Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground: Step into the Story of "Real people. Real impact. Real boots."


The Boots on the Ground campaign celebrates the everyday heroes of rural Tasmania - farmers, volunteers, families and young leaders - who keep their communities strong. In partnership with Rural Youth, the campaign shines a light on their stories, highlighting resilience, pride and connection while supporting mental health and wellbeing.


Through shared stories, photos and an interactive Impact Map, “Boots on the Ground” captures the diversity and dedication of those in regional Tasmania - because every pair of boots tells a story.

Share Your Story

Got a story to tell? We’re inviting you to share your “Boots on the Ground” journey; your experiences, challenges and pride in rural Tasmania.

Submit your story alongside a photo of your work boots, whether they’re worn, muddy or brand new, and help us showcase the people behind our communities.

Let us know your postcode so we can add your boots to the map.
Upload a photo of your boots (1mb max) or email it to rarnold@rawtas.com.au
Community Stories

Discover the stories that make rural Tasmania strong. From farmers and volunteers to young leaders and families, explore real experiences that highlight the resilience, diversity and spirit of those who put their boots on the ground every day.

”
My husband loves nothing more than being in the bush (or in his shed). We go bushwalking a lot and I love it too, but I also find it challenging. The bush is soothing, but going up mountains sometimes flares up my chronic pain, or sometimes it feels like we will never reach the top. When I feel like this, I try to be gentle with myself and tell myself to just go one step at a time. Then the walk ends and I relax and keep in my mind that ups and downs are a part of life.
”
I live and work on a flower farm. We have heavy clay soil that cracks. One winter I fell in a crack filled with water and mud. When I lifted my foot out the boot stayed in the crack, and I couldn't retrieve it. Many years later I still can't find the boot!
”
I live on a bush block in Dodges Ferry. For the past year I have been creating a native garden. I have been using things collected from hard waste for sculptures to reduce waste and to keep costs down. The garden has been my therapy and joy. I'm 43 years old and have just been diagnoses with osteoporosis after a journey of breast cancer, uterine cancer and chemo estrogen blockers. The garden is a great way to keep active for my bones and mental health.
”
I’ve grown up on the north west coast of Tasmania with my family's boots drying by the fire for 15 years. Mum’s, Dad’s, and ours lined up in a row. Our boots are a reminder that as the next generation we do not just inherit the land we inherit the stories, the laughter, the stubbornness, and the grit. One day, our boots will grow into bigger ones, ones that carry more weight. But for now, they carry mud and dirt, magic, and dreams of what we will be when we grow up.
”
My life started in a small Tassie town before moving to Launceston for my school years. Once I finished, I headed interstate and spent six years working in the education sector. But Tassie had other plans—and eventually called me home. I returned to education, but along the way fell in love with the community services sector. I headed back to study and now work supporting the underdog—whether it’s the elderly, children, or anyone not getting a fair go. You’ll usually find me in the thick of it, rattling cages to make change happen.
”
Growing up, I often questioned what I wanted to do—whether I was doing enough, and if I was truly on the right path.

Now, living and working on our farm, I feel a deep sense of pride and belonging. I love my home, I love my community, and nothing brings me more joy than spending time with our stock.

I know now that I am exactly where I’m meant to be — and I think that little girl who once questioned if it was right would be proud of where I’ve ended up.

Meet CJ Truckie - Our AgFest Ambassador

CJ’s boots have travelled thousands of kilometres across Australia in her role as a truck driver. From long highways to rural backroads, every mile represents dedication to an industry that keeps our communities moving.


Known off the road as Casuarina Smith, CJ has become a powerful voice in the Australian transport industry. Through storytelling, education and authentic engagement, she is helping bridge the gap between generations while championing the values of integrity, respect and safety.


CJ represents a modern voice in transport while honouring the heritage of the industry. Through hard work and learning at every step, she has earned her place as a trusted and respected figure in the field.


Her work shines a light on the industry, helping to attract and retain new talent while supporting those already behind the wheel.


This year at AgFest 2026, CJ will be putting her boots on the map as part of RAW’s Boots on the Ground Campaign, sharing her story and celebrating the journeys that connect rural communities across Tasmania.

Partners
A huge thanks to Blundstone Boots for sponsoring the prize packs for the Boots on the Ground Campaign!