10 Things She Can’t Do Without: Zoe Jackson, The Rural Women’s Counsellor

Meet Zoe Jackson, a counsellor and mother-of-two who understands the unique challenges of life on the land. After years in private practice and crisis support, Zoe felt that women in the bush needed a tailored approach — a telehealth service run by someone who knows the highs and lows of remote living. And so she launched The Rural Women’s Counsellor, which she operates from the family’s broadacre farm near the Queensland/New South Wales border town of Mungindi. 

“Too often, I’ve seen women put themselves last — feeling like their struggles aren’t ‘big enough’ to warrant support,” she says. “That’s why I started The Rural Women’s Counsellor: to create a space where rural women are truly seen, supported and given the tools to thrive.”

Many of Zoe’s clients deal with anxiety — a condition that can be exacerbated by isolation, be it physical or emotional. Another big one is navigating uncertainty. “Whether it’s the unpredictability of farm life, changes in relationships or simply not knowing what the future holds,” she says. “These challenges can feel heavy, but having the right support can make all the difference.”

Given her line of work, there’s nothing Zoe loves more than unwinding with a fun, frothy book and a lighthearted podcast. Here, she shares 10 things that bring her joy. 

1. HER GO-TO GIFT: I love giving my girlfriends a beautiful platter that reminds me of them then baking a cake to go with it. It’s such a small way to say, “I see you. I appreciate you”. And let’s be honest, you can never have too many platters for those afternoon nibble-and-drink catch-ups.

Above, from left Pink and Orange Gingham Platter, $89, by Noss and Co. The Shady Baker’s Easy Honey and Vanilla Cake.  

2. THE DISH I’M FAMOUS FOR: Chicken gyros! It’s hands-down the most requested meal in our house. It’s so versatile — in a bowl with rice and cucumber, in a wrap or with veggies. The only complaint? There’s never enough left for lunches.

3. THE DISH I COOK WHEN I DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING: I asked my husband and he said, “Nothing. You usually say, ‘I’m off to bed. Sort it out yourselves!’” Keeping it real!

4. THE WORKOUT I ACTUALLY ENJOY DOING: I love this question. In a world full of ‘do this workout for these results’, we need to normalise exercising in ways that actually feel good. I created my own strength circuit based on what I enjoy and it’s made me more consistent than ever. Outside of that, I love cardio — especially the rowing machine and elliptical. I’m lucky to get to the gym once a week while the kids are at sports, and I make the most of it.

5. THE BOOK I CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT: For my clients: Let Them by Mel Robbins. I probably sound like a broken record recommending it, but it’s truly life-changing. For my friends and fellow book lovers: Emily Henry. I adore her books. Reading is such a powerful tool for mental health — it helps us switch off, stop overthinking and just enjoy. Give yourself that break!

Above Happy Place (2023) by Emily Henry, $33.

6. THE BEAUTY PRODUCT: I’m a diehard Charlotte Tilbury fan and her Unreal Skin foundation stick is an absolute must-have. It’s effortless, which is key when you’re juggling work, school runs and hundreds of kilometres of travel. Feeling confident with minimal effort? Yes, please!

Above Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, $63 each, by Charlotte Tilbury.

7. THE HAT/BAG/BOOTS I SWEAR BY: Ok, hear me out. I have to be able to tuck my ears into a cap. It’s non-negotiable. So I’m always in some chemical- or machinery-branded trucker cap. Can we please get some stylish deep-fitting caps so I don’t have to keep stealing my husband’s?!

8. AFTER A BIG DAY, I UNWIND BY… Right now, it’s stand-up paddleboarding at the dam with my family. It’s so relaxing, everyone has fun and even the labs love hitching a ride on the boards. Getting outside — even when you’re exhausted — is so energising. If you have a creek or dam nearby, I highly recommend a blow-up paddleboard. I also keep a book in the car. Those spare 10 minutes waiting on the kids? Perfect time to switch off and escape into another world.

Above Kalbarri Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, $199, by Tahwalhi.

9. THE PODCAST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: I’m cheating and sharing two. The first one is We Mean Well, which is my go-to for a good laugh and brain break. It’s lighthearted and hilarious. Next is The Ultimate Sacrifice. This one blew me away. It gave me new respect for the police — it’s absolutely chilling and so well done.

Above We Mean Well podcast hosts Luisa Dal Din and Jack Archdale.

10. THE ADVICE I LIVE BY: Just be kind. As a mum of a neurodivergent child, I’ve seen how powerful kindness is. It changes self-perception, builds confidence and fosters inclusion. It costs nothing but it makes the world of difference.

The Rural Women’s Counsellor provides confidential telehealth sessions to women in rural and remote Australia. For information about the services offered and insurance rebates, take a look at Zoe’s website. 

Love this article? Consider subscribing to Graziher or gifting a subscription to someone special in your life.