The 29th Rural Women’s Gathering goes off with a bang in Glen Innes!
The 29th Rural Women’s Gathering goes off with a bang in Glen Innes!
More than 100 women from across the New England gathered in 2022, celebrating the 29th Rural Women’s Gathering and relaunching the NSW Rural Women’s Network.
Collaborations -
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The issue
NSW Rural Women's Gatherings began in NSW in 1993 and were held annually - until the disruptions of COVID-19 - with the aim to connect, celebrate and empower regional, rural and remote women in NSW. However, there was uncertainty about their future in changing times.
The solution
With support from the NSW Government, this collaboration between GLENRAC and Guyra CWA Evening branch included an evening at the Glen Innes Chapel Theatre on Thursday 13 October, followed by Friday 14 October day at Ben Lomond Memorial Hall, re-launching the NSW Rural Women’s Network in an event themed ‘Restoring Our Colourful Selves’.
At the Glen Innes Chapel Theatre on Thursday 13 October, MC and Guyra CWA President, Anne Starr noted that ‘the key part of all rural communities is the female friendships.’
Adam Marshall MP also attended Friday’s event at Ben Lomond Hall, where Caitlin Furlong, Chief of Staff, ABC NENW, was MC. The headline speaker, NSW Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, the Honorable Bronnie Taylor MLC, announced 'Rural women… we’re back!’ highlighting rural women as the backbone of effecting change in rural communities: ‘Rural women are amazing. We are industrious, we don’t take no for an answer, we are practical, we don’t ask for the world, and we bring people into the middle. It really is our superpower. That’s why days like today are so important, not only to top up our own souls but to be able to come together and to connect, to form groups to discuss what we need to advocate for.'
The impact
New connections were created, existing relationships were strengthened, and a range of topics were discussed relating to rural women, including health, business and inspiring youth leaders. A special mention also for the Welcomes to Country, from Alkira Bain (in language) and Tremane Patterson.
Learnings
The great importance of including young women who are pursuing their passions in their chosen fields at public forums such as this, in providing valuable experience and exposure, encouraging and promoting their capabilities as future female leaders for our rural communities.
Key facts
- More than 100 women celebrated the 29th Rural Women’s Gathering over two days.
- The NSW Rural Women’s Network was relaunched.
- The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, highlighted rural women as the backbone of effecting change in rural communities.