203: Leila McDougall’s journey from farming, to fashion, to filmmaker

When Leila McDougall finished school, she left the land and headed to the big smoke to study fashion design. But it wasn't long before the country came calling again, and she settled down in rural Victoria with her husband. Since then, Leila has had two children; she's navigated mental health challenges most of her life- her parents have also struggled. Leila had just had her first child, when her mum attempted to take her own life. Leila is a fierce mental health advocate for rural Australia, so much so that she's made a movie to shine a light on mental health on the land. "Just a Farmer" may be a fictional movie, but with Leila as the lead character, it brings with it some very real and powerful messages. This is her story.

Give the gift of craft this Christmas with R.M.Williams. Shop their festive gift guide full of thoughtful, handcrafted and Australian made gifts that promise a lifetime of adventures. Explore the full collection now at rmwilliams.com.au.

https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia