The face behind Humans of the Hinterland

from Cooroy Rag 15 June 2022 edition

Classifieds

THERE’S a new human interest and storytelling project taking the Hinterland by storm.

‘Humans of the Hinterland’ is a Facebook page run by local, Gemma Guest.

Gemma said she started the page after moving to the area and being ‘enamoured’ with the sense of community and the interesting people that have gravitated here.

“The idea of photographing the local characters of the Hinterland has been bouncing around in my head for a few years.”

“The area is like a mecca for the eccentric and creative but also for kind and generous people.”

“I moved here with a toddler and a newborn and was suffering from post-natal depression. I always like to say, Pomona saved me. Walking into town each day, there was a real human connection, whether it was buying my coffee each day at SpillDeBeans or seeing the same familiar faces at the playground or the shop, the town embraced me.”

“And it's been my mission ever since to try to do the same to others.”

It wasn’t until January this year, when Gemma lost her job, that she was able to actualise the ‘Humans of the Hinterland’ project.

“I needed a new passion and I needed to create something positive from my grief. And along the way, spending time with these amazing humans, I'm learning so much and it's helping me to heal.”

Gemma said that finding people for her stories comes from chatting to locals and being drawn to “interesting characters”.

“I'm a pretty open, friendly person when I'm out and about. I just love to have a bit of a yarn with people and am always drawn to interesting characters or people that present a little bit 'outside the box'.

“I love the human condition. I love real connections. My biggest role models are those who give back to the community, and there are many of them here, quietly going about their business with very little recognition. I have a few of them lined up to profile for the page hopefully soon.”

Gemma said the aim of the ‘Humans of the Hinterland’ page is to document the magic of the Hinterland by essentially “preserving” the people of this area and their stories.

“I want to foster that amazing feeling of 'human connection', which has been difficult over the past few years. To inspire readers to follow their intuition and create a life that fulfils them, by seeing others doing the same thing. To tell 'real' stories, even if they're a bit messy or contain difficult emotions and topics... that's real life right?”

So, what’s Gemma’s story?

“I'm a lover of all things wild and wonderful, a jack of a few trades and a master of none. I have a history of working with people, unfinished science and nutrition degrees, a diploma of photography and horticulture qualifications. I spent many years volunteering my time to foster-based animal rescues and until recently lived and breathed the school kitchen garden program.

“I love living in the Hinterland and feel so blessed I have the opportunity to raise my children here. I wouldn't live anywhere else.”

To follow the ‘Humans of the Hinterland’ Facebook page go to: https://www. facebook.com/humansofthehinterland