Apple innovator Maud Williams with pet kangaroo at Boronia Farm, Donnybrook Western Australia

Summary

She'll be apples reveals the hidden backstory of the Lady Williams apple and the role of cultivator and innovator Maud Williams who is truly at the core of Western Australia's multi-million dollar apple industry. In this podcast, we hear from Maud's family about frugal post-war regional life and get to know her passion for a particular apple tree that would create an indelible foundation for WA's internationally renowned apples including the Pink Lady and Bravo. We meet Lyn Green, who as a little girl created the Lady Williams name, as well as leading contemporary entrepreneurial women like Newton Orchards Director, Nic Giblett who is growing and rethinking the apple industry in fresh ways. Author Jon Doust introduces us to the genetic complexity of apples, while Dr Helen Cripps reflects on her father's legacy and the role of women in agriculture. This curious and pomiferous yarn from Gina Pickering proves its crunch time for women's history, while Australian Catholic University historian Susan Broomhall reminds us, the archive more often than not holds the answers. We just need to ask the right questions.