NSW Farmers has launched a new series of events across rural and regional NSW to provide women in agriculture with the networking and upskilling opportunities required to fast track their professional development in the sector.
As NSW Women's Week commences, the series of 12 events have been launched as part of the NSW Farmers Women in Business Network (WIBN) project, which aims to support women as they play an ever-increasing role in shaping the future of agriculture.
NSW Farmers Chief Executive Officer Annabel Johnson said the series of in-person events would commence in April, with all women in the state's agricultural industry welcome to attend.
"This is a special opportunity to recognise the leadership capabilities of women in agriculture, with a series of 12 different events that have been developed based on the needs of women in each of our regions," Ms Johnson said.
"By establishing formal networking and learning programs across our state to connect women in agricultural businesses, these sessions aim to upskill and uplift the women who are leading our industry forward.
"Building connections and capabilities is essential, and I look forward to seeing our female farmers come together at these events over the coming months."
Tamworth cattle farmer and NSW Farmers WIBN Project Officer Karen Weller said the events were carefully designed to provide a gateway for many women in the agricultural industry to upskill and network further in the sector.
"Women are estimated to provide one-third of on-farm income, often through the management of the farm business itself - but yet many women in the sector are not specifically trained in these skills," Mrs Weller said.
"Enabling women to access the tools and networks needed to develop their business and decision-making skills is what this program is all about, and so we encourage all women in the state's agricultural sector to come along to one of these events."
The Empowering Women in Farming Businesses events are funded by the NSW Government as part of the Women in Business Network Grant. The project events will be hosted at the following dates and locations:
• Maitland - Monday 8 April 2024
• Armidale - Tuesday 30 April 2024
• Dubbo - Thursday 30 May 2024
• Griffith - Thursday 6 June 2024
• Moree - Thursday 20 June 2024
• Tamworth - Wednesday 3 July 2024
• Coonamble - Tuesday 30 July 2024
• Merriwa - Thursday 8 August 2024
• Grafton -Wednesday 25 September 2024
• Goulburn - Thursday 17 October 2024
• Harden - Wednesday 30 October 2024
An event will also be planned for the Western Division region over the coming months.
