We are very excited to announce our second patron of Active Farmers! Alongside Gerard Hines, our first patron, we now welcome Emma Rossi! Emma is one of our board members and has been working hard behind the scenes from the very beginning of our Not for Profit journey!

Emma spent nearly two decades reporting for news and current affairs on national television, a job that took her overseas as a foreign correspondent, across Australia as a reporter, and into the lounge rooms across the world as a news presenter.

Growing up Emma's family had a farm in the Pilliga Scrub where she learnt to ride, muster, skirt a fleece and preg-test a cow.

Emma has been an Australia Day Ambassador for the NSW Premier and Cabinet since 2013, and was instrumental in the establishment of Mary’s House, a refuge in Sydney’s lower north shore for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Today Emma is the Director Of Strategic Communications at ACCC.

So that you can get to know Emma further, we caught up with her to ask a few questions!

Why did you decide to join the Active Farmers board?

I feel passionately about regional and rural Australia. There is a lot of research that those in remote and regional areas have reduced access to healthcare and higher rates of ill health.

It’s such a joy to be involved in Active Farmers because it has the blessed triumvirate: exercise, community and stretching our brain.

What do I love about regional Australia?

I could ride a horse before I could ride a bike. My family had a farm in the Pilliga and that’s where I learnt to ride muster, preg test a cow and conserve water.

I attended pony club and have encouraged my kids to do the same including week long live in camp.

I love the smell of the bush, the sounds of bird warnings, cattle bellows and frogs in freshwater creeks.

Most of all I love the people: their gentle ribbing, innovative thinking and generosity of spirit.

Why is it so important that Regional Australian’s have access to services that are abundant in the city?

I live in Sydney and there seems to be a gym in every second block in the city. In the country? Very little. That’s where Active Farmers group fitness classes are so terrific because they get us moving, while bringing people together in wonderful physical networks. The mental health improvements are a brilliant bi product!

Why did you decide to become a patron?

I think what Active Farmers is achieving is so important. I decided on more than a one off donation. I hope to enable Ginny and team to have confidence to grow and prosper.

To those thinking of becoming a patron:

Just do it. We know that regional Australians are hurting at the moment. Active Farmers is doing practical daily things to alleviate the regional need, while building community and improving mental health.

How amazing is Emma!

We are so fortunate to now have not one, but two amazing patrons in Emma & Gerard! We are so grateful for your support, guidance and passion for the people who live the Australian bush!