…Things Begin to Fruit
Reconnection and shared goodness
Years ago, Emma Anglesey came to my home for a cup of tea. We talked about ideas, about art, possibility, and the world we wanted to help shape. There was a spark, an intuition that we might work together one day, though the shape of that collaboration wasn’t clear. Life, as it does, took us in different directions.
Fast forward to now: I reached out to Fungi, the Festival via a contact form on their website, not knowing who was behind it. The reply landed in my inbox…and there she was. Emma!
In the time since our first meeting, Emma has made a radical shift, leaving behind a high-pressure political career, moving to north-east lutruwita/Tasmania, becoming a parent, and unexpectedly, falling in love with fungi. It all began through falling in love with her partner, Anthony, a passionate and deeply knowledgeable mycologist. Emma once described herself as a fungi-phobe, but through Anthony, she became a true fungi-phile.
Last week, we reconnected over the phone. What started as a scheduled meeting quickly turned into one of those rare, electric conversations where you feel like you’ve travelled the world and back. We covered everything from childbirth to bioremediation - mushrooms that can clean up oil spills! The energy was alive with knowledge, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose that flowed effortlessly. It was grounding and expansive all at once.
Meanwhile, Emma and Anthony have been growing something of their own at Strathaven, their farm nestled in north-east lutruwita/Tasmania. Shared online through Haven Tas, the property is home to mushroom logs and seasonal wild fungi tours. Emma worked one day a week with Mr Brown and Towns- a remarkable mushroom business founded by Michael Townsend and Fergus Brown, during her transition out of politics. Anthony now works closely with them, consulting and helping guide their cultivation.
“All flourishing is mutual.”
- Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Emma once described herself as a fungiphobe, but through her relationship with Anthony, she found a deep appreciation for the fungal world. She’s invited me to come stay sometime and join a forest forage, led by Anthony. I’m grateful for this generous offer that feels like a continuation of the conversation we began years ago.
This feels less like a coincidence, and more like something quietly finding its time.
A Note on the Churchill Fellowship
Two weeks ago, I discovered the Churchill Fellowship deadline was fast approaching. The timing wasn’t ideal as I hadn’t yet contacted the people I’d need to meet in far away places, and I found myself scrambling to pull things together.
I’m an ambitious optimist, with a [considered] risk-taking personality. For a few days, I went into overdrive, trying to convince myself I could make it happen. I wanted to ride the wave of energy building around the MycoVerse.
But as I sat with it more honestly, I realised it felt rushed. The pressure was dampening the clarity and joy that had been fuelling this vision so far. So I stepped back.
Still, it wasn’t wasted. In the process, I gathered a growing list of incredible organisations, projects, and people I want to connect with. I’ve written a letter of introduction outlining my intent to apply next round, when I have time to reach out with care, and truly honour the opportunity.
Slowing down gave me something more meaningful than a rushed application—it gave me direction, intention, and a sense that this dream is not just possible, but already rooting into something real.
And over Easter, while reconnecting with my friend Ange (who also happens to be a good friend of Emma Anglesey), I found myself at a long lunch surrounded by wonderful, inspiring humans. That’s where I met Dave - a grower exploring regenerative farming with mycelium-infused soil. Our conversation led me through the tulip fields of northwest lutruwita/Tasmania… but I’ll save that story (and the photos!) for next time.