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.”