Lismore-based multidisciplinary creative, Angela Ferro, grew up in Brisbane but always had an affinity for natural spaces.

A photographer since the age of 16, Angela spent most of her 20s travelling in Europe before ending up in New York shooting fashion photography. Her work featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, InStyle and more.

After a hefty dose of burnout, Angela took herself off for a “backpacking odyssey” through New Zealand where volunteering at regenerative farms sparked her interest in agritourism. In time, this led to the development of a successful business when she returned to Australia, at the family farm in Nimbin.

These days, Angela’s professional focus is back on photography, working with values-driven businesses, within and beyond the Northern Rivers.

“When I first moved to the Northern Rivers three years ago, my first port of call was trying to figure out where the women connected and gather, because I knew that would be the place where things were getting done and change was being made,” Angela says.

“I’d met Amy [Colli – Women’s Giving Circle Coordinator] through Sourdough Business Women and I knew Sandra [Duncan – Engagement Manager, NRCF] and they both said, ‘Join the Women’s Giving Circle – you’ll love it!’, so it was a no brainer for me.”

Here Angela shares what she gets out of being a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, her motivation for giving locally and her favourite way to spend a weekend in the Northern Rivers.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Women’s Giving Circle?

AF: As a younger member, I really value the wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom in every room when Giving Circle members come together – it’s just so special.

Especially here in the Northern Rivers where you get to meet a lot of really interesting people who are maybe doing things a bit differently. Many of us have chosen to move here because of the values the region embodies.

It’s very selfless in that sense. We’re all looking outwards and that’s the part I think makes the big difference, it’s so values based. The chats you get to have are so nourishing, and there’s something very powerful in the fact that we’re all there because we want to make our community better.

Why do you think it’s important to give where you live?

I really try to adopt the philosophy that the world is overwhelming and crazy but the one thing that’s in our control is that we can try to make a tangible difference to the community around us.
For me, being part of the Women’s Giving Circle is one of the most rewarding ways to do that.

Favourite way to spend a weekend in the Northern Rivers?

I’m a big hiker so that’s one of my favourite things to do on a weekend.

I also love heading to the coast. My entire family loves Kingscliff – it’s a very special place for us; we’ve spent a lot of time there floating down Cudgen Creek which always feels very healing.

While I’m there, I’ll grab a coffee from Salt Mill and Farm and Co at Cudgen is excellent for a feed.

Take a look at Angela’s work here or follow her on Instagram: @ferrostudio.co