Advocacy in Motion: On the International Stage
An invitation to sit on a panel of pastoral women from across Australia at the International Rangeland Congress in Adelaide, was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up. A chance to advocate the needs of my community and our Western region to industry experts, government and pastoralists from across the globe.
Capacity building - LEP23-021-10
The issue
Landholders and farmers are fatigued! People in our rural and remote communities and the towns that service and support our ag-industries across the country, feel like their voices aren't heard! Often consultation is last minute or lacking and the regional needs are not reflected in the policy implemented. There is a need for more advocacy for the stories behind the ‘data’ to be shared. More people with communication skills, local knowledge and the passion to drive change are needed to speak up in settings such as the International Rangeland Congress and advocate the needs of our rural and remote communities because they are simply too disengaged to do it themselves.
The solution
I was invited by Angus Whyte, member of the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)2026 committee, to deliver a presentation at the International Rangeland Congress in Adelaide on his behalf. The 90min session involved a presentation and panel session where 5 pastoral women from SA, QLD, NSW and WA to discussed their properties and management practices, the barriers that face pastoralism and visions for the future of Australia’s pastoral industry and rangelands. While daunted by the concept of sitting on a panel of women with generational knowledge and experience, I knew it was a golden opportunity for me to advocate for the needs of Western NSW and share with the large audience, who hailed from all corners of the country and globe, the successes but most importantly the barriers and issues my region face everyday.
The impact
I learnt the issues I was advocating in the panel session, including succession, attitudes towards NRM, awareness/uptake of emerging markets, traditional knowledge sharing, access to education, retention of skilled workforce as well as disengagement with government, were being experienced right across the globe. I was able to share the stories of my community, to domestic and international industry experts, including state and federal government representatives. The impact on me personally has been profound, but professionally, the experience has opened up many doors for myself and Western Landcare NSW. I'm now NSW committee member for IYRP 2026, a role that will enable me to continue advocating the needs of Western NSW and see Western Landcare host one/more IYRP activities next year, opening more avenues for advocacy!!
Key facts
- Advocacy: Amplify Voices, Empower Communities, Drive Change and Enhance Awareness