‘It literally smells like a woolshed’

• Published date: 07 December 2022
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

The celebrity chef, entrepreneur and co-owner of Royalburn Station with husband Carlos Bagrie launched it to help fundraise for the Rural Support Trust

The room fragrance was developed with local essential oil distiller Michael Sly and is her way of giving back to the rural community, which she and her family have become part of since taking over the 485-hectare Royalburn Station near Queenstown.

Ms Lim said she couldn’t see herself releasing further ranges as the limited edition offering was a one-off for a good cause.

She said the fragrance had a distinctive odour.

‘‘It literally smells like a woolshed. It is not overly offensive, but you wouldn’t wear it as a perfume – unless you wanted to attract a sheep mate.”

She hoped it would help open up conversations around mental health in rural communities.

“For most farmers, the land is their entire livelihood. It’s easy to see how the pressure can at times become unbearable.’’

The connection with the trust came about through ambassador Matt Chisholm, who is the director and producer of the TV show Nadia’s Farm.

All profits from gift boxes will go to the not-for-profit network of 14 regional trusts which provide confidential support to rural people facing challenges around their health and wellbeing.

‘‘Matt is such a genuine guy who has been upfront and open about his own personal mental health struggles,’’ Ms Lim said. ‘‘He really is a great ambassador for the Rural Support Trust.’’

She said Mr Sly...