world class creatives
The piece of advice that dirtgirlworld creator, Cate McQuillen, likes to share with other creative entrepreneurs in the region tells much about her story.
“Understand that the middle of nowhere is actually the middle of everywhere,” Cate says.
Cate and her partner and co-founder Hewey Eustace first created dirtgirlworld through their business mememe productions ten years ago. In that time it has won an Emmy award for digital innovation projects, the Australian Directors Guild Award for animation, as well as winning many Australian Film Industry awards. It’s also been shortlisted for the world’s most prestigious children’s TV prize the Prix Jeunesse, as well as for a BAFTA, the Japan Prize and an Australian Logie. It’s screened on two ABC kids digital channels daily, as well as being broadcast globally in 128 countries.
They have achieved all of this from their ‘head office’ in the village of Camira Creek in the Richmond Valley with a population of 8 and 55 kilometres to the nearest town of Casino.
“It’s an adventure for our international partners and broadcasters to fly for hours and then drive for hours to visit us in our solar-powered converted church headquarters,” Cate says.
“They collect eggs, pick their lunch from the garden, squeeze orange juice, walk barefoot, hold frogs, as well as sign long-term deals on our verandah.”
In 2008, Cate and Hewey – who at the time were exploring permaculture principles on their land and fronting their cover band the Two Pot Screamers – felt there was something important missing on Australian television, and in the lives of Australian kids.
“We saw an opportunity to create positive, family-led content that focused on sustainability and the joy of going outside and connecting with nature.”
What the pair lacked in knowledge about how to produce and pitch a kids’ TV program, they made up for with their exuberance and passion to realise their vision of creating relevant, cutting-edge, music-centric and fun TV with an environmental focus. Not to mention absolute commitment to the project and preparedness to work very hard.
It’s a fast-moving global success story that attributes both its inspiration and first breaks to the Northern Rivers.
“The Northern Rivers shaped our business by its landscape, its beauty, its realness and its spirit,” Cate says. “This place is a cauldron for ideas and possibilities. It allows you to dream and then gives you the space and time to work out how the dream becomes real.”
There were many local supporters who helped turn Cate and Hewey’s dream into a reality, most importantly the local screen industry body, Screenworks.
“Screenworks is essential to screen industry success in the region,”
Citing a breathless list of the many opportunities the organisation created for dirtgirlworld, including guiding them through pitching competitions at the Screen Producers’ Conference in Melbourne in 2003 and onto the KidsScreen Summit in New York in 2004, an opportunity that opened the program up to the international market.
“Screenworks has always been there to support us – always loving and encouraging us and giving us the professional development to go from enthusiastic dreamers to internationally renowned Emmy-award winning producers.” Cate is now a regular speaker and panellist for Screenworks events, sharing her story and knowledge with emerging producers.
Local business groups and politicians have also helped mememe productions along the way with business training and advice, recognition through business awards, connection to funding bodies and strong support in funding applications, championing access to the best possible internet service, and even with introductions to the NSW premier and environment minister.
“They all want us to succeed and there’s a generosity of experience and no cynicism about what we’re trying to achieve – they share information and opportunities and they celebrate our successes,” Cate says.


Dirtgirlworld has continued to evolve over the past 10 years, and has partnered with federal, state and local government to create environmental awareness campaigns in topics such as composting and recycling. It has launched a 10-part online education program for kids, downloadable from its website, and also runs a live performance arm, with actors performing the dirtgirlworld characters at festivals and events across Australia – anything from National Tree Day to the prestigious Australian music industry awards the ARIAs.
During the TV show’s production phase, dirtgirlworld employs up to 170 people in Australia, Canada the UK and US who work together using email, file transfer services, Skype conferencing and screen software.
But there’s no question that Cate and Hewey’s roots are firmly planted in the Northern Rivers. Cate says the area is a creative hub, brimming with local talent.
“Our team of locals are extraordinary, talented, passionate and gifted – beautiful people – who share our values and ethics and want to make a difference in the world.”
The area also draws creative professionals to it, she says.
“We have great professionals come for extended periods of time because of the beauty, lifestyle and creative opportunities they can hook into while they’re in the region.”
And Cate is proud that dirtgirlworld is fuelled by all of this talent to help it achieve the goal that has remained true since its seedling of an idea.
“The definition of success is weird for us. It goes something like this…” Cate says. “Are we happy? Yes. Inspired? Yes. Challenging ourselves? Yes. Being creative and innovative? Yes. Do families love the story world, sing the songs, grow a garden, shop differently, smile more, because of their connection with us? Do they spend more time outside and take the time to look at clouds? Yes. To us, that’s success.”
Share this story
Read more stories
partners with industry, partners with community
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/SCU-Enterprise-Lab-launch-copy.jpg 2000 1048 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/SCU-Enterprise-Lab-launch-copy.jpgSouthern Cross University
Celebrating a silver anniversary is a significant milestone, 25 years of developing your relationship, exploring and accepting your strengths…
old-fashioned approach reaps rewards
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/kyogle_country_Store_002.jpg 1000 667 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/kyogle_country_Store_002.jpgKyogle Country Store
It feels like a brave decision, buying a hardware and rural supplies store in the age of the corporate superstores. Though it was a challenge…
The Natural Rice Co.
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Natural-Rice-Co.-.jpg 940 627 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Natural-Rice-Co.-.jpgThe Natural Rice Co.
The Natural Rice Co. (NRC) is a unique enterprise not just in the Northern Rivers, but in a national context too.
putting the business into ‘show business’
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Brainstorm-Productions-image2-scaled.jpg 2560 1709 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Brainstorm-Productions-image2-scaled.jpgBrainstorm Productions
You might think that COVID-19 would rattle a business that delivers educational theatre into schools. But the “show must go on” mentality runs deep for Brainstorm Productions’ founder and artistic director Jenny Johnson…
Generational innovation
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ABL-2.jpg 1440 1080 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ABL-2.jpgAustralian Bay Lobster Producers
Thenus australiensis. Moreton Bay bugs. The Bay Lobster. Whatever nomenclature you want to use, there is no doubt that these crustaceans are a much-loved staple of Australian seafood menus.
You can judge a book by its cover
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CharlieFox-Co_Jess-scaled.jpg 1440 2560 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CharlieFox-Co_Jess-scaled.jpgCharlie & Fox
When Jess Tunnage’s mother-in-law gave her a sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago, she had no idea how to use it.
Community connection runs deep
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled-1.jpg 1644 848 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled-1.jpgConnect Business Solutions
Connect Business Solutions can be thought of as the glue that holds a business community together.
let there be light
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/northern_lights-_ballina_northern_rivers_001.jpg 2000 1333 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/northern_lights-_ballina_northern_rivers_001.jpgNorthern Light
“I eat a pot of honey every day and I’ve been stung more than 70,000 times,” says Jeffrey Gibbs, founder of Northern Light, an organic beeswax…
Position, people, poached eggs and a president
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Caperberry_James-Allan-scaled.jpg 2560 1920 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Caperberry_James-Allan-scaled.jpgCaperberry and Flinders Rose
What makes an entire family move from three different cities to live together in a quiet coastal town? Great coffee.
making history, creating culture
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SPAR-Staff.jpg 1535 1025 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SPAR-Staff.jpgSpar Maclean
SPAR Maclean’s claim to fame is a doozy. Indeed, it’s something only one supermarket in the whole of Australia can say: that it is the longest…
From trauma to business transformation
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Our-Cow.jpg 1620 1080 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Our-Cow.jpgOur Cow
For Casino-based meat providers Our Cow, the last three years have seen remarkable, game-changing growth.
The dream team
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Joel-Jensen_team-photo-scaled.jpg 2560 1707 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Joel-Jensen_team-photo-scaled.jpgJoel Jensen Constructions
Despite the pressures of running an award-winning construction company, there’s one thing Joel Jensen strives to do every day.
fastest growing, remains humble and local
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tripadeal-byron-bay-002.jpg 1000 667 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tripadeal-byron-bay-002.jpgTripADeal
For TripADeal, the figures speak for themselves: revenue in excess of $100million for 2017; 75,000 travellers sent to various…
Brothers spirit and legacy lives on
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/JNotaris_Donna-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/JNotaris_Donna-scaled.jpgJ. Notaras & Sons
J. Notaras & Sons owes its existence, strong identity and ongoing success to the dreams of two brothers of Greek ancestry.
Spirit of Byron in a bottle
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cawarra-Cosmetics_Katrina-2-scaled.jpg 2560 1707 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cawarra-Cosmetics_Katrina-2-scaled.jpgCawarra Cosmetics
Cawarra Cosmetics has been a leading manufacturer of Australian skincare, personal care and cleaning products in the region for more than 40 years.
Hovering across the wave of success
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FliteImage.jpg 1139 749 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FliteImage.jpgFliteboard
It was meant to be an extended break for David Trewern and his family. A chance to rest and reset in Byron Bay after decades of building and selling fast-growing digital marketing agencies. But as he looked out over Belongil beach in 2014, an idea struck him.
Feeding Pets with a Passion for Purpose
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Frontier-Pets_Di-scaled.jpg 1947 2560 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Frontier-Pets_Di-scaled.jpgFrontier Pets
Diana Scott was more than a bit annoyed at being unable to find a premium quality food for her dogs that was also ethically produced, so she did what all great entrepreneurs do – she created it.
overtures of romance and style
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Osteria-Tweed-Coast.jpg 1000 667 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Osteria-Tweed-Coast.jpgOsteria
Mark Wilson, Lia Mason and Lee Middendorf all met when the three of them were working in hospitality jobs at The Sandbar …
A hive of success and support
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Wild-Honey.jpg 940 627 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Wild-Honey.jpgWild Honey Creative
Wild Honey Creative is living proof that special skills and services we might once have associated with our cities – such as graphic and digital design, innovation in marketing and brand storytelling – are thriving in regional areas.
organic, sustainable and a local legend
https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mara_seeds_northern_rivers_business_feature_image_001.jpg 800 800 In Good Company | Northern Rivers In Good Company | Northern Rivers https://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mara_seeds_northern_rivers_business_feature_image_001.jpgMara Seeds
The farmer and owner of Mara Seeds knows what can happen when you don’t – his 8000-acre station 50km to the west of Casino has seen worse…