Rural women rely on each other for connection, knowledge and support. This month’s Victorian Rural Women’s Network newsletter profiles remarkable rural women who continue to shine each day, despite the difficulties faced during this period of uncertainty, challenge and change. Their many and varied contributions to their local communities, businesses and industries are featured in this newsletter.

Women are disproportionately affected by the fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic –  both at work and at home – but continue to lead and succeed at all levels of business and community. While challenging, this period has been an opportunity for women to reassess what is most important to them and reset their needs and goals.

Last month, the Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes launched the 2021 Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program. We encourage Victorian rural women connected to agriculture to consider applying for a funded place on programs to explore and build their leadership potential.

As events were cancelled or postponed this year, the Victorian Rural Women’s Network shifted its annual event online so rural women could connect at a time when it was particularly needed. The new-look ‘Virtual Country Cuppas’ event took place in May and attracted more than 40 online gatherings of rural woman from across the state. It enabled hundreds of rural women to share information, ideas and experiences to enrich their personal and professional lives. You can read about the event here.

Finally, there is also change in the Network’s team. We recently farewelled Jasmine Glover, Rural Women’s Coordinator, who was integral to the re-establishment of the Network, and welcomed Anna Howell to the team.

We look forward to continuing the good work of the Network and creating more opportunities for rural women.

Cheers from Becky Barker, Victorian Rural Women’s Network

 

We invite stories or ideas from rural women for future editions. If you would like to contribute something to our Spring newsletter, which takes a ‘Reset and reskill’ theme, please let us know by 4 September 2020, at [email protected].

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