After the success of the Healthy Farmers, Healthy Farms programs in providing education and support for farmers, Liverpool Plains turned its attention to educating about opportunities for women in the rural sector and remote areas.

In July 2009, Liverpool Plains Land Management was awarded a grant from the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This round of funding was part of the Government’s Australian Farming Future Initiative and was aimed at ‘Recognising Women Farmers’.

As part of this funding, Liverpool Plains Land Management hosted a series of four workshops in rural centres in the Namoi Catchment. Aimed at rural women, but open for women in general, these workshops were about both educating and sharing experiences. Through a series of inspirational speakers and activities, women from rural and remote areas shared knowledge, built networks and developed their leadership skills. These workshops also educated women on finding a voice, particularly in their important contribution to decision making by both government and industry. We hope to inspire a greater representation of women in Natural Resource Management and agricultural industry boards and committees at both a local and regional level.

Judy Lee explaining education opportunities for women at the first
forum held in Moonbi on September 25, 2009

Some of the issues faced by women in rural areas include a lack of access to educational facilities, isolation, a lack of public transport, juggling family and home life and difficulty in pursuing career opportunities due to the remoteness of their location. Many of these issues can be overcome through forming support networks. Coming together to brainstorm ideas, share experiences and be inspired by other’s successes is often the most effective catalyst for change. Guest speakers at the workshops were inspirational women from the rural sector who have achieved great things by thinking outside the box and daring to try something new.

Often it is a lack of knowledge of the opportunities available to rural women that can limit career and leadership futures. For example, it is a misconception that study must be undertaken at an educational institution. The distance from educational facilities can be overcome as many courses can be studied by correspondence or online. The power of forming common purpose groups and using existing resources and services to support such groups will be addressed. Much can be achieved when a group of like-minded women come together, as is demonstrated by the hugely successful Liverpool Plains women’s group, SOS Liverpool Plains and other groups such as the Women in Cotton Group, the Country Women’s Association and many more.

Find out more

• Recognising Women Farmers Forums
• A Wetpaint slideshow of the Mullaley Forum by Vivian Evans