It all started at the edge of the Monbulk swimming pool—dripping wet, wrapped in a towel, and nervously asking other mums if they'd like to join a little online group I’d started. I had no idea that awkward moment would spark something so much bigger.

What began as a side hustle to help cover swimming lessons grew into a thriving community of local mums—and the small businesses that support them.

This is the story behind Mums of the Hills, why small business is about more than income, and how quiet courage and connection can grow into a movement.

Read the full story and see why our Business Directory is more than just a list—it’s a lifeline.

With all the talk about ditching social media, it’s easy to forget that some online spaces genuinely do good — and for many mums, our private group is one of them.

Whether it’s navigating tough relationships, parenting challenges, or simply finding the best bakery in town (yes, that matters too!), Mums of the Hills is a lifeline. These conversations don’t go viral — they go deep. They remind us what’s possible when tech meets trust, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

In our latest blog, we explore why online support matters — and how communities like MotHs don’t just happen. They’re built, protected, and nurtured by the incredible people behind the scenes (shoutout to our powerhouse moderators 💛).

In the private MotHs group, we chat about pretty much every topic you can think of. Thankfully, the group wisdom and experience is phenomenal and support is always on hand. Most recently, the topic of mental health has come up a lot in our conversations. I’ve done a search and found some more useful services for locals on this very subject.