Watershed Landcare is inviting women involved in the agricultural industry in our region to participate in our 2015 Women in Ag project.

The project aims to empower women in Central Western rural communities through targeted training, mentoring and built support networks to strengthen resilience, foster new career pathways and increase the profile of women in the industry that will flow-on into the future.

Central West Lachlan Landcare, Macquarie 2100 and Watershed Landcare will deliver the project in partnership with Local Land Services (LLS), NSW DPI Rural Women’s Network, Rural Resilience Programs and Influential Women.

Watershed Landcare will coordinate the project based in Mudgee and is looking for 6-15 women involved in agriculture and agriculturally-related trades to participate.

In rural communities, many women have limited leadership opportunities and access to training and support services that enhance confidence and skills.

The project will address these issues by providing training, development of networks, exposure to innovation and empowerment through delivery of training workshops, webinars, bus trips, and a regional forum.

Participants will upskill in areas identified as needs through a series of workshops and industry expert webinars. This may include land management, business management and leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution and negotiation.

A mentor network will be developed locally of women with similar issues and concerns, and will expand access to skills and education and strengthen leadership and confidence of the women involved.

The project will encourage the adoption of innovative practices through exposure to ideas, approaches and innovation across the state via field trips and a regional forum bringing together participants in all three Landcare regions to network together and learn from each other.

The project will also provide funding for one participant in our region to further their leadership development, to carry out skills exchanges linking with mentors in similar industries or to deliver a local project.

So if you are a woman working in agriculture or an ag-related trade, or know someone who is, and would like to build your skills and make new friends, register your interest today as numbers are strictly limited.

For more information or to register contact Agness Knapik, Watershed Landcare Coordinator, on 0435 055 493 or email info@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This project is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Central West Local Land Services and the Australian Government's 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants.