Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc

Hay’s Women of the Riverina Forum

Hay Plains Landcare hosted the inaugural Women of the Riverina Forum in celebration of NSW Women’s Week.

Collaborations - LEP23_036_LLC6_1

The issue

Society needs to be reminded that agriculture has been heavily dependent on women for centuries. Women have only been able to be legally recognised as “farmers” since 1994 and the embedded policy, workplace, flexibility and attitudinal issues in Australian agriculture need to be addressed by leaders in the field to create practical changes in the work environment. The Women of the Riverina Forum aimed to have women from the land come together with open hearts and minds to embrace the spirit of collaboration, upliftment, and community.

The solution

Thanks to funding received from Women NSW and the NSW Government, and Forum sponsors and partners, Hay Plains Landcare hosted the Women of the Riverina Forum, being two days of engaging speakers, presentations and breakout sessions, and a ‘Riverina Runway’ fashion show during the sit-down dinner. The ‘Women Leading the Way’ segment celebrated the extraordinary contributions and leadership of six inspirational speakers. Presentations were made by representatives from Riverina Local Land Services, Hay Plains Landcare, Hay Shire Council, Murrumbidgee Landcare and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Four breakout sessions fostered creativity and learning.

The impact

Women from across the Riverina gathered to celebrate the resilience, strength, and achievements of women across the region. The Forum’s agenda was filled with insightful presentations, engaging workshops and networking opportunities, so attendees could embark on a journey of learning, growth, and empowerment. The Forum was a platform to showcase inspiring stories and share valuable insights, and highlight the diverse talents and achievements of female leaders across various fields. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of exceptional women, from overcoming obstacles to breaking new ground, each offered their unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and empowerment.

Author: Jenny Dwyer

Key facts

  • Six inspirational speakers
  • Twelve engaging presenters
  • Eight creative breakout sessions
  • Dinner & Runway Fashion Show

Project Partners