This special A Friend of Mine episode is a live roving interview from the 45th Murrumbateman Field Days – a testament to the power of community support and collaboration. More than just a showcase of agricultural innovation and local craftsmanship, the field days brings together people from across the region, reinforcing the strong ties that bind the community.
Held on October 19 and 20, the Field Days offers everything from advanced farming equipment to locally produced goods, all set in a relaxed, family-friendly environment that embodies the spirit of Murrumbateman.
Murrumbateman is a town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. It is on the Barton Highway, about 30 kilometres north-west of Canberra, and is part of the Yass Valley Shire.
Surrounded by rolling green vineyards in the heart of cool climate wine country, the Murrumbateman region is home to 20 world-class boutique wineries.
At times you will hear the sounds of our surroundings whether it's some of the 15,000 people in attendance, machinery, carnival rides, livestock, or even a helicopter. These sounds make it seem like you’re standing right there with us, sharing a quick catch-up.
Meet our four special guests.
Jess Templeton from The Rural Nursery shares her journey from childhood weekends spent in her parents' rural supply store to launching her own plant business, highlighting the importance of family support and passion for gardening. Her mother, Julianne Pascoe, reflects on the challenges and rewards of integrating their children into the family business Murrumbateman Rural Supplies, recognising how their involvement has helped shape their work ethic and community ties.
Fiona Kildey from Polaris Canberra celebrates her 16th Murrumbateman Field Days. Fiona discusses how engaging with the community has been a cornerstone of her business philosophy. She highlights the importance of creating connections with customers and other businesses, emphasising that success comes from collaboration rather than competition.
Steph McCall from the Murrumbateman Community Association discusses her journey from the Middle East to becoming an inte gral part of the local volunteer scene, showcasing the collective effort that brings the community together.
Jess Templeton, The Rural Nursery: Turning a Childhood Love of Plants into a Growing Business
Jess Templeton’s journey began in her family’s rural supply store, where she spent countless weekends and holidays. Now, she’s bringing her own passion to the family business with The Rural Nursery.
“I always loved plants, even in high school. My parents own the rural supply store, so we thought, ‘Why not blend both and make two businesses out of one?’”
Growing up around her parents’ hard work had its ups and downs.
“I never wanted to be a business owner,” she admits, laughing.
“I saw how hard it was and didn’t think I’d have what it took. But here I am, giving it a go. And I’ve learned that it’s about knowing the people of Murrumbateman—what they want and need.”
Jess recently expanded the shop’s offerings to include floral gardening gloves and whimsical watering cans.
“The rural women here want something pretty and functional, and I wanted our store to reflect that.”
Julianne Pascoe, Rural Supplies Murrumbateman: Supporting a new generation of business owners
Julianne Pascoe, Jess’s mother, founded Rural Supplies Murrumbateman alongside her husband after years of real estate and family involvement in the rural business sector. “I think Jessica followed in our footsteps more than she even realized,” Julianne says with pride. “She practically grew up in the shop, and now to see her taking on this new venture—well, I couldn’t be prouder.”
For Julianne, building a business is about creating roots in the community. “We’re a tight-knit town, and I love that everyone supports each other here,” she says. “If someone needs a plumber or a fencer, they come to us because we know the local services.” Her pride in Jess’s ability to connect with people is evident. “She has a confidence I never taught her directly, but she learned by watching us. It’s great to see that she’s picked up where we left off and is making it her own.”
Fiona Kildey: Growing community, one field day at a time
For 16 years, Fiona Kildey has been a cornerstone of the Murrumbateman Field Days, representing Polaris Canberra and connecting with her neighbours.
“I come back year after year because it’s about supporting the community and seeing it grow,” Fiona explains.
“I love watching clients’ kids grow up; some have grandkids now who come to the event. They’re not just customers—they’re part of our extended family.”
Fiona’s son, who has grown up around the family business, also joined her at this year’s event, representing a new generation of involvement.
“He just walks up to people, introduces himself, and it makes me so proud,” she says.
“That’s a skill you can’t teach in a classroom. He’s learned it by being around people.”
For Fiona, business is about treating customers and staff “like royalty,” and she credits this approach with her long-standing success.
“When you treat people like you’d want to be treated, they remember it, and they come back year after year.”
Steph McCall, Murrumbateman Community Association: Building community through volunteer work
Steph McCall moved to the Murrumbateman with her family after falling in love with the town on a road trip.
“We were driving from Orange down to Canberra, and we stopped here for a break. Something about the place just clicked."
Now a member of the Murrumbateman Community Association, Steph works tirelessly to support events like the field days.
Her path to the association began five years ago when she attended the Field Days and discovered that the entire event was run by volunteers.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘These people have pulled off this amazing event purely out of passion for their community. I want to be part of that.’”
Volunteering has taught her the importance of giving back, a lesson she’s passing on to her children.
“They help with packing up, clearing up, and doing the bins. It’s about showing them that being part of a community means stepping up, even if it’s just for an hour.”