Regenerating ourselves before the land

Written by 2025 participant Ashleigh Andrews. 

We’ve just returned from the first of four on-farm workshops as part of the Lachlan Hughes Foundation Scholarship Program, and what an incredible few days it was.

The workshop took place at Dulacca Downs, and the theme was “Regenerating Me.” The idea behind it is something we’re really starting to resonate with: before you can truly regenerate the land, you need to regenerate yourself. It sounds simple, but it's something most of us rarely make time for.

Over three days, we dug deep into understanding who we are—not just as farmers or business owners, but as people. With the guidance of our facilitator Barb Bishop, we explored the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to better understand our personality types and how they influence our decision-making, communication, and daily operations. It was both confronting and empowering in the best possible way.

Barb also delivered sessions on communication, time management, and the importance of self-awareness—especially as we move into planning and delivering our On Farm Projects later this year. One quote from her really stuck with us: “Time is non-reusable. Time management is basically self-discipline.” We’ll be keeping that one front and centre!

There was also a really practical session on social media, content creation, and video storytelling. It was all about sharing our journey in a way that educates and inspires others, especially around regenerative farming principles—which is exactly what we want to do at Highland Hideaway Experiences.

A definite highlight was our farm tour with Philip and daughter-in-law Anna Hughes. Seeing how they integrate regenerative agriculture into their everyday operations was truly inspiring. Dulacca Downs is a beautiful example of what's possible when you work with nature, not against it. They walked us through the “Four Pillars of a Balanced Environment”— functioning soil, hydration, nutrient cycling, and plant biodiversity—and it gave us a lot to think about in terms of what we can do back home.
   
One of our biggest takeaways was understanding how our land fits into the wider catchment. We left with a clearer sense of how important healthy soil really is—and how energy, while invisible, is the driver of all life in a functioning landscape.

And we can’t write about our experience without mentioning the heart of it all: Adele Hughes, Philip’s wife. The warmth and generosity she brings to the program is truly something special. Not only did the Hughes family open their home to us, but Adele catered the entire workshop—with absolute grace, warmth, and delicious food that made us feel completely at home. Her hospitality is second to none. You don’t feel like a guest; you feel like family. There’s even a little sausage dog, Lucy, who reminded us so much of our own back home on the farm—it made the whole experience feel even more personal and grounding.

The Foundation also has a growing suitcase book library filled with donated books to support our learning journey, which we think is a brilliant touch.

  
It's all part of the bigger picture: growing ourselves so we can grow better land, better food, and better futures.

Next up, we’ll begin working on our On Farm Project, which we’ll present at the end of the program. One participant or couple will be awarded the Tree of Life Award—an honour we’d be incredibly proud to even be considered for.

We’re feeling grateful, inspired, and more committed than ever to our path. This program isn’t just professional development—it’s personal transformation. And we’re only just getting started.

We’re deeply thankful to the incredible donors and sponsors who make the Lachlan Hughes Foundation possible. The Program course is free to participate in and the Foundation is operated solely by donations with all Directors and Board members donating their time on a voluntary basis. Their generosity is what allows Lachlan’s legacy to thrive, and we encourage others to support this powerful initiative so that his impact can continue for many years to come.

Father/daughter duo Ashleigh Andrews and Trevor Rimmington are both participating in the 2025 Program. They operate Highland Hideaway Experiences at Lower Wonga near Gympie. Ashleigh also manages the Mary Valley Rattler.