Warwick, we were quick to purchase it, and became  custodians of our own gorgeous piece of Australia.

Not long after, we learnt the Nursery was winding down production to develop the land, we knew our days were numbered with the roof over our heads, and that we had to start planning to relocate.  We knew we wanted wide open space, and we had already commenced the project of building a weekender on our property in Warwick, so the decision was an easy one to make.  It was the process and lifestyle that followed that has been the challenge!!!

Having property is certainly no easy task, especially when faced with the harsh climate of Australia that is drought, and flooding rains. 

We take our responsibility as landholders seriously, though to look after the land, its flora and fauna through the management of feral pests and plant species is a full-time job in itself.  Although neither my husband nor I are from farming background, we did not hesitate when a friend of ours advised us to run cattle to mitigate the risk associated with our property being in bushfire zone, and to help manage our landscape.

As the saying goes

“get cattle they said, it will be fun they said” 

… and since then, we first experienced flood, followed by relentless years of drought, with no real in-between.

Although we have lived through some very tough times since, we are profoundly grateful for the experience as it has certainly taught us just how tough our farmers really do it to put food on our tables.  No words can ever explain what they endure and sacrifice for us, and it certainly is a lifestyle that we had not prepared for.

As the drought continued to dig its heels in, the need arose for me to be farm based.  In 2017, I decided to return to the Finance Industry and essentially to be Self Employed.  Given my experience in the Finance Industry and my passion to help others succeed in their goals, it was an easy decision to make.

During the years to follow, what I endured as a result of drought I’m told is nothing short of amazing, especially given we started out in the cattle industry with no experience.  

I sometimes look back and wonder how I would have accomplished the task of keeping our herd going during such horrible drought conditions, if not for the opportunity to become a Finance Broker again, and for that I will be forever grateful.

The support I received from my customers, the charities and community groups along the way is what got me through some of the toughest days I have endured in my life (along with the never-ending love and support of my husband Nathan of course).

Then came the toughest days of all when I hit rock bottom in 2020.

I woke up not feeling the best and with a temperature of 32.7 degrees I was a bit scared.  So, I went to the hay shed and got the cattle thermometer to double-check my temp.  Knowing where that thermometer had been, I took all precautions prior to using it of course (hahaha), but my temp was still 32.9!!  My body was shutting down it would seem.

My body had finally decided for me, that enough was enough, and I needed to be horizontal.  This was not the first time I had hit rock bottom, though this time it was different.

The first time was due to continuous bullying, and the feelings of Depression and Anxiety I had been experiencing were similar, however different.  I later discovered that these symptoms are also a side effect, or by-product if you may of having Burnout.  I have astonished medical professionals with just how long I held on for, and how long I managed to keep dragging myself around.  When I look back, I even surprise myself with what I had been able to accomplish.

Why is this important you may be asking?

Because it led me to make the decision to be true to me, to be myself and to go out on my own and become the Farmer that does Finance.

We all have our own stories, our paths that we have followed to make us who we are today, being stronger and better people.  What I have endured, along with all the various employment opportunities I have experienced along my path, have put me in good stead to provide for a much greater understanding of my customers, and enable me to facilitate a genuine and authentic approach in achieving a transparent customer service experience for my customers.

My story is one of pure grit and determination, an example of what the human body can accomplish and what we can achieve when we put our mind to it.

Sometimes we end up in a big dark hole and we are powerless to ask for help, it just seems an impossible task to reach out.  This is a feeling I am too familiar with, and if not for a mate picking up on the signs and checking in on me, I may not have had the courage to reach out and get help.

This is all too common, especially for those in our rural communities where services are limited, and the work is tireless.  Farmers are a tough and resilient bunch, and it is not in their nature to reach out for help.  Through the drought times, I witnessed not only how tough our farmers are and how much a farming community relies on their farmers doing well for the community to flourish, but more importantly the generosity of our Australian spirit which came to the aid of our farming communities to provide financial, emotional, and physical support.  To me the words of encouragement, acknowledgement of my efforts and confirmation that I was not alone in my fight were so very powerful.

Through sharing my story my aim is to spread awareness of just how important it is to reach in and check on your mates, and the message to spread kindness every day.  We never truly understand the journey others are on and their struggles.  Sometimes a simply gesture or some kind words of support to a total stranger may be all they need to fuel them with strength and courage to push on.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am Renelle, and I am the Farmer … that does Finance.

Remember to reach in, check in on your mates … and be kind.