More than 600 women from across Victoria came together to attend regional Country Cuppas events during the week of International Day of Rural Women (15 October).

The events, including morning and afternoon teas, lunches and evening get-togethers, were initiated by the Victorian Rural Women’s Network (the Network) to encourage rural women to connect, share knowledge and build lasting networks and friendships.

Thirty-two Country Cuppas events took place at homes, cafes and regional venues including a morning tea at Parliament House, attended by young farmers, community and business leaders, Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes and Minister for Women, the Hon. Gabrielle Williams.

The Parliament House event was hosted by Jessica Purbrick-Herbst, Empowered Women Convenor of the Victorian Rural Women’s Network Reference Group. The Network’s Rural Women’s Coordinator, Jasmine Glover said the initiative was very popular. “Overwhelming support for these events shows that rural women value the opportunity to strengthen connections and foster new friendships in regional areas.”

“Whether you’re a working woman, a young farmer, a community advocate, or a stay-at-home mum, you need a community — which is exactly what the Country Cuppas events help to build,” said Jasmine.

Country Cuppas was established to make it easier for women living in rural and remote communities to meet face-to-face in a relaxed setting and share ideas and experiences which is vital for professional success and personal wellbeing.

Join the Network for free to connect with like-minded women and access events, information, opportunities and initiatives that benefit rural and regional Victorian women. To subscribe, go to the Network’s home page and click the subscribe button in the top right-hand corner.

Pictured: Corangamite Rural Women’s Network hosted a Country Cuppas gathering at Gentle Annie Berry Gardens and Cafe, Pennyroyal, to connect local women and acknowledge their great work and contributions as part of International Day of Rural Women. Credit: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority