November 27, 2023 • 36 mins
Stepping out of the mainstream education system and into the business world is equal parts daunting and exhilarating.
In today's episode, we are talking with one of our founding Your Wild Business students Leanne Webster who has created a community and connection in Bundaberg QLD with her wonderful business Wild Gully.
In this episode Leanne shares:
🌱Her personal journey from the four walls of a classroom into the limitless expanse of the wilderness
🌱The realities of running an early learning business
🌱The power of personal connection when growing a customer base
🌱 The importance of community collaboration when it comes to Nature Play
🌱 How our signature Your Wild Business Course influenced her journey
If you want a behind-the-scenes view into what it's like to start a Nature Play business or simply love a good story, this episode will leave you inspired and full of inspiration.
Full Show Notes Can Be Found Here
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/stepping-out-of-the-classroom-with-leanne-webster-from-wild-gully
Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"
www.r Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So dive in and s If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses. Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e Other ways we can help you:
1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Vicci Olvier (00:00):
Stepping out of the system and into your own
nature.
Play business can be equalparts daunting also exhilarating
, and so in today's episode I'mtalking to one of our founding
while business students, who hascreated community and
connection by starting her ownbusiness called Wild Gully in
Bundaberg, queensland.
I'd like to acknowledge thetraditional custodians of the
(00:23):
land on which we're recordingtoday the Kabi Kabi and Gabi
Gabi people.
I would like to recognise thecontinued connection to the land
and waters of this beautifulplace we call home.
I also recognise Aboriginalpeople as the original
custodians of this land andacknowledge that they have never
seen its sovereignty.
I'd like to pay my respects toall Gabi Gabi elders, ancestors
and emerging elders and anyFirst Nations people listening
(00:45):
today.
Hello everyone and welcome tothe Raising Wildlings podcast.
You have me today, vicky Oliver, and I'm so excited to be
connecting you with our guest,alianne Webster.
Now.
Alianne was one of ourfoundation members when we
opened up our very first roundof the Wild Business course and
we have watched her start out asa curious volunteer to building
(01:12):
this amazing program andcommunity in Bundaberg and we
really wanted to ask her somequestions about that journey for
her.
So we are very, very excited tointroduce you to our guest
today.
Alianne, welcome to RaisingWildlings, a podcast about
parenting, alternative educationand stepping into the
(01:32):
wilderness, however that looks,with your family.
Nicki Farrell (01:36):
Each week, we'll be interviewing experts that
truly inspire us to answer yourparenting and education
questions.
We'll also be sharing storiesfrom some incredible families
that took the leap and aretaking the road less travelled.
Vicci Olvier (01:49):
Wear your hosts, vicky and Nikki from Wildlings
Forest School, pop in yourheadphones, settle in and join
us on this next adventure.
Alianne, thank you so much forjoining us on the podcast today.
Leanne Webster (02:02):
Thank you so much, vicky.
This is fabulous, very excited.
Vicci Olvier (02:05):
So excited.
So here on the Sunshine Coastwe're on Gabi Gabi Land.
Where are you up in Bundaberg?
Leanne Webster (02:11):
So in Bundaberg and Surround.
We are on Gowang Gowang,terribiland, bunda Gowang and by
the people's country.
Vicci Olvier (02:20):
So we've got a few different language groups all
in that area, which is amazing.
A lot of different groups todraw from and to be inspired by
in that space.
Because Bundaberg is beautifulLike I had no idea up until
recently, when some friendsmoved there, what a beautiful
(02:40):
area it is so blessed.
Leanne Webster (02:43):
We've got beaches and bush and rainforest
and country and hills and creeks.
We are very blessed.
Vicci Olvier (02:52):
Where about most of your?
What kinds of environments areyou running your programs at
Wild Gully?
Leanne Webster (02:59):
Sure, I work with the Bundaberg Regional
Council and so most of myprograms are on parks around the
district.
I've got the venue riskassessments with the council, so
I've got about eight of thosethat I use.
Some are local, like Central toBundaberg, like the Queens Park
and the Botanical Gardens andBaldwin Swamp, and then some are
(03:23):
on the beach and then more bushorientated.
So, yeah, a bit of a variety,which is really lovely.
Vicci Olvier (03:28):
It is really lovely because I think that you
can really broaden the scope ofyour programs.
So let's start there.
What kind of programs do yourun?
Tell us all about Wild Gully.
Leanne Webster (03:38):
Okay, well, it's me Leanne.
I am solpreneur, which isanother deal of issues, isn't it
?
Yeah, all right.
So I have got three predominantprograms Little Explorers,
which is our play group, zero tothree years.
Bushkendi, which is a three tosix years Homeschool, which is
(04:01):
multi-age.
And then I just have a newlittle thing on the side.
Someone called me a baubertjust recently, like I like shiny
new things and I probably do,but I probably need to stop.
Now.
We've got a mother's postpartumgroup, which is amazing to have
these mums out in nature withtheir bubbies, all just talking
(04:22):
and connecting and telling theirstory and their journey and
making Leanne cry, because it'sso amazing and that is what's so
powerful about any groups thatwe run, whether that's in nature
or not.
Vicci Olvier (04:36):
But the power of nature really makes it something
special again, and there'ssomething about that freedom
that really draws out people'sexperiences and creates what do
we hope is a safe space forpeople.
Leanne Webster (04:47):
And it is, yeah, absolutely.
I mean you can see thatconnection just building just
after two weeks of these newmums and already I've just got a
heap of messages this morningabout where they would like
their group to go.
And it is is.
Nature is just makes you feelfabulous.
Vicci Olvier (05:02):
So great.
So I guess let's cycle rightthe way back and tell us, before
you started, wild Gully, tellus about your background, like
where did you start, and thenI'd love to hear how that
progressed and what was thestraw that broke the camel's
back.
Leanne Webster (05:21):
Okay, few straws , but anyway, so I'm a teacher
for 20 years, early childhoodtrained here in Bundaberg.
Actually, mature age studentalways wanted to be the teacher,
always the kid you know, one offour that was playing
hairdressers.
Sorry, my sister was thehairdresser.
I was always playing teachers,so always wanted to be a teacher
(05:41):
.
So very lucky that Bundabergbought back to the CQU
University here and I was ableto train early my bachelor
education here when my kids werelittle.
So, yeah, three under five andoff I went full-time uni as you
do, crazy, crazy.
So always yearning to work withchildren and my inspiration to
(06:05):
start Wild Gully.
Well, I guess I saw that I waschanging and evolving and I feel
like systems weren't keeping upto me.
Wow, yeah, yeah.
So I just felt there was a needfor kids to be outside,
(06:25):
learning, being free, being ableto play, and that was being not
being supported, you know,around in my environment.
So one year I had 18 littleboys in my class and then I
started to take them outside alot more and just saw like these
(06:46):
little kids that wouldn't talkin the classroom, to be verbal
and excited and engaged out innature, and like, oh, my
goodness, this is, this is alittle crazy.
So then that became a regularpart of my program.
And then NaturePay Queenslandcame along and I thought, beauty
, I did some training.
And then a colleague said to meLeanne, you just seem to have
(07:10):
this spark in your eye and thisjoy, you need to start this up.
And I thought, yeah, yeah, thatis such a pipe dream.
You know, we all need money,don't we?
Vicci Olvier (07:21):
Yeah, yeah, that's right.
Leanne Webster (07:22):
We all need money.
And then I found your podcastand I was like all struck and I
volunteered.
My very first volunteer withWildlings was in the June-July
holidays and I had to callbecause I was going to be late
(07:42):
on the morning and as I wastrying to find the phone number,
when I stopped at GenP to tellit detour, I had this email from
Wildlings because I was on yourmailing list, of course, and
you are offering the foundationbusiness wild business course
and I don't know if you knowthis story, vicki, but I thought
(08:02):
then oh my goodness, they'vewritten this course for me.
Oh no way, that's what I thoughtit's like, all the way to the
next hour drive.
And then I did my morning or myday, I think it was a whole day
I volunteered and I was like,went home to my girlfriend's
place that night at San JuanCoast and I thought I have to do
it.
Yeah, it was like a sign and soI signed up, you did.
(08:28):
I did because I was like you'reonly taking one of ten and I
had to be in.
I had to do it because, like,I'm very determined, very
passionate.
Vicci Olvier (08:37):
You are.
Leanne Webster (08:40):
So I signed up and then that was July.
I did nothing.
I looked I'm going oh, this isway too, hard.
what are they talking about?
Policies and procedures?
I?
And so came January you know,we're home over holidays and I
just had a look and I thought,oh yeah, I'll just fluff around
and have a play for a couple ofdays.
So I did that and started toput everything in.
(09:04):
And then I went back to schooland just yeah, my mental health
just went and I just found thatI just I couldn't cope, yeah,
and I had to leave andeverything got approved and here
I am and it brings me joy.
Vicci Olvier (09:26):
It's so.
It's interesting too.
Sometimes when you open littlecan of worms you just start
burrowing down a little rabbithole and I think it's hard to
unsee things once you've seen adifferent way.
It can be very, very hard tosay I know this better way.
Like sometimes we really arestuck and there is no option for
(09:47):
us to do that and the decisionsmade for us.
But when you're in a spacewhere there is an option and you
can make a different choice,then it becomes a matter of an
internal battle of do I want todo this or not?
What was the little thing inyou that was like I'm going to
make this leap from being in usand I guess there is safety in
(10:11):
being in the system to taking onthe responsibility of going out
on your own.
Leanne Webster (10:18):
What was the leak?
I guess believing in myselfthat I had the knowledge, I had
the skills, I had the passionand I had counsel, and I had you
guys.
I don't know if you know this,but you have mentors for life.
So I had you guys that are justthere.
It's my questions that stillcome up and thinking I think I
(10:42):
can do this.
Yeah, and there was a need.
Once I started doing somemarketing there was such a need.
I just had so many inquiries.
Yeah, definitely a need in mycommunity, because there's only
me at the moment doing natureplay.
Vicci Olvier (11:00):
I think a lot of people forget that too.
They see things happening butit's not actually accessible to
a lot of people.
It's still a relatively new wayof offering services to people.
It can be embedded in schools,it can be embedded in early
learning.
But that option to broaden whothis is available for?
(11:21):
Because there's plenty ofpeople out there looking for
that connection outside ofsending your child and
outsourcing that completely,because do you find that people
are looking for that connectionas well as parents?
Leanne Webster (11:38):
Big time coming from.
We've had about 30,000 visitorscall Bundaberg home in the last
little while, so there's somany people that are away from
families and growing in a smallcountry town with 30 plus first
cousins I didn't have that Iknow.
I had so many opportunities forplaymates and coming one to
(12:01):
four and just families justbeing so lonely.
So, lonely.
But then, coming to Wild Gully,it's like Wildlings, with
like-minded people though.
Yes, they want to be there,they aren't forced.
Yes, no one is forcing them,and they come and they are open.
Yes, they are ready, and it'sreally beautiful.
Vicci Olvier (12:26):
That ability for people because they want to know
more.
And that connection can happenso easily.
Because you're passionate aboutwhat you do, they're interested
in finding out more, and thatconnection it doesn't take as
long to form because it's sopowerful.
Leanne Webster (12:43):
Yeah for sure, and what I'm finding is which is
I've not had in the last 20years, but only in this year is
parents asking me for adviceBecause I have so much
experience and my thing ischildhood development and brain
development and play, the rightto play and all the different
(13:03):
types of play.
So I do get asked for advicewhich is real and really
empowers me as well, and whatwould you say?
Vicci Olvier (13:13):
I mean, you're pretty niche at the moment and
the fact that you don't havemuch direct competition, but we
always say that there's room foreveryone, but you don't have
any competition.
But what would you say?
Your special source is at WildGully, like what makes you so
unique as a nature play provider.
Leanne Webster (13:32):
Okay, so obviously my passion and my
knowledge.
I kind of I don't know how Ifound my way into this, but I've
kind of got a unique messy andsensory offering which is the
families are enjoying, yeah, sothat's pretty unique.
Vicci Olvier (13:50):
I love that, and you're right, because if I think
about your photos and stuff,that's often what I see.
Leanne Webster (13:55):
Yeah, yeah, and it wasn't really the path that I
guess I was searching for, butit was a need, yeah, yeah, and
so it's kind of just developedover and I've evolved, we're
evolving to meet community needsand I guess that I'm always
trying to find research to bringit back to my practice and say,
(14:16):
you know, I'm doing thisbecause it's age appropriate or
it's development appropriate orit supports this, you know,
sensory or, and the parents arereally curious about that.
So I guess I can be an advocateas well.
Vicci Olvier (14:28):
Love that Child led play yeah, because I think
some families, you know, in thecommunity, and some like council
or whatever, are still unsureabout how play is so powerful
and that we as adults, evenprofessionals, yeah, don't need
(14:48):
to be so close or to stop it orto ask questions, we just need
to be that is such a tricky one,hey, and I think that it is
still something that is aconversation within our team is
Bringing that understanding ofthe fact that our role, what our
role actually is and what itlooks like because what it looks
(15:12):
like and what we're doing is isUnseen work a lot of the time,
and and and for people to valuethe power of children Learning
in their own way amongst eachother.
Do you find it hard tocommunicate sometimes to people?
Leanne Webster (15:28):
I do.
I do, I think, because peoplesay, oh, we could just be doing
this at home.
Yeah, fabulous please do, yeah,I do copy a lot, I do hear,
listen to all your podcasts, andso, yeah, you'll probably hear
me saying, um, some of thethings that I believe that you
guys are doing fabulous.
So I guess it's us as earlychildhood and and teach.
(15:49):
You know, teachers,facilitators, we are there to
support and to guide and tomentor.
I mean, that's one of my thingsas well.
I love to mentor, whether it'sadults or children.
Mm-hmm, yes, that's, yeah, Idon't know, it's a difficult one
for sure.
Yeah, I think that it.
Vicci Olvier (16:07):
It can be difficult, more so when people
Are not open to receiving, butit can be a lot easier as we're
talking about it, maybe evenwith someone else and they're
hearing it secondhand or youknow, yeah, finding more ways to
narrate what we're seeing sopeople can can see that we're
actually thinking about it andthat there's so much power in us
(16:28):
not Having to play withchildren.
And one of the things I findreally fascinating and in fact
want to talk with Peter Gray abit more because we've got him
on the podcast again and I thinkthat his insights on this is
the anthropological, likeevolution of children have
always been With them, withother children.
That's how they've learnedthrough observation and that
(16:48):
adults historically have notPlayed with children or being so
heavily involved in directinstruction.
It is always been throughmodeling, which I find really
fascinating.
Leanne Webster (16:59):
Absolutely 100% it's and probably, like you guys
, the most of my clients areprofessionals.
Mm-hmm.
I teach this, or solicitors ornurses, so they are very in tune
with what play is.
Yeah, which?
Is great, which is, which isreally fabulous.
So that and they're keen tolearn more about what, what,
(17:21):
what makes, while gully sounique as well, that's amazing.
Vicci Olvier (17:25):
Now there is unique challenges, obviously,
with running your own business.
What would you say?
One of the hardest parts isabout your journey so far and
being a solo Director of yourbusiness sure is believing in
myself really.
Leanne Webster (17:41):
Yeah, that's self-belief.
Yeah, believing that I do havethe knowledge Mm-hmm, I do have
the capability, yeah, so thatthat's been probably a whole
year to get that, mm-hmm, Iwould say the last little while.
Vicci Olvier (17:56):
It's so universally and like that's one
of the reasons why it becamesuch a big thing for us to talk
about with people, because Istill have that.
I have moments of where I doubtwhat myself and my knowledge,
and it's it's such a universalfeeling because we don't want to
let people down.
I think that it all comes froma place of wanting to serve
(18:19):
people in the best way that wecan, and we and we just worry
that we're not going to be ableto do that.
And then we have these momentsthat show us actually You're so
capable and so competent, andsometimes things are 100%, but
that doesn't mean that youshouldn't try and you shouldn't
Be wanting to be on a learningjourney yourself, because that's
what we teach children, right?
Leanne Webster (18:40):
Yeah, 100% and it is.
You know, I am a completelydifferent person now and mother
to what I was when I was a newman Was when I was a new mother
nearly 30 years ago.
Yeah, it's a mom.
You have changed so much and welove how you are, but you only
do what with the knowledge thatyou have at the time.
(19:02):
Exactly exactly, and they arevery forgiving.
You know.
You know things have changedand I only knew what I knew.
So so my, my transformation hasbeen huge, professionally,
personally, and so I Did justcomplete a marketing course and
(19:22):
that gave me another whole heapof confidence.
Like people are going to wallgully because of nature, people
are going to wall gully becauseof me.
Vicci Olvier (19:32):
And that is something that I think that it's
a realization that sets inafter a while that you are Such
an important part and anyoneelse that's part of your team,
yeah and be.
It's like, you know, thosemoments where we think about
that teacher that wastransformative in our lives, or
(19:52):
a Mentor, and it could be anauntie, but someone who just
made all the difference.
And the reason why it's sopowerfully, ann, is because you
put your heart and soul intoyour business and people know
that and they know that thatwhat you provide is for them and
they feel so much care and thatyou are doing everything that
(20:14):
you know possible to helpchildren and their families to
really thrive.
And those such an importantRealization a particularly for
your marketing as well to youknow, because it is so hard to
put your face out theresometimes.
Leanne Webster (20:25):
Oh, so hard, yeah, so hard, and I guess also
I've created a membership whichhas given me another set of,
like family people that I can,my clients that I can go back on
and ask for feedback.
Yes, I might not like theiranswers all the time, but that's
it's helped me serve as well.
Exactly in a bit, a betterunderstanding of their needs.
Vicci Olvier (20:50):
Exactly, and and that realization to that, even
with every intention that wehave, that we may not meet the
needs of all people becausethey're on different journeys
also and have differentUnderstandings of things.
Yeah, 100%.
That's really amazing that youI'm glad you know that and we
have had to sort of tell our ownstuff.
Like you know, our customerswill really love to see your
(21:11):
faces and it is amazing when Isee our stuff pop on and they're
like, hey guys, we're gettingset up and they'll put their
faces on there.
And then in our DMs I'd be like, oh my gosh, I love seeing your
face, like it was so nice, I'mso excited to come back and and
then you know it's thatimmediate feedback and they're
like, oh they, they, it's likethey know we tell, we tell our
staff and we tell ourselvespeople are turning up for us.
(21:36):
But sometimes you, there's alittle part of you that doesn't
believe it until someone else.
It's like when your spousetells you you're great and but
in someone else, just as theexact same thing, and you're
like, oh my gosh, that was thankyou so much, because you know
that person already loves youout.
You know, as, as employers, welove our staff and they know
that and they sort of expect usto say nice things about them.
(21:56):
But when you hear it, thatexternal validation from someone
else, you're like, oh, I amdoing a great thing here, my
presence and and what I offer tothe community is is so
important and I'm I am changingpeople's lives and that's what
you're doing.
You're changing the lives ofyoung families in Bunderberg,
which is so, so amazing.
Leanne Webster (22:17):
Yeah, it is, it is pretty amazing, it is, and to
have Support from the communitymembers is is amazing.
I do lots of free events at ourcommunity areas and you know,
and people are still coming upoh who are you, how are you
being like that?
That to me is pretty exciting.
And then to book on the spotgoing, oh you're amazing, this
(22:37):
is amazing, and so that, yeah,very very heartwarming.
Vicci Olvier (22:41):
It is heartwarming and I found so many levels, so
what would you say is some ofthe best parts, then, about
Running your own business in HClay?
Leanne Webster (22:50):
Okay.
So connection, definitelymeeting like-minded people that
just get that, just get it, theythat get you know the play
aspects, the connection aspectsbeing in nature aspects, and I'm
finding it's I'm more curiousand seeing the kids curious as
well and Seeing them being freeand seeing that childhood
(23:14):
development Develop naturally.
You know, if they want to stand, they stand.
If they sit, they sit.
If they climb, they climb.
That's not anyone, because innature nobody is, I guess, a
boss, nobody is in charge.
One is an authority.
Vicci Olvier (23:30):
We're all equal.
Isn't that such a beautifulthing to witness.
Leanne Webster (23:33):
Yeah, yep, having mentors like you.
Vicci Olvier (23:41):
It's such a beautiful profession.
To me, it's probably the mostcollaborative space I've ever
been in.
Leanne Webster (23:47):
And like connecting with other nature,
play businesses and offeringthem support.
They're being that mentor.
I can always offer something.
Yeah, so, yeah, it is prettyamazing doing the world business
course.
Was it really?
Once I got into it and I reallyunderstood the elements of all
the policies and procedures?
(24:08):
Yeah, it was pretty.
Yeah, it was great.
And my insurance broker saidthat what got me over the line?
He's that sunshine coast, sothey do know wildlings and their
boss sends their children towildlings.
So it wasn't a hard sell for myinsurance broker, and he said
(24:30):
that what got me over the lineso quickly were my very precise
and professional policies andprocedures.
So it's very proud.
Vicci Olvier (24:41):
It is a big thing, though, like we are, it's
probably one of our big barriersat the moment is helping people
navigate that insurance,because the feedback we've got
from our broker is that peoplewill submit a policy or
procedure, but it's not.
It's not written in a way thatwill help insurance providers to
(25:03):
take on the risk, becausethat's what they're doing.
They're taking on your risk,and if, then, if your policies
and procedures aren't written ina way that makes them feel like
you're doing all of the rightthings, then they're not, then a
lot of people are finding it alot more difficult to get
insurance.
So it makes me feel really glad, like really deeply glad, that
it would.
That's what made a differencefor you, because that's, I guess
(25:27):
, the purpose of why we createdthe course is there's so much
time that goes into that side ofthings.
I don't think that, from anoutside perspective, people
really understand the depthsthat business owners have to go
to, not only because we have toas an insurance requirement, but
also do you find that thatpaperwork made you feel just so
much more comfortable?
(25:47):
When you're physically thereand something is happening,
you're like I actually know whatI need to do here.
Leanne Webster (25:53):
Absolutely 100 percent.
I remember in the first weekI'm going oh, I just need
someone to help me make thisdecision because it was really
windy.
Yes, I do.
What do I do?
Ah, I know what I do.
I go to my fear with a policy.
Yeah, let's have a look.
So it really did help put peaceof mind, I guess.
Yeah, I know, recently, inJanuary, I created the hand tool
(26:16):
policy and I added ropes.
Yes, yeah, I think I did itfour times before the insurance
company came back and said yep,this is okay, leanne, you cannot
do ropes.
Vicci Olvier (26:27):
Yeah, right, because when you need very and
that's the guess the thing withthe training is that working
with like is one thing.
To like build a fire in thebackyard or to tie a knot up
when you're camping to whenyou're doing that in a group
with a group of children,there's a lot of very nuanced
(26:48):
things that we do to createsafety around the fact that we
want children to be able to usethese things, and sometimes it
takes a while, it takesexperience and hopefully
training providers can catapultyou forward with those things.
It's taken us years ofperfecting and rewriting and
still having professionalconversations within the
(27:09):
industry for us to all cometogether and say, hey, is this
the way you do things?
Does this make you feel safe?
Is this create safety forchildren at the end of the day?
So yeah, there's a process.
That's a very long process.
Leanne Webster (27:23):
But it's one thing that I pride myself in.
Wild Gully is following ourpolicies and procedures to
better.
Vicci Olvier (27:31):
Yeah, and they are written in a way that actually
allows children exploration.
It's not restrictive it's safe.
Leanne Webster (27:39):
No, it's not.
Yeah, doing dangerous thingscarefully.
Vicci Olvier (27:45):
Absolutely.
We absolutely adore watchingWild Gully just blossom and be
part of our community, becausewe do see Wild Gully as part of
our extended community and we'revery, very proud of what you've
been able to achieve, leanneand I know that we've just been
(28:05):
talking and you've been sayingall of those things, but from
the bottom of my heart, becauseI know that you probably talk
with Nikki a fair bit more thanyou've talked with me through
communications, but I'm so, so,so impressed with what you've
been able to achieve and whatyou've created and we see it, we
talk about it in the office andI think you should be immensely
(28:26):
, immensely proud of what you'vecreated.
Leanne Webster (28:29):
Yeah, thank you, I am, I am very proud.
Yeah, it's come with a fewtears and a few smiles and lots
of joy, but yeah, and lots ofwork, but yeah, I'm definitely
getting to a comfortable place,putting on some more staff,
training those staff up so I cando a lot more of the admin and
management side.
Vicci Olvier (28:50):
So yeah, it's going yeah, which is the next
evolution of business, which isanother role to step into, which
is exciting in itself as well.
For sure, we're going to wrapup by a little interview today
and ask you our rapid firequestions, so I'd love to know
what's on your bookshelf at themoment that our listeners might
be interested to hear about.
Leanne Webster (29:12):
OK, so I like Peter Gray, obviously Fritulin.
I listened to him on a podcastand I found it very confronting,
very reflect I mean lots ofreflection to think that I may
have had a part in some of thesebehaviors and these you know
(29:32):
evolution of where we are rightnow and saying that that I can
also move forward and be part ofa different world, a different
change.
Yeah, so I do want to go backand listen to that again because
I was very overwhelmedlistening to it, but he's very.
He's one of my favourite peopleto listen to.
(29:52):
I do really enjoy him.
What's on my shelf is actuallytoo many books, but I love
historical romance.
So yeah, I'm a bit of a bit ofa good.
Vicci Olvier (30:06):
Yeah, nothing like just being taken completely
away from reality.
Leanne Webster (30:10):
Yeah, for sure, I do have some your wild books
that I did have, but I haven'tgot one with me that I
physically like to touch.
And they now that your wildimagination and the journal.
Vicci Olvier (30:24):
we sell them wildlings, yeah.
Leanne Webster (30:26):
Yes, and I just love the feel of them, the look
of them, the photo Beautiful.
And I know you can see allthings on Facebook and social
media, but these are just really, really lovely to look at
Something about going to a bookand seeing things.
Vicci Olvier (30:40):
that's so different to just Googling
something and pulling up anactivity on Pinterest.
Leanne Webster (30:46):
Yeah, 100%.
They, just I think they.
That image stays longer in yourmind.
Yeah, and there was a study.
Actually I heard that duringCOVID the people that had photo
albums and to go throughmemories and to look at physical
photos were more able to stayin touch and less anxious and
(31:10):
their mental health was improvedthan someone who didn't.
Yeah, Wow.
That's pretty fascinating.
Vicci Olvier (31:17):
It is yeah, so there is a lot of value in the
physical.
Leanne Webster (31:20):
Yeah, physical books yeah, I do love Lucinda
Riley, her sequence of the SevenSisters.
That's what I'm reading at themoment, anyway.
Vicci Olvier (31:30):
Yeah, cool, yeah, awesome.
Now where do you go inBundaberg to reset after like a
rough day or just needing somedowntime in the week?
Yeah, I'm a bit of sunset girlso.
Leanne Webster (31:41):
I love my sunset walks with my, with my pup.
So, yeah, I usually do mysunsets, although I'm trying
really hard.
To get some sun rises in aswell Is a struggle for me, yeah,
although, yeah, with winterit's OK, you can just pop your
head out, go ahead.
Yes, Absolutely.
I don't mind an odd sunset ortwo.
Vicci Olvier (32:01):
Amazing.
If you had to change one thingabout the education system, what
would that be for?
Leanne Webster (32:05):
you.
Well, I've got a list of about10, but I'll give you my number
one.
Yeah, one little mantra is ifeveryone understood childhood
development.
Vicci Olvier (32:16):
Isn't that such an important thing?
And I still, like you know,continually amazed by things
that I'm learning and I'm like,wow, it really feels like the
area of teaching and educationreally needs to pivot more into
that realm.
As opposed to the way that weteach children, it's more the
(32:37):
way we need to understandchildren.
Leanne Webster (32:39):
Yeah, yeah, like every kind of daughter who's an
occupational therapist, she'salways, you know, in my head
Like every behaviour iscommunicating a need, mm-hmm.
Vicci Olvier (32:51):
Isn't it such a pivot from thinking?
Leanne Webster (32:54):
We're not helping these children with
their needs.
Vicci Olvier (32:57):
Absolutely.
Yeah, that's a great one.
I think that would cover a lotof different things that we
could change in the system if westarted there, absolutely.
Leanne Webster (33:05):
Yeah, and like having multi-age and starting
school at seven and having playworkers to support more risk
yeah, all of that.
Vicci Olvier (33:12):
Yeah, amazing.
All right, Leigh Ann, can wefind out more about your work?
Where do you hang out?
Where do I?
Leanne Webster (33:18):
hang out.
I'm on all socials, all of them, all of them, all of them,
mainly on Instagram and Facebook, but I do have elements in the
other ones email, and I've got awebsite that picks a bowling as
I evolve, and we're all at thelocal parks and venues all
(33:39):
around Bunderburg.
Vicci Olvier (33:40):
We'll link all of that information in our show
notes for anyone who islistening from Bunderburg and
wants to get in touch in thereal world with you.
Which would be amazing, whichwould be lovely.
Leanne Webster (33:50):
Thank you.
Vicci Olvier (33:50):
You're so welcome, Leigh Ann.
Thank you so much for joiningus today, yeah thanks, Vicky.
Leanne Webster (33:54):
Thank you.
Vicci Olvier (33:55):
Oh, I can't tell you how beautiful it is to
connect with people in ourcommunity and, as I said earlier
, it's one of the mostcollaborative industries that I
have ever worked with, and weall work so, so hard in
nurturing those connections andraising each other up, because
we all know how important thework is that we do.
(34:16):
So make sure you check outLeigh Ann's work, support her on
her socials and get that wordout to those people in
Bunderburg, because I think thatthat community is very, very
lucky to have her Now.
We are always so, so happy tobe sharing this journey with you
.
So until next time, stay wild.
Stepping out of the system and into your own
nature.
Play business can be equalparts daunting also exhilarating
, and so in today's episode I'mtalking to one of our founding
while business students, who hascreated community and
connection by starting her ownbusiness called Wild Gully in
Bundaberg, queensland.
I'd like to acknowledge thetraditional custodians of the
(00:23):
land on which we're recordingtoday the Kabi Kabi and Gabi
Gabi people.
I would like to recognise thecontinued connection to the land
and waters of this beautifulplace we call home.
I also recognise Aboriginalpeople as the original
custodians of this land andacknowledge that they have never
seen its sovereignty.
I'd like to pay my respects toall Gabi Gabi elders, ancestors
and emerging elders and anyFirst Nations people listening
(00:45):
today.
Hello everyone and welcome tothe Raising Wildlings podcast.
You have me today, vicky Oliver, and I'm so excited to be
connecting you with our guest,alianne Webster.
Now.
Alianne was one of ourfoundation members when we
opened up our very first roundof the Wild Business course and
we have watched her start out asa curious volunteer to building
(01:12):
this amazing program andcommunity in Bundaberg and we
really wanted to ask her somequestions about that journey for
her.
So we are very, very excited tointroduce you to our guest
today.
Alianne, welcome to RaisingWildlings, a podcast about
parenting, alternative educationand stepping into the
(01:32):
wilderness, however that looks,with your family.
Nicki Farrell (01:36):
Each week, we'll be interviewing experts that
truly inspire us to answer yourparenting and education
questions.
We'll also be sharing storiesfrom some incredible families
that took the leap and aretaking the road less travelled.
Vicci Olvier (01:49):
Wear your hosts, vicky and Nikki from Wildlings
Forest School, pop in yourheadphones, settle in and join
us on this next adventure.
Alianne, thank you so much forjoining us on the podcast today.
Leanne Webster (02:02):
Thank you so much, vicky.
This is fabulous, very excited.
Vicci Olvier (02:05):
So excited.
So here on the Sunshine Coastwe're on Gabi Gabi Land.
Where are you up in Bundaberg?
Leanne Webster (02:11):
So in Bundaberg and Surround.
We are on Gowang Gowang,terribiland, bunda Gowang and by
the people's country.
Vicci Olvier (02:20):
So we've got a few different language groups all
in that area, which is amazing.
A lot of different groups todraw from and to be inspired by
in that space.
Because Bundaberg is beautifulLike I had no idea up until
recently, when some friendsmoved there, what a beautiful
(02:40):
area it is so blessed.
Leanne Webster (02:43):
We've got beaches and bush and rainforest
and country and hills and creeks.
We are very blessed.
Vicci Olvier (02:52):
Where about most of your?
What kinds of environments areyou running your programs at
Wild Gully?
Leanne Webster (02:59):
Sure, I work with the Bundaberg Regional
Council and so most of myprograms are on parks around the
district.
I've got the venue riskassessments with the council, so
I've got about eight of thosethat I use.
Some are local, like Central toBundaberg, like the Queens Park
and the Botanical Gardens andBaldwin Swamp, and then some are
(03:23):
on the beach and then more bushorientated.
So, yeah, a bit of a variety,which is really lovely.
Vicci Olvier (03:28):
It is really lovely because I think that you
can really broaden the scope ofyour programs.
So let's start there.
What kind of programs do yourun?
Tell us all about Wild Gully.
Leanne Webster (03:38):
Okay, well, it's me Leanne.
I am solpreneur, which isanother deal of issues, isn't it
?
Yeah, all right.
So I have got three predominantprograms Little Explorers,
which is our play group, zero tothree years.
Bushkendi, which is a three tosix years Homeschool, which is
(04:01):
multi-age.
And then I just have a newlittle thing on the side.
Someone called me a baubertjust recently, like I like shiny
new things and I probably do,but I probably need to stop.
Now.
We've got a mother's postpartumgroup, which is amazing to have
these mums out in nature withtheir bubbies, all just talking
(04:22):
and connecting and telling theirstory and their journey and
making Leanne cry, because it'sso amazing and that is what's so
powerful about any groups thatwe run, whether that's in nature
or not.
Vicci Olvier (04:36):
But the power of nature really makes it something
special again, and there'ssomething about that freedom
that really draws out people'sexperiences and creates what do
we hope is a safe space forpeople.
Leanne Webster (04:47):
And it is, yeah, absolutely.
I mean you can see thatconnection just building just
after two weeks of these newmums and already I've just got a
heap of messages this morningabout where they would like
their group to go.
And it is is.
Nature is just makes you feelfabulous.
Vicci Olvier (05:02):
So great.
So I guess let's cycle rightthe way back and tell us, before
you started, wild Gully, tellus about your background, like
where did you start, and thenI'd love to hear how that
progressed and what was thestraw that broke the camel's
back.
Leanne Webster (05:21):
Okay, few straws , but anyway, so I'm a teacher
for 20 years, early childhoodtrained here in Bundaberg.
Actually, mature age studentalways wanted to be the teacher,
always the kid you know, one offour that was playing
hairdressers.
Sorry, my sister was thehairdresser.
I was always playing teachers,so always wanted to be a teacher
(05:41):
.
So very lucky that Bundabergbought back to the CQU
University here and I was ableto train early my bachelor
education here when my kids werelittle.
So, yeah, three under five andoff I went full-time uni as you
do, crazy, crazy.
So always yearning to work withchildren and my inspiration to
(06:05):
start Wild Gully.
Well, I guess I saw that I waschanging and evolving and I feel
like systems weren't keeping upto me.
Wow, yeah, yeah.
So I just felt there was a needfor kids to be outside,
(06:25):
learning, being free, being ableto play, and that was being not
being supported, you know,around in my environment.
So one year I had 18 littleboys in my class and then I
started to take them outside alot more and just saw like these
(06:46):
little kids that wouldn't talkin the classroom, to be verbal
and excited and engaged out innature, and like, oh, my
goodness, this is, this is alittle crazy.
So then that became a regularpart of my program.
And then NaturePay Queenslandcame along and I thought, beauty
, I did some training.
And then a colleague said to meLeanne, you just seem to have
(07:10):
this spark in your eye and thisjoy, you need to start this up.
And I thought, yeah, yeah, thatis such a pipe dream.
You know, we all need money,don't we?
Vicci Olvier (07:21):
Yeah, yeah, that's right.
Leanne Webster (07:22):
We all need money.
And then I found your podcastand I was like all struck and I
volunteered.
My very first volunteer withWildlings was in the June-July
holidays and I had to callbecause I was going to be late
(07:42):
on the morning and as I wastrying to find the phone number,
when I stopped at GenP to tellit detour, I had this email from
Wildlings because I was on yourmailing list, of course, and
you are offering the foundationbusiness wild business course
and I don't know if you knowthis story, vicki, but I thought
(08:02):
then oh my goodness, they'vewritten this course for me.
Oh no way, that's what I thoughtit's like, all the way to the
next hour drive.
And then I did my morning or myday, I think it was a whole day
I volunteered and I was like,went home to my girlfriend's
place that night at San JuanCoast and I thought I have to do
it.
Yeah, it was like a sign and soI signed up, you did.
(08:28):
I did because I was like you'reonly taking one of ten and I
had to be in.
I had to do it because, like,I'm very determined, very
passionate.
Vicci Olvier (08:37):
You are.
Leanne Webster (08:40):
So I signed up and then that was July.
I did nothing.
I looked I'm going oh, this isway too, hard.
what are they talking about?
Policies and procedures?
I?
And so came January you know,we're home over holidays and I
just had a look and I thought,oh yeah, I'll just fluff around
and have a play for a couple ofdays.
So I did that and started toput everything in.
(09:04):
And then I went back to schooland just yeah, my mental health
just went and I just found thatI just I couldn't cope, yeah,
and I had to leave andeverything got approved and here
I am and it brings me joy.
Vicci Olvier (09:26):
It's so.
It's interesting too.
Sometimes when you open littlecan of worms you just start
burrowing down a little rabbithole and I think it's hard to
unsee things once you've seen adifferent way.
It can be very, very hard tosay I know this better way.
Like sometimes we really arestuck and there is no option for
(09:47):
us to do that and the decisionsmade for us.
But when you're in a spacewhere there is an option and you
can make a different choice,then it becomes a matter of an
internal battle of do I want todo this or not?
What was the little thing inyou that was like I'm going to
make this leap from being in usand I guess there is safety in
(10:11):
being in the system to taking onthe responsibility of going out
on your own.
Leanne Webster (10:18):
What was the leak?
I guess believing in myselfthat I had the knowledge, I had
the skills, I had the passionand I had counsel, and I had you
guys.
I don't know if you know this,but you have mentors for life.
So I had you guys that are justthere.
It's my questions that stillcome up and thinking I think I
(10:42):
can do this.
Yeah, and there was a need.
Once I started doing somemarketing there was such a need.
I just had so many inquiries.
Yeah, definitely a need in mycommunity, because there's only
me at the moment doing natureplay.
Vicci Olvier (11:00):
I think a lot of people forget that too.
They see things happening butit's not actually accessible to
a lot of people.
It's still a relatively new wayof offering services to people.
It can be embedded in schools,it can be embedded in early
learning.
But that option to broaden whothis is available for?
(11:21):
Because there's plenty ofpeople out there looking for
that connection outside ofsending your child and
outsourcing that completely,because do you find that people
are looking for that connectionas well as parents?
Leanne Webster (11:38):
Big time coming from.
We've had about 30,000 visitorscall Bundaberg home in the last
little while, so there's somany people that are away from
families and growing in a smallcountry town with 30 plus first
cousins I didn't have that Iknow.
I had so many opportunities forplaymates and coming one to
(12:01):
four and just families justbeing so lonely.
So, lonely.
But then, coming to Wild Gully,it's like Wildlings, with
like-minded people though.
Yes, they want to be there,they aren't forced.
Yes, no one is forcing them,and they come and they are open.
Yes, they are ready, and it'sreally beautiful.
Vicci Olvier (12:26):
That ability for people because they want to know
more.
And that connection can happenso easily.
Because you're passionate aboutwhat you do, they're interested
in finding out more, and thatconnection it doesn't take as
long to form because it's sopowerful.
Leanne Webster (12:43):
Yeah for sure, and what I'm finding is which is
I've not had in the last 20years, but only in this year is
parents asking me for adviceBecause I have so much
experience and my thing ischildhood development and brain
development and play, the rightto play and all the different
(13:03):
types of play.
So I do get asked for advicewhich is real and really
empowers me as well, and whatwould you say?
Vicci Olvier (13:13):
I mean, you're pretty niche at the moment and
the fact that you don't havemuch direct competition, but we
always say that there's room foreveryone, but you don't have
any competition.
But what would you say?
Your special source is at WildGully, like what makes you so
unique as a nature play provider.
Leanne Webster (13:32):
Okay, so obviously my passion and my
knowledge.
I kind of I don't know how Ifound my way into this, but I've
kind of got a unique messy andsensory offering which is the
families are enjoying, yeah, sothat's pretty unique.
Vicci Olvier (13:50):
I love that, and you're right, because if I think
about your photos and stuff,that's often what I see.
Leanne Webster (13:55):
Yeah, yeah, and it wasn't really the path that I
guess I was searching for, butit was a need, yeah, yeah, and
so it's kind of just developedover and I've evolved, we're
evolving to meet community needsand I guess that I'm always
trying to find research to bringit back to my practice and say,
(14:16):
you know, I'm doing thisbecause it's age appropriate or
it's development appropriate orit supports this, you know,
sensory or, and the parents arereally curious about that.
So I guess I can be an advocateas well.
Vicci Olvier (14:28):
Love that Child led play yeah, because I think
some families, you know, in thecommunity, and some like council
or whatever, are still unsureabout how play is so powerful
and that we as adults, evenprofessionals, yeah, don't need
(14:48):
to be so close or to stop it orto ask questions, we just need
to be that is such a tricky one,hey, and I think that it is
still something that is aconversation within our team is
Bringing that understanding ofthe fact that our role, what our
role actually is and what itlooks like because what it looks
(15:12):
like and what we're doing is isUnseen work a lot of the time,
and and and for people to valuethe power of children Learning
in their own way amongst eachother.
Do you find it hard tocommunicate sometimes to people?
Leanne Webster (15:28):
I do.
I do, I think, because peoplesay, oh, we could just be doing
this at home.
Yeah, fabulous please do, yeah,I do copy a lot, I do hear,
listen to all your podcasts, andso, yeah, you'll probably hear
me saying, um, some of thethings that I believe that you
guys are doing fabulous.
So I guess it's us as earlychildhood and and teach.
(15:49):
You know, teachers,facilitators, we are there to
support and to guide and tomentor.
I mean, that's one of my thingsas well.
I love to mentor, whether it'sadults or children.
Mm-hmm, yes, that's, yeah, Idon't know, it's a difficult one
for sure.
Yeah, I think that it.
Vicci Olvier (16:07):
It can be difficult, more so when people
Are not open to receiving, butit can be a lot easier as we're
talking about it, maybe evenwith someone else and they're
hearing it secondhand or youknow, yeah, finding more ways to
narrate what we're seeing sopeople can can see that we're
actually thinking about it andthat there's so much power in us
(16:28):
not Having to play withchildren.
And one of the things I findreally fascinating and in fact
want to talk with Peter Gray abit more because we've got him
on the podcast again and I thinkthat his insights on this is
the anthropological, likeevolution of children have
always been With them, withother children.
That's how they've learnedthrough observation and that
(16:48):
adults historically have notPlayed with children or being so
heavily involved in directinstruction.
It is always been throughmodeling, which I find really
fascinating.
Leanne Webster (16:59):
Absolutely 100% it's and probably, like you guys
, the most of my clients areprofessionals.
Mm-hmm.
I teach this, or solicitors ornurses, so they are very in tune
with what play is.
Yeah, which?
Is great, which is, which isreally fabulous.
So that and they're keen tolearn more about what, what,
(17:21):
what makes, while gully sounique as well, that's amazing.
Vicci Olvier (17:25):
Now there is unique challenges, obviously,
with running your own business.
What would you say?
One of the hardest parts isabout your journey so far and
being a solo Director of yourbusiness sure is believing in
myself really.
Leanne Webster (17:41):
Yeah, that's self-belief.
Yeah, believing that I do havethe knowledge Mm-hmm, I do have
the capability, yeah, so thatthat's been probably a whole
year to get that, mm-hmm, Iwould say the last little while.
Vicci Olvier (17:56):
It's so universally and like that's one
of the reasons why it becamesuch a big thing for us to talk
about with people, because Istill have that.
I have moments of where I doubtwhat myself and my knowledge,
and it's it's such a universalfeeling because we don't want to
let people down.
I think that it all comes froma place of wanting to serve
(18:19):
people in the best way that wecan, and we and we just worry
that we're not going to be ableto do that.
And then we have these momentsthat show us actually You're so
capable and so competent, andsometimes things are 100%, but
that doesn't mean that youshouldn't try and you shouldn't
Be wanting to be on a learningjourney yourself, because that's
what we teach children, right?
Leanne Webster (18:40):
Yeah, 100% and it is.
You know, I am a completelydifferent person now and mother
to what I was when I was a newman Was when I was a new mother
nearly 30 years ago.
Yeah, it's a mom.
You have changed so much and welove how you are, but you only
do what with the knowledge thatyou have at the time.
(19:02):
Exactly exactly, and they arevery forgiving.
You know.
You know things have changedand I only knew what I knew.
So so my, my transformation hasbeen huge, professionally,
personally, and so I Did justcomplete a marketing course and
(19:22):
that gave me another whole heapof confidence.
Like people are going to wallgully because of nature, people
are going to wall gully becauseof me.
Vicci Olvier (19:32):
And that is something that I think that it's
a realization that sets inafter a while that you are Such
an important part and anyoneelse that's part of your team,
yeah and be.
It's like, you know, thosemoments where we think about
that teacher that wastransformative in our lives, or
(19:52):
a Mentor, and it could be anauntie, but someone who just
made all the difference.
And the reason why it's sopowerfully, ann, is because you
put your heart and soul intoyour business and people know
that and they know that thatwhat you provide is for them and
they feel so much care and thatyou are doing everything that
(20:14):
you know possible to helpchildren and their families to
really thrive.
And those such an importantRealization a particularly for
your marketing as well to youknow, because it is so hard to
put your face out theresometimes.
Leanne Webster (20:25):
Oh, so hard, yeah, so hard, and I guess also
I've created a membership whichhas given me another set of,
like family people that I can,my clients that I can go back on
and ask for feedback.
Yes, I might not like theiranswers all the time, but that's
it's helped me serve as well.
Exactly in a bit, a betterunderstanding of their needs.
Vicci Olvier (20:50):
Exactly, and and that realization to that, even
with every intention that wehave, that we may not meet the
needs of all people becausethey're on different journeys
also and have differentUnderstandings of things.
Yeah, 100%.
That's really amazing that youI'm glad you know that and we
have had to sort of tell our ownstuff.
Like you know, our customerswill really love to see your
(21:11):
faces and it is amazing when Isee our stuff pop on and they're
like, hey guys, we're gettingset up and they'll put their
faces on there.
And then in our DMs I'd be like, oh my gosh, I love seeing your
face, like it was so nice, I'mso excited to come back and and
then you know it's thatimmediate feedback and they're
like, oh they, they, it's likethey know we tell, we tell our
staff and we tell ourselvespeople are turning up for us.
(21:36):
But sometimes you, there's alittle part of you that doesn't
believe it until someone else.
It's like when your spousetells you you're great and but
in someone else, just as theexact same thing, and you're
like, oh my gosh, that was thankyou so much, because you know
that person already loves youout.
You know, as, as employers, welove our staff and they know
that and they sort of expect usto say nice things about them.
(21:56):
But when you hear it, thatexternal validation from someone
else, you're like, oh, I amdoing a great thing here, my
presence and and what I offer tothe community is is so
important and I'm I am changingpeople's lives and that's what
you're doing.
You're changing the lives ofyoung families in Bunderberg,
which is so, so amazing.
Leanne Webster (22:17):
Yeah, it is, it is pretty amazing, it is, and to
have Support from the communitymembers is is amazing.
I do lots of free events at ourcommunity areas and you know,
and people are still coming upoh who are you, how are you
being like that?
That to me is pretty exciting.
And then to book on the spotgoing, oh you're amazing, this
(22:37):
is amazing, and so that, yeah,very very heartwarming.
Vicci Olvier (22:41):
It is heartwarming and I found so many levels, so
what would you say is some ofthe best parts, then, about
Running your own business in HClay?
Leanne Webster (22:50):
Okay.
So connection, definitelymeeting like-minded people that
just get that, just get it, theythat get you know the play
aspects, the connection aspectsbeing in nature aspects, and I'm
finding it's I'm more curiousand seeing the kids curious as
well and Seeing them being freeand seeing that childhood
(23:14):
development Develop naturally.
You know, if they want to stand, they stand.
If they sit, they sit.
If they climb, they climb.
That's not anyone, because innature nobody is, I guess, a
boss, nobody is in charge.
One is an authority.
Vicci Olvier (23:30):
We're all equal.
Isn't that such a beautifulthing to witness.
Leanne Webster (23:33):
Yeah, yep, having mentors like you.
Vicci Olvier (23:41):
It's such a beautiful profession.
To me, it's probably the mostcollaborative space I've ever
been in.
Leanne Webster (23:47):
And like connecting with other nature,
play businesses and offeringthem support.
They're being that mentor.
I can always offer something.
Yeah, so, yeah, it is prettyamazing doing the world business
course.
Was it really?
Once I got into it and I reallyunderstood the elements of all
the policies and procedures?
(24:08):
Yeah, it was pretty.
Yeah, it was great.
And my insurance broker saidthat what got me over the line?
He's that sunshine coast, sothey do know wildlings and their
boss sends their children towildlings.
So it wasn't a hard sell for myinsurance broker, and he said
(24:30):
that what got me over the lineso quickly were my very precise
and professional policies andprocedures.
So it's very proud.
Vicci Olvier (24:41):
It is a big thing, though, like we are, it's
probably one of our big barriersat the moment is helping people
navigate that insurance,because the feedback we've got
from our broker is that peoplewill submit a policy or
procedure, but it's not.
It's not written in a way thatwill help insurance providers to
(25:03):
take on the risk, becausethat's what they're doing.
They're taking on your risk,and if, then, if your policies
and procedures aren't written ina way that makes them feel like
you're doing all of the rightthings, then they're not, then a
lot of people are finding it alot more difficult to get
insurance.
So it makes me feel really glad, like really deeply glad, that
it would.
That's what made a differencefor you, because that's, I guess
(25:27):
, the purpose of why we createdthe course is there's so much
time that goes into that side ofthings.
I don't think that, from anoutside perspective, people
really understand the depthsthat business owners have to go
to, not only because we have toas an insurance requirement, but
also do you find that thatpaperwork made you feel just so
much more comfortable?
(25:47):
When you're physically thereand something is happening,
you're like I actually know whatI need to do here.
Leanne Webster (25:53):
Absolutely 100 percent.
I remember in the first weekI'm going oh, I just need
someone to help me make thisdecision because it was really
windy.
Yes, I do.
What do I do?
Ah, I know what I do.
I go to my fear with a policy.
Yeah, let's have a look.
So it really did help put peaceof mind, I guess.
Yeah, I know, recently, inJanuary, I created the hand tool
(26:16):
policy and I added ropes.
Yes, yeah, I think I did itfour times before the insurance
company came back and said yep,this is okay, leanne, you cannot
do ropes.
Vicci Olvier (26:27):
Yeah, right, because when you need very and
that's the guess the thing withthe training is that working
with like is one thing.
To like build a fire in thebackyard or to tie a knot up
when you're camping to whenyou're doing that in a group
with a group of children,there's a lot of very nuanced
(26:48):
things that we do to createsafety around the fact that we
want children to be able to usethese things, and sometimes it
takes a while, it takesexperience and hopefully
training providers can catapultyou forward with those things.
It's taken us years ofperfecting and rewriting and
still having professionalconversations within the
(27:09):
industry for us to all cometogether and say, hey, is this
the way you do things?
Does this make you feel safe?
Is this create safety forchildren at the end of the day?
So yeah, there's a process.
That's a very long process.
Leanne Webster (27:23):
But it's one thing that I pride myself in.
Wild Gully is following ourpolicies and procedures to
better.
Vicci Olvier (27:31):
Yeah, and they are written in a way that actually
allows children exploration.
It's not restrictive it's safe.
Leanne Webster (27:39):
No, it's not.
Yeah, doing dangerous thingscarefully.
Vicci Olvier (27:45):
Absolutely.
We absolutely adore watchingWild Gully just blossom and be
part of our community, becausewe do see Wild Gully as part of
our extended community and we'revery, very proud of what you've
been able to achieve, leanneand I know that we've just been
(28:05):
talking and you've been sayingall of those things, but from
the bottom of my heart, becauseI know that you probably talk
with Nikki a fair bit more thanyou've talked with me through
communications, but I'm so, so,so impressed with what you've
been able to achieve and whatyou've created and we see it, we
talk about it in the office andI think you should be immensely
(28:26):
, immensely proud of what you'vecreated.
Leanne Webster (28:29):
Yeah, thank you, I am, I am very proud.
Yeah, it's come with a fewtears and a few smiles and lots
of joy, but yeah, and lots ofwork, but yeah, I'm definitely
getting to a comfortable place,putting on some more staff,
training those staff up so I cando a lot more of the admin and
management side.
Vicci Olvier (28:50):
So yeah, it's going yeah, which is the next
evolution of business, which isanother role to step into, which
is exciting in itself as well.
For sure, we're going to wrapup by a little interview today
and ask you our rapid firequestions, so I'd love to know
what's on your bookshelf at themoment that our listeners might
be interested to hear about.
Leanne Webster (29:12):
OK, so I like Peter Gray, obviously Fritulin.
I listened to him on a podcastand I found it very confronting,
very reflect I mean lots ofreflection to think that I may
have had a part in some of thesebehaviors and these you know
(29:32):
evolution of where we are rightnow and saying that that I can
also move forward and be part ofa different world, a different
change.
Yeah, so I do want to go backand listen to that again because
I was very overwhelmedlistening to it, but he's very.
He's one of my favourite peopleto listen to.
(29:52):
I do really enjoy him.
What's on my shelf is actuallytoo many books, but I love
historical romance.
So yeah, I'm a bit of a bit ofa good.
Vicci Olvier (30:06):
Yeah, nothing like just being taken completely
away from reality.
Leanne Webster (30:10):
Yeah, for sure, I do have some your wild books
that I did have, but I haven'tgot one with me that I
physically like to touch.
And they now that your wildimagination and the journal.
Vicci Olvier (30:24):
we sell them wildlings, yeah.
Leanne Webster (30:26):
Yes, and I just love the feel of them, the look
of them, the photo Beautiful.
And I know you can see allthings on Facebook and social
media, but these are just really, really lovely to look at
Something about going to a bookand seeing things.
Vicci Olvier (30:40):
that's so different to just Googling
something and pulling up anactivity on Pinterest.
Leanne Webster (30:46):
Yeah, 100%.
They, just I think they.
That image stays longer in yourmind.
Yeah, and there was a study.
Actually I heard that duringCOVID the people that had photo
albums and to go throughmemories and to look at physical
photos were more able to stayin touch and less anxious and
(31:10):
their mental health was improvedthan someone who didn't.
Yeah, Wow.
That's pretty fascinating.
Vicci Olvier (31:17):
It is yeah, so there is a lot of value in the
physical.
Leanne Webster (31:20):
Yeah, physical books yeah, I do love Lucinda
Riley, her sequence of the SevenSisters.
That's what I'm reading at themoment, anyway.
Vicci Olvier (31:30):
Yeah, cool, yeah, awesome.
Now where do you go inBundaberg to reset after like a
rough day or just needing somedowntime in the week?
Yeah, I'm a bit of sunset girlso.
Leanne Webster (31:41):
I love my sunset walks with my, with my pup.
So, yeah, I usually do mysunsets, although I'm trying
really hard.
To get some sun rises in aswell Is a struggle for me, yeah,
although, yeah, with winterit's OK, you can just pop your
head out, go ahead.
Yes, Absolutely.
I don't mind an odd sunset ortwo.
Vicci Olvier (32:01):
Amazing.
If you had to change one thingabout the education system, what
would that be for?
Leanne Webster (32:05):
you.
Well, I've got a list of about10, but I'll give you my number
one.
Yeah, one little mantra is ifeveryone understood childhood
development.
Vicci Olvier (32:16):
Isn't that such an important thing?
And I still, like you know,continually amazed by things
that I'm learning and I'm like,wow, it really feels like the
area of teaching and educationreally needs to pivot more into
that realm.
As opposed to the way that weteach children, it's more the
(32:37):
way we need to understandchildren.
Leanne Webster (32:39):
Yeah, yeah, like every kind of daughter who's an
occupational therapist, she'salways, you know, in my head
Like every behaviour iscommunicating a need, mm-hmm.
Vicci Olvier (32:51):
Isn't it such a pivot from thinking?
Leanne Webster (32:54):
We're not helping these children with
their needs.
Vicci Olvier (32:57):
Absolutely.
Yeah, that's a great one.
I think that would cover a lotof different things that we
could change in the system if westarted there, absolutely.
Leanne Webster (33:05):
Yeah, and like having multi-age and starting
school at seven and having playworkers to support more risk
yeah, all of that.
Vicci Olvier (33:12):
Yeah, amazing.
All right, Leigh Ann, can wefind out more about your work?
Where do you hang out?
Where do I?
Leanne Webster (33:18):
hang out.
I'm on all socials, all of them, all of them, all of them,
mainly on Instagram and Facebook, but I do have elements in the
other ones email, and I've got awebsite that picks a bowling as
I evolve, and we're all at thelocal parks and venues all
(33:39):
around Bunderburg.
Vicci Olvier (33:40):
We'll link all of that information in our show
notes for anyone who islistening from Bunderburg and
wants to get in touch in thereal world with you.
Which would be amazing, whichwould be lovely.
Leanne Webster (33:50):
Thank you.
Vicci Olvier (33:50):
You're so welcome, Leigh Ann.
Thank you so much for joiningus today, yeah thanks, Vicky.
Leanne Webster (33:54):
Thank you.
Vicci Olvier (33:55):
Oh, I can't tell you how beautiful it is to
connect with people in ourcommunity and, as I said earlier
, it's one of the mostcollaborative industries that I
have ever worked with, and weall work so, so hard in
nurturing those connections andraising each other up, because
we all know how important thework is that we do.
(34:16):
So make sure you check outLeigh Ann's work, support her on
her socials and get that wordout to those people in
Bunderburg, because I think thatthat community is very, very
lucky to have her Now.
We are always so, so happy tobe sharing this journey with you
.
So until next time, stay wild.
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