When Bridgitte Brooks (nee Clune) moved from her family farm in regional Western Australia to the bustling city of Perth, she didn’t know it would one day inspire a fashion brand rooted in resilience, sustainability, and storytelling.
Today, Bridgitte is the founder of Homestead Road, a wool-based fashion label that champions the stories of rural women and celebrates Australian wool in all its versatility.
Her journey from Occupational Therapist to fashion entrepreneur proves that inspiration often begins right at home.
Bridgitte recalls that during Years 11 and 12 at high school in Geraldton, her family’s farm, along with much of the region was affected by a major drought.
This challenging time inspired her to pursue a profession focused on helping people and supporting the wider community. After finishing school, she took a gap year to earn money, working in retail, a café, and helping on the family farm.
In 2008, she took a leap of faith, applied for a Curtin scholarship, and was successful, this scholarship enabled her to move to Perth to study a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at Curtin University.
“It was a massive culture shock. Even catching public transport gave me anxiety.
“But it was the best thing I could’ve done. It taught me how to be independent, manage money, and connect with people outside of my comfort zone,” Bridgitte said.
Living on campus and juggling part-time jobs with study, she found her rhythm.
Scholarships helped ease financial pressure, allowing her to focus on her degree without taking on student debt, which she is deeply grateful for.
Regional Work and the Power of OT
After graduating, Bridgitte began her career with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS), which took her across regional WA — from Geraldton and the Gascoyne region to as far north as the Kimberley.
“I absolutely loved working with oldies, and I just think that generation, they’ve got so much to give and we’ve got so much to learn,” she said.
These years cemented her existing love for regional communities and laid the groundwork for her business skills: empathy, communication, adaptability, and a deep respect for people’s lived experiences.
Homestead Road wasn’t born overnight; it began in the quiet moments of motherhood.
Having four children in five years was an intensely transformative period that prompted her to reflect on her values.
“I wanted to contribute in a way that honoured the land and people I came from.
“At first, I thought about baby blankets. But I saw a gap in the market, there wasn’t high-quality wool activewear made for women like me,” she said.
With her ‘let’s give it a go and see what happens’ attitude and a Google search on ‘how to start a fashion brand’, Bridgitte dove headfirst into unfamiliar territory.
Starting a business from scratch meant that she learned every aspect of the business herself, faced some setbacks and slowly built a brand that was stylish, functional, and deeply meaningful.
Why wool?
At the heart of all Homestead Road products is Australian merino wool. Bridgitte’s family runs a farm with around 5,000 ewes, deepening her personal connection to wool; it’s not just a material, but a way of life.
“Wool is nature’s performance fibre. It’s biodegradable, regulates temperature, and doesn’t smell like synthetic fabrics do. When buried, it breaks down in 6 to 12 months and improves soil,” she said.
Bridgitte is on a mission to shift public perception about wool, especially among younger.
“It’s not scratchy or daggy. It’s premium, beautiful, and built to last,” she said.
Celebrating Rural Women
Homestead Road is more than clothing. It’s a love letter to the women of the bush, the ones running farms, raising families, and holding communities together.
“I really wanted Homestead Road to be a brand that celebrated rural women.
“I think that sometimes we are forgotten or under celebrated and women truly do keep rural communities going,” she said.
Each garment is designed for real life; whether that’s chasing toddlers, hauling feed, or grabbing coffee in town.
While some pieces were made in China (where much of Australia’s wool is processed), others are crafted here at home.
“I believe in transparency. My goal is to build a sustainable brand that supports regional economies from shearers and truckies to wool classers and sewers,” Bridgitte said.
Advice for Young Dreamers
Bridgitte’s advice for young women in the bush? Start now.
“Don’t wait for perfect. Take the first step. Moving away from home, juggling work and study, becoming a mum – it all builds resilience. And that resilience will carry you through anything.”
Whether it’s OT, fashion, or farming, Bridgitte is proof that you can honour your roots while creating something new. In doing so, you might just bridge your very own city-country divide.