286: Why Rachel Kirby Chose to Live in a Caravan, Raise Three Kids, & Work the Shearing Circuit

Rachael Kirby’s version of motherhood looks nothing like it did a year ago. After growing up in rural central NSW and meeting her husband in the shearing sheds out west, she’s now raising three young kids (with a fourth on the way) while living full-time in a caravan on the shearing circuit. Her husband is a shearer, Rach is a shearer’s cook, and together they juggle work, marriage, parenting and life in the bush—side by side, every day. This isn’t just a story about life on the road, but about burnout, bravery, and choosing time over routine. Today, Rach shares why she blew up her life, what caravan motherhood really looks like, and how redefining stability has brought her closer to peace. The Empowered Motherhood Program is an online pregnancy, birth and postnatal recovery program designed by a women’s health physiotherapist. EMP offers expert guidance, safe workouts and real support from home. Motherland listeners get 20% off with code MOTHERLAND20 at empoweredmother.com.au For more than 100 years, Fairholme College Toowoomba has delivered an exceptional all-girls education from Kindy to Year 12. A day and boarding school, it’s a home away from home for rural and regional families, nurturing confidence, character and community. Visit fairholme.qld.edu.au.

You can listen to 286: Why Rachel Kirby Chose to Live in a Caravan, Raise Three Kids, & Work the Shearing Circuit online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

286: Why Rachel Kirby Chose to Live in a Caravan, Raise Three Kids, & Work the Shearing Circuit is an episode from Motherland Australia by Stephanie Trethewey.

This episode is 51:44 long.

This episode was published on Feb 1, 2026.

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