#84 | Childcare Challenges in Regional Australia with Sarah Secker

In episode 84 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Gillian is solo today with her guest, Sarah Secker, a farm and business owner in Keith, South Australia, who previously worked as a marketing and advertising executive in Sydney and London. Secker describes how the country work ethic helped her gain opportunities, then explains her current advocacy focus: regional childcare access as a critical “livability” and economic development lever for rural communities with seasonal work patterns and smaller populations.

She argues government policy is city-centric, market-driven childcare fails in low-density areas, and government must play a larger provider and regulatory role, including more flexible subsidies and support for in-home care. They discuss practical reforms such as adding au pairs to the 88-day ag visa and addressing HECS indexing when parents can’t work due to childcare shortages. Sitker calls for regional voices at decision-making tables, sharing media links, and contacting local members, noting impacts on essential workers, volunteers, and regional political shifts.

Links & Resources

Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/

Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/

Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk

💕 Support Our Partners

THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS!

Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout!

Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/