Clermont locals Rhiannon Finger and Sherri Buchanan are no strangers to rolling up their sleeves for the community, but their most recent project has firmly cemented them as two of the region’s most inspiring community champions.
The duo was behind the sold out Motherland Clermont event, a powerful gathering designed to connect, celebrate and support rural women, especially mothers. The fundraiser not only raised valuable funds, but it also created space for conversation, laughter and solidarity.
“We were ecstatic to have the opportunity to bring Motherland to Clermont and to share in that experience with a room full of fellow mums and women,” they said.
The event was hosted in partnership with Motherland, a national organisation that supports rural mothers through storytelling, mental health advocacy and connection. For Rhiannon and Sherri, bringing it to Clermont was deeply personal.
The event was about more than just a good time. For the organisers, it was about recognising the unseen emotional load many rural women carry, and the importance of creating networks that uplift rather than isolate.
Behind the polished finish of the day was a month’s long effort driven by generosity, teamwork and what they call “a village”. From flower donations to raffle prizes, venue support to audio visual setup, every detail was covered by volunteers, family, friends and sponsors.
“The fact that behind so many of our sponsors are mum and dad local businesses was absolutely not lost on us. To know they see so much value in supporting rural women truly reflects their genuine integrity and commitment to seeing our community and the families within it continue to thrive.”
It wasn’t just sponsors who made the day possible. It was also the many hands in the background. Rhiannon and Sherri paid tribute to the people who managed their homes, their children and their day jobs while they poured everything into delivering the event.
Both women have called Clermont home for years and are raising their families in the region. Their deep roots in the community are part of what drives their commitment to giving back. Outside of this event, they are regular volunteers and often put their hands up for school events, raffles, sporting days and community fundraisers.
The event’s popularity, they believe, came down to one thing: authenticity.
“There’s something special about being in a room full of women who just get it. The connection, the kindness, the generosity, it was overwhelming in the best way.”
The support shown on the day was a reflection of the community’s generosity, with local businesses and individuals stepping up through donations, auction bids and quiet acts of kindness that brought the whole event to life.
With that kind of energy in the room, it is no surprise the emotional hangover lingered long after the last chairs were packed away. While they have promised no more events for a wee bit, maybe, it is clear their impact will stretch far beyond this one fundraiser.
Because when women like Rhiannon Finger and Sherri Buchanan step up, communities like Clermont shine even brighter.
