In the first episode of Latitude 40 Season 2, Jacqui Cooper sits down with Flinders Mayor Rachel Summers for an honest and heartfelt conversation about community, leadership and life on a remote island.

From accidentally moving to Flinders Island after confusing it with Bruny Island, to becoming Mayor, Rachel shares her journey, the challenges facing the island, and the power of community spirit.

This episode explores volunteering, housing, ageing well, infrastructure projects and what the future of Flinders Island could look like — all grounded in the people and stories that make this place so special.

What we talk about in this episode

• Finding home on Flinders Island
• The realities of remote island living
• Honouring a friend through community fundraising
• Stepping into local government and leadership
• Why volunteering is declining — and how it could change
• Major infrastructure projects shaping the island’s future
• Housing, workforce shortages and ageing well
• Voluntourism and visitors giving back
• Protecting what makes Flinders Island unique

Show notes and links

Flinders Council - https://www.flinders.tas.gov.au

Don’t try to change this place; let this place change you - The Islander Way Story - https://www.furneauxcollective.com/islander-way

Guest

Rachel Summers
Mayor of Flinders Council and long-time community member passionate about transparency, participation and the future of the island.

About Latitude 40

Latitude 40 is a podcast by the Furneaux Collective celebrating the people, stories and spirit of the Furneaux Islands. Each episode shares conversations with locals who help shape life on the island.

Send a text

If you'd like to provide feedback on this podcast, we'd welcome your comments at crew@furneauxcollective.com