Regional Arts Fund Project: Outback Outloud Season 4

19/02/2026

In 2025, the Regional Arts Fund, in partnership with Outback Arts, supported the production of Season 4 of Outback Outloud. This podcast explores small communities and the most remote places in Outback NSW by profiling artists, communities and businesses in the regions.  

Outback Outloud creates lasting cultural, social and economic impact by centring the voices of regional New South Wales and preserving stories that are rarely documented but deeply valued. Season 4 continued this mission across five outback communities, including Louth, Enngonia, Byrock, Nymagee and Quambone, and by doing so, strengthened community pride, connection and visibility. 

Outback Outloud is created by Emma Hoy in collaboration with Outback Arts and Season 4 featured special guest contributions from Dr Mary Anne Jebb, Andrew Hull, and Marnie Vaughn. It launched on 21 November 2025. 

Hoy, describes the podcast as a ‘living archive’ that preserves the stories of rural life.  

“Through interviews, music and local storytelling, Outback Outloud records oral histories and creative expression that might otherwise be lost. Elders, artists, event organisers, children and local workers are given equal voice, supporting intergenerational knowledge-sharing and reinforcing cultural identity. In towns such as Nymagee, where mining decline has reshaped community life, the series helps reframe local narratives around resilience, creativity and renewal,” she says.  

The project also had significant economic outcomes, by promoting local events, places and creative practitioners. It focused on experiences such as the Louth Races, highlighting the importance of community-led events in sustaining regional economies. It also sparked interest from listeners wishing to visit, learn more or contribute to tourism, local business visibility and cultural confidence. 

Creating the podcast led to the employment of five artists over a period of six months, providing work that would not have otherwise been available. Skill development was also provided to 70 remote school children that participated in a free podcasting workshop.  

For Hoy, creating this podcast was an enriching experience, exposing her to the stories of remote artists that she may not have otherwise heard. She states, “I learn so much about every single person I interview. Season 4 is a 5-hour testimonial in unfiltered voices about the participants’ experience. Every individual has a story to tell, especially the quiet ones. Every person needs to be respected and met at their own level.” 

Outback Outloud is a testament to the importance of supporting regional creatives, who play a crucial role in enriching the preserving the cultural identity in the regions, and making these stories visible to wider Australia.  

You can listen to Season 4 of Outback Outloud now.  

Image: Enngoinnia Town, 2025. Photo by Andrew Hull. 

This project was supported by the Regional Arts Fund, part of the Australian Government’s Arts and Cultural Development Program managed by Regional Arts Australia. Regional Arts NSW administers this grant in NSW and is proud to have been involved in making this project happen.

Cover Image: Image: Lance’s Birthday crew at Louth Races, 2025. Photo by Andrew Hull.