In this episode of Country Creatives, Reece and Caleb dive into the world of community festivals, focusing on the iconic Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival and a new initiative called the Ideas Forum. As president of Eaglehawk Festivals Inc., Reece shares the vision behind the forum—an open call for new ideas to help evolve the festival while honouring its deep local roots.

They explore the importance of community involvement, the realities of post-COVID adaptation, and the challenge of volunteer fatigue—all while offering a hopeful look at how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into beloved traditions.

Whether you're a creative, a community-builder, or just love a good festival, this episode is a celebration of reinvention, inclusion, and collective imagination.

Find out more on the festival HERE

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy unpack Caleb’s recent adventure: climbing a mountain in the Solomon Islands. What started as a physical challenge became a powerful act of service, as Caleb and longtime friend Mark Morley raised over $15,000 for a school in Fiji—an initiative close to Caleb’s heart and community.

The conversation explores the emotional and physical highs and lows of the journey, the logistics of grassroots fundraising, and the power of friendship in achieving something meaningful. Whether you're a creative, a community-minded adventurer, or someone looking for inspiration to give back, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on how personal goals can drive real-world change.

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece and Aimee sit down with Bendigo-based writer Rachel Nightingale to explore the winding path of her creative career and the release of her upcoming novel Raluana Lane. Rachel shares insights from her early love of storytelling, her shift between academic and creative writing, and the emotional and logistical challenges of authorship.

Diving into the process behind her latest historical drama—set during World War II and inspired by true events—Rachel discusses the tension between traditional and self-publishing, the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic on narrative themes, and what it takes to write with heart and historical depth.

Rachel’s new book Raluana Lane will be available from July 1st, with a special launch event happening June 29th at the Emporium Creative Hub.

Learn more about Rachel HERE

In this solo episode of Country Creatives, host Caleb Maxwell takes a deep dive into one of the most powerful tools in a creative's toolkit: personal branding.

Far from being about logos or catchy slogans, Caleb unpacks personal branding as the way others perceive, describe, and ultimately trust you. He shares why being known matters, and how building a brand can open doors to more opportunities, higher impact, and greater pricing power.

With thoughtful insights, real-world experiences, and actionable advice, Caleb offers a roadmap for creatives who want to build their personal brand authentically and intentionally.

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb and Reece sit down with returning guest Patrick Thompson to unpack his bold leap from agency life to full-time freelance business owner. After years at Blunt Agency, Patrick shares what it’s been like to step into self-employment—navigating the highs, the challenges, and the learning curves of managing both client work and business development.

The conversation dives into the nuances between freelancing and running a business, building a sustainable work rhythm, and how to align your professional life with your creative energy. Whether you're thinking about going out on your own or simply curious about what it takes, this episode is full of honest insights and practical advice.

In this mini Country Creatives snippet, hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy dive into the kinds of guests and conversations that light them up.

They reflect on the types of creatives they’re drawn to—philosophical thinkers, bold innovators, and people who’ve taken unconventional paths in their creative careers. The hosts also extend a warm invitation to listeners: Know someone inspiring? Want to nominate yourself? They're open to guest suggestions from anywhere, not just Bendigo.

This short and thoughtful episode is a call-out for meaningful conversations and new connections, with a few hints at exciting future plans—including revisiting favourite past guests and aiming high for new voices.

Find the form HERE

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece Hendy and Caleb Maxwell sit down with the Honourable Colin Brooks, Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Minister for Creative Industries.

The conversation explores how government portfolios are assigned, the fascinating relationship between the creative industries and advanced manufacturing, and Colin’s surprising love for contemporary dance. He reflects on the critical importance of equitable access to creative opportunities, especially for people in regional areas and underrepresented communities.

Colin also shares insights into current and upcoming government initiatives designed to support creatives across Victoria, offering listeners a rare peek behind the policy curtain. The episode wraps with a lighthearted yes-or-no round that gives us a playful glimpse into the Minister’s personality.

Whether you’re a practicing artist, creative entrepreneur, or policy nerd—this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and genuine moments.

In this special mini episode of Country Creatives, recorded live at a late 2024 media event, Aimee catches up with the brilliant Dr. Karen Annett, Director of La Trobe Art Institute in Bendigo.

Dr. Annett reflects on the challenges young creatives face when building community and accessing opportunities—especially in regional and smaller towns. She speaks to the importance of networking, mentorship, and accessible exhibition spaces, and the real-world barriers of things like grant writing and industry connection.

This insightful conversation dives into the many pathways into a creative career, whether through formal education or self-taught exploration, and why interdisciplinary collaboration is key to the future of creative work. Dr. Annett also highlights the role of institutions like the La Trobe Art Institute in providing both educational and experiential opportunities, helping young creatives pair their passion with practical skills for long-term success.

It’s a short but powerful conversation about creativity, opportunity, and the future of regional creative industries.

Learn about Latrobe Art Institute HERE