NSW Rural Women's Gathering in Forbes
NSW Rural Women's Gathering in Forbes
After accepting to host the 2020 NSW Rural Women's Gathering in Forbes, the Committee faced the challenges of Covid19 restrictions and postponement of the event until April 2022.
Community Participation -
LP002-006
The issue
As a response to the prolonged drought that impacted NSW up to the end of 2019, Central West Lachlan Landcare along with representatives from Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), NSW Farmers, Forbes Shire Council supported the submission to host the Gathering in 2020.
The Forbes NSW Rural Women's Gathering Committee were selected as the host for the 2020 Gathering.
As preparations for the event were gaining momentum, COVID19 brought the State into lockdown. The Committee made the difficult decision to postpone the event.
The Committee also had to make a similar decision in 2021 and a successful Gathering was held in 2022.
The solution
In 2021 the Committee confirmed that they would work towards hosting a Gathering in Forbes between 1 - 3 April 2022. Hoping that we would be moving further out of COVID19 restrictions and allow for women to participate in Forbes.
The Committee and participants were fortunate to have a fantastic MC in Kia Handley from ABC Radio guiding the event and a host of wonderful speakers including country music singer Melinda Schneider, Cressida Cains and inspirational local speakers.
The Gala Dinner was topped off by the hilarious Jean Kittson, who had the whole room in stitches.
The impact
Even though we had many cancellations and changes in bookings in the lead up to the event due to close contacts still being required to isolate, the Gathering was successful in bringing people to Forbes and the Central West. The event was inspiring, educational and encouraging.
As an outcome of the Committee working together over such a long period, friendships and connections were developed that will continue into the future and bring together events moving forward that will benefit the community.
Key facts
- COVID19 has impacted the way that we interact and the way that we work with committees and the community.
- Volunteers are such a valued resource for Landcarers.