Riverina Agricultural Women Inspiration for Women, by Women

Riverina Agricultural Women Inspiration for women, by women

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Deborah Kerr & Nell Snaidero

August 2006

RIRDC Publication No 06/057 RIRDC Project No IRE-7A

ISBN 1 74151 320 0 ISSN 1440-6845

Riverina Agricultural Women Publication No. 06/057 Project No. IRE-7A

The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable industries. The information should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Specialist and/or appropriate legal advice should be obtained before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any material in this document. The Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the authors or contributors do not assume liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from any person's use or reliance upon the content of this document.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact Details Deborah Kerr Nell Snaidero Policy Manager IREC Ricegrowers Association of Australia Inc C/- CSIRO PO Box 706 Private Mail Bag 3 LEETON NSW 2705 GRIFFITH NSW 2680

Phone: 02 6953 0433 Phone: 02 6960 1550 Fax: 02 6953 3823 Fax: 02 6960 1562 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.

RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published on the web in August 2006

Foreword

Women are vitally important to the fabric of rural communities – from a family level to community, industry and even governments. Generally, it is acknowledged that it has been difficult to encourage women to participate at their local community level let alone their industry (see previous RIRDC publications).

The Riverina Agricultural Women (RAW) project was established to provide support and encouragement networks, to build confidence and to develop leadership skills for rural women that can be utilised at family, community and industry levels. There is also the opportunity for women involved to progress past the regional focus to participate in national programs such as RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry Industry Partnerships Corporate Governance for Rural Women.

This report provides an analysis of the project including the initiatives undertaken by RAW and identifies the barriers to further participation of women in training opportunities such as distance, provision of childcare and the culture of their community and industry.

This project was funded from rice industry revenue, which is matched, by funds provided by the Australian Government.

This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1500 research publications, forms part of our Rice R&D program, which aims to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian rice industry.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:

• downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop.

Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii

Acknowledgments

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc. Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council Irrigation Research & Extension Committee Mr Norm McAllister Ms Robyn Sefton

Abbreviations

AWiA Australian Women in Agriculture CWA Country Women’s Association IREC Irrigated Research & Extension Committee HAL Horticulture Australia Ltd MIA Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area NSW DPI NSW Department of Primary Industries RAW Riverina Agricultural Women RDC Research & Development Corporations RGA Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc. RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation RSDG Regional Social Development Group Inc WINHort Women in Horticulture

Contents

Foreword...... iii Acknowledgments...... iv Abbreviations...... iv Executive Summary ...... vi Introduction ...... 1 Project Description...... 1 Management ...... 2 Background Information and Evidence of Need ...... 2 Region Demographics ...... 3 Partners and their contributions...... 3 Expected Outcomes ...... 4 Building Blocks...... 4 Activities Undertaken...... 5 Functions Funded & Organised...... 6 Outcomes...... 7 Achievements of RAW ...... 10 Constraints to Participation ...... 10 Conclusion...... 11 Reference List ...... 12

Executive Summary

It has previously been identified that more women desire that their work and presence on family farms, in the community and related rural industries be recognised by all levels of government, farmers, agribusiness and agricultural organisations (Haslam-McKenzie 1998).

Rural women are involved in every facet of rural life, directly contribute $4 billion or 30% of all farm output (RIRDC 2005 & Troeth 2004), and yet remain poorly represented at a regional industry level let alone in senior leadership positions.

Consequently, in 2002 the Federal Government acted on the untapped potential of women in rural Australia, by sending a delegation of inspired rural women to the World Congress of Women in Spain. This initiative was supported by GRDC, RIRDC, Horticulture Australia and various industry and agribusiness groups.

In November 2002 Riverina participants of the World Women’s Congress addressed a regional dinner in Leeton at which possible options to address identified needs to encouraging increased participation by women.

Riverina Agricultural Women (RAW) has created interest and support throughout the irrigation communities of southern NSW. The group has participants from all broad acre and horticultural irrigated agricultural industries.

The desired outcomes were to provide support and encouragement networks, to build confidence and to develop leadership skills that can be utilised at family, community and industry levels. There was also the opportunity for women involved to progress past the regional focus to national programs such as participation in the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Industry Partnerships – Corporate Governance for Rural Women.

RAW developed activities to encourage to contribution of women to irrigated agriculture in Southern NSW. In the future, this will provide an excellent human resource to the community, industry and the region.

Despite the initiative, a number of barriers have been identified. These include the impact of the worst drought on record on the discretionary spending of rural women, travel distances, commitment to school timetables, provision of childcare facilities and culture.

Introduction

The Riverina Agricultural Women (RAW) project was born out of the desire to improve the participation of Riverina women in their community and industries. Momentum increased following the release of a RIRDC Rice R&D Report in 2001 and the consequent attendance of local women at the World Congress of Women in Spain.

The initiative was supported from previous research (Haslam-McKenzie 1998, Alston 2000, Muir 2001, and RIRDC 2005) and the recognition of the contribution of rural women to farm output and their involvement in rural life (RIRDC 2005 & Troeth 2004).

The RAW project was designed to provide the appropriate environments to allow women to participate in activities designed to improve their networks, skills and opportunities for higher leadership development.

Despite the initiative, a number of barriers were identified, including impacts of the worst drought on record on the discretionary spending of rural women, travel distances, commitment to school timetables, provision of childcare facilities and culture.

Project Description

The desired outcomes were to provide support and encouragement networks, to build confidence and to develop leadership skills that can be utilised at family, community and industry levels. There is also the opportunity for women involved to progress past the regional focus to national programs such as participation in the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Industry Partnerships – Corporate Governance for Rural Women.

This will be achieved by creating a continuous range of learning opportunities that allow women to become involved in a variety of ways and in specific interest areas to increase their participation in industry events, learning and information opportunities, and the creation of supportive networks.

The project aims to:

• create a comfortable environment for women to feel confident to participate • network, understand, contribute and work in partnership with established rural women’s networks • build on rural women’s confidence to increase their contribution to economic, social and environmental sustainability • promote the visibility of rural women and the positioning of the RAW as an open forum for women • assist in providing and supporting education, training and leadership opportunities.

Key strategies underpinning these objectives for the project include:

• women’s luncheon forums with motivational guest speakers • irrigation farm and associated industry tours • workshop and skill training opportunities, eg small business management, public speaking, technology, farm mechanical maintenance, OH&S, crop walks, water and environmental considerations, and industry structures • sponsorship and support programs for leadership, professional and self-development opportunities, eg mentoring programs, conference attendance, leadership and company directors programs, link to and support existing strategies such as the RIRDC Rural Women of the Year award, overseas study grants, representation on regional and state networks • promotional & visibility opportunities, eg World Rural Women’s Day, media coverage, inspirational stories

• networks and information distribution, including links to other networks and a data base for information distribution.

Figure 1: Leeton SOFT Course Participants

Management

The project has been overseen by a steering committee representing the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valley geographical areas. The committee members are involved in agriculture and associated industries.

Two larger working committees have been established in the each valley to plan and develop the learning opportunities on a more localised basis. These committees are open to any interested person to become involved and contribute to the planning and implementing of the strategies.

Background Information and Evidence of Need

At the Conference held in 2002 by the Centre for Rural Social Research ‘Setting the Agenda for Rural Women: Research Directions’, a number of pertinent factors were explored. It was recognised that over the past ten to fifteen years there has been a ‘coming out’ of rural women. More women desire that their work and presence on the family farms and in their communities and industries is recognised by all levels of government, farmers, agri-business and agricultural organisations (Haslam-McKenzie 1998). There have been many barriers faced by rural women to achieve a more equitable way of participating in the decision-making arenas of rural communities.

Research by government agencies and academics has identified lack of confidence and lack of access to relevant education and training as key barriers for rural women wanting to be more involved in decision-making (Muir 2001). Alston’s study (2000) revealed that the top three strategies rural women identified as useful in assisting their participation on boards or committees were: training, confidence building and support / encouragement.

With women contributing to over 28% of total farm output, 1 billion dollars from off farm work, over 80% of total off-farm wage income, and over 42% of real farm income (RIRDC & DPIE 1998), many women have remained invisible. When considering the ‘voluntary’ component of women’s contribution to the community and industry, the contribution of women to the social, economic and

environmental sustainability of rural Australia is critical. Strategies to increase women’s visibility within various levels of community and industry must be improved.

This was also supported by a report commissioned by the RIRDC Rice Research and Development Committee (2001). A recommendation was proposed that the rice industry needed to encourage and support that participation of women in all aspects of the rice industry.

Region Demographics

The Riverina is located in southern NSW, and generally encompasses the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys. This area is home to a diverse range of agricultural production, both irrigated and dryland (see Table 1 below) and contributes significantly to Australia’s annual farm gate production1.

The Murray and Murrumbidgee Catchments are heavily dependent on the agricultural sector. Agriculture constitutes 44.4% of all business and employing 11.94% of the workforce in the Murrumbidgee Catchment. In the Murray, agriculture constitutes 48.7% of all businesses and employs 18.57% of the workforce. Irrigation is also an important part of agriculture in both valleys, representing only 4% of the catchment area in both valleys but producing 41.6% and 40.2% of the agriculture in the Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys respectively.

Commodity Murray Irrigated Murrumbidgee Irrigated Pastures and Grasses $18,176,354 47.7% $11,949,246 50.8% Crops for hay $4,413,042 24.0% $4,520,597 24.0% Cereals for Grain $400,290,169 45.9% $442,661,606 35.9% Other crops $39,316,677 58.9% $81,632,790 60.3% Vegetables $33,779,426 99.5% $51,346,361 98.1% Fruit $50,445,699 84.4% $137,929,178 92.4% Grapes $53,252,603 89.8% $69,910,602 80.0% Meat $186,222,667 3.6% $150,028,028 6.3% Livestock products $181,453,040 22.9% $150,028,028 8.8% TOTAL $967,349,677 $1,144,758,689 Table 1: Agricultural Production 1997 Source: NSW Irrigators Council

There are 11,107 farm businesses in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys. Given that many farm businesses support multiple family units, conservatively 5,000 women could be a reasonable target audience for the RAW project particularly if those employed by agriculture are included.

Partners and their contributions

The project has been developed in conjunction with the following partners.

Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC) – is an incorporated organisation coordinating and administering research and development opportunities in the Riverina. IREC’s members include Irrigated Cropping Forum, CSIRO, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation, Ricegrowers Association of Australia, Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council, Riverina Citrus, Wine Grapes Marketing Board, State Fruit Fly, NSW Agriculture, Murrumbidgee Private Diverters and the Maize Association. IREC will be responsible for the administration and management of funding received for the project and the provision of appropriate insurance.

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc (RGA) – represents rice growers in northern Victoria and the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys of NSW. RGA has provided cash and in-kind contributions. In conjunction with the other partners, RGA will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of project strategies.

1 Murray and Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Board Blueprints 3

Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council (MHC) – represents the interests of 1000 citrus, wine grape and stone fruit growers of the Murrumbidgee Valley. Members include Wine Grapes Marketing Board, Yenda Grape Growers, Hanwood Grape Growers, Leeton Grape Growers, Griffith and District Citrus Growers, Leeton and District Citrus Growers, Australian Prune Industry, and representatives from Coleambally High Security Irrigators. Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council is a member of RAW and provides in-kind contributions. In conjunction with other partners, MHC will also be responsible for development and implementing the project strategies.

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) – is an organisation coordinating and administering research & development for the rice industry and contributed seed funding. RIRDC is an active supporter of the involvement and development of women in rural industries. The RIRDC Rice R&D program has provided significant funding for the project.

Expected Outcomes

It was expected that women would develop the confidence to take the first steps towards skill development and gain sufficient confidence to endeavour to continue to increase their knowledge, skills and networks into the future. The overall objectives are:

• increased and improved knowledge and skills of women participating in the Murray Valley and Murrumbidgee region • increased and improved support networks for women • increased self confidence and participation in decision making on a range of levels - family, community and industry • increased leadership skills for women involved in the project • increased visibility and recognition of the contribution rural women have on the social, economic and environmental sustainability within the area.

The profile of the RAW program is expected to be elevated at the conclusion of the project.

The following supplementary strategies for the program were also undertaken:

• accessed funding from the business sector, sponsorship and participant’s contributions • developed a group of participants to lead the program forward with a minimum of administrative support • established internet email groups as a low cost communication tool • linking participants with existing women’s groups such as the AWiA, CWA and WINHort, which have programs that are of assistance to women.

Building Blocks

The project has evolved out of the willingness and commitment of women wanting to become more involved in and aware of the issues affecting their families, communities and industries. The project’s aims and strategies relate closely to and are in line with many of the recommendations set from the ‘Setting the Agenda for Rural Women’ Conference held in 2002. In particular:

• enhancing rural women’s contribution to economic, social and environmental sustainability • promoting the visibility of rural women • leading cultural change • supporting services for rural women • education and training.

The initial development of the project was identified from a women’s dinner held in Leeton in November 2002. It was at this forum that a greater recognition of women’s' input into industry and industry leaderships realised and a commitment to enhancing and strengthening women’s positioning in the industry was undertaken. A Steering committee was formed, and two working groups established to implement activities – the latter two groups being Women in Rice and Horticulture and Murray Valley Women’s Opportunity Forum.

Figure 2: Farming women field trip to rice farm

During the project, it became apparent that there was confusion between the RAW steering committee and the working groups. To avoid this, the working groups were re-badged as RAW Murray and RAW Murrumbidgee Valleys.

Unfortunately, a great deal of momentum was lost in the Murray Valley when the principle investigator and Chair of RAW resigned for family reasons and her replacement was time constrained. In the last six months, the NSW Department of Primary Industry’s District Agronomist based at Deniliquin has taken over the primary contact in the Murray Valley.

Activities Undertaken

One of the initial tasks of the RAW Steering Committee was to establish protocols for operation and funding activities. Hence, a number of documents were produced including:

• development of the RAW logo • development of terms of reference & agenda formats • development of sponsorship guidelines and application forms • RAW website (www.riverinaagwomen.com)

Figure 3: RAW logo

Due to limited funding, RAW Steering Committee leveraged its funds by seeking either small co- payments towards the cost of activities by participants, or co-sponsorship of activities by community organisations. This methodology has worked extremely well with funds remaining to undertake further activities over 2006.

In Deniliquin, the initial planning meeting for the Murray Valley Women’s Opportunity Forum was conducted to explore opportunities to improve women’s participation in community and industry issues. Over 30 people became involved. This was followed by a lunchtime forum at which a range of women from various backgrounds spoke on their experiences. Over 150 women participated in this event. A huge amount of interest and commitment was generated for more strategies to be organised as part of the projects’ ongoing work.

A similar information forum has been conducted in Griffith and Leeton. Events were planned to be undertaken in the Murrumbidgee Valley following the success of the Women’s Opportunity Forum. Interestingly, the women in both valleys appeared to have identified similar activity needs, eg workshops, luncheons, industry tours and so on.

Functions Funded & Organised

Activities undertaken by RAW include:

• Girl’s Gathering (in conjunction with Leeton Community Health) – Leeton • RAW Launch Luncheon – Griffith • Community Garden – Deniliquin • Hosted South Australian Apple & Pear Growers visit • Sponsored trips to other regional areas for farm women • Sponsored Five Delegates to first Australian Women in Horticulture Conference in Hobart, Tasmania • Shaping Our Future Together (SOFT) training courses – Deniliquin & Leeton • Gorgeous Daring Dames training course – Coleambally • Sponsored Delegates to Women & Leadership Regional Forum – Wagga • Sponsored Delegate to Tall Poppies Forum – Albury • Meet Our Industry Leaders Luncheon – Griffith • Sponsored delegates to attend Women and Leadership Regional Forum – Wagga • Sponsorship International Women’s Day Luncheon – Conargo • Sponsored six women to attend Women on Boards functions – Canberra & Sydney • Sponsored women to attend Women’s Gathering – Temora • Developed a database of women • Undertaken regular email advising rural women of forthcoming activities of RAW and other organisations • Support for Ag & Chat and Agricultural Women’s Groups run by local NSWDPI District Agronomist in Deniliquin, Yanco and Griffith.

Figure 4: Women on Boards participants, Canberra

During 2006 RAW will undertake a number of other activities including:

• Succession Planning Workshops for Women – Griffith & Deniliquin • Sponsor Delegates to 2006 Tall Poppies Forum – Adelaide • Corporate governance courses to improve the governance skills of rural women in executive positions for various community organisations.

At recent activities, women has expressed interest in pursuing a number of other options, including safe preparation and service of food and further luncheons to listen to inspirational women.

Participants at each activity were asked to complete feedback forms and suggestions for improvement to RAW. These were used as the basis for development of further activities.

Outcomes

The Steering Committee has endeavoured to fund a wide range of opportunities for rural women to network and learn. We have received very positive and encouraging feedback from all functions held (see Box 1 on following page).

The Girl’s Gathering attracted a large number of women and was addressed by Barbara Scott, 1997 Rural Woman of the Year on “Thinking outside the square”, and Frances Spora speaking on Family Communication in Changing Times. Other speakers included John Dean from Greater Murray Health Services who addressed the gathering on the sensitive subject of “taming the black dog”. Information was also provided by NSW Rural Assistance Authority, NSW Agriculture and Centrelink.

The RAW Launch Luncheon held in Griffith was addressed by The Hon. Senator Judith Troeth and attracted women from Griffith, Leeton, Coleambally and Hay.

The Shaping our Futures Together training courses were facilitated by NSW DPI Rural Women’s Network. These courses were very well received and most helpful to the women who attended.

The Gorgeous Daring Dames Workshop was an opportunity for women to build their influencing skills so that they can effectively take leadership roles in their community. This workshop was facilitated by Dr Ann Villiers following the success of her "Gorgeous Daring Dames" book. Many of

the women who attended were very shy and diffident about their abilities; but by the end of the day they had grown in confidence. The feedback was extremely positive.

Box 1: Feedback responses

"If she can, I can!!"

"At long last, a wonderful forum for rural women. A superb day - great speakers - inspirational!!! Keep it up - so much more will come of it."

"More of these informal informative gatherings would be beneficial socially and constructive to all the women on the land".

"Days such as today are a great networking opportunity and this carries through to provide a much better environment on the home front.”

"We had a laugh, a tear and plenty of inspiration for the future! It makes you proud to be not only a woman, but to be living in a rural setting with young children and limited opportunities to get to a forum such as this - thank you."

"Today has been a great learning experience; it has shown us that we can leave our little box on the farm to experience new & different things"

"I hope this can become an annual event as we've only scratched the surface." "It's great to expose new paths of learning and growth as we need new ideas at various phases of our lives".

"This experience MUST be repeated."

"Wow, Wow, Wow. What a wonderful day, very inspirational. Can't wait to see & hear what will happen next year!"

A number of rural women were sponsored to attend the Women & Leadership Regional Forum run at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. There is an increasing awareness among leadership experts that the more feminine traits of collaboration, inclusiveness and nurturing are vital to outstanding leadership in modern business and community life. The Women & Leadership Forum explored how we can embrace our innate leadership styles for greater contentment and success in all aspects of our lives. Feedback indicated that this Forum was “highly interactive, interesting and inspiring”.

Five delegates were assisted to attend the first Australian Women in Horticulture Conference in Hobart. One delegate attended the second conference, called Tall Poppies, in Albury and it is hoped to send a delegation to the third conference to be held in Hahndorf, SA in June 2006. Whilst the major sponsor of this Conference is HAL and is hosted by WinHort, a number of agrifood producers attended. The 2005 Conference in Albury coincided with World Rural Women’s Day and was attended by 35 Irish women farmers, which provided a wonderful opportunity to network and share experiences with women in another country. It was amazing how similar the problems concerning rural women were in Australia and Ireland. Robyn Moore addressed the conference on “Recognising the Tall Poppy Within”, which proved very inspirational. A number of very good training sessions were held and these were very helpful.

Figure 5: Workshop participants, Deniliquin

A “Meet the Industry Leaders” luncheon was held in Griffith in October 2005 featured addresses from the rice and horticulture industries, and participants had the opportunity to hear about the major irrigation industries in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys. The women present took the opportunity to ask many questions about their industries and was judged a great success.

Sponsorship was provided to the International Women’s Day luncheon run at Conargo in March 2006 attended by 74 women. A diverse group of speakers from the Conargo community delivered stories of achievement and inspiration. They made women in attendance feel proud, inspired, encouraged, welcomed and definitely not alone. Given the current climate within many rural communities, this experience was uplifting and was delivered at time where many benefited. A tribute was made to a local hero Mary Loy. Mary captained the Australian Women’s Cricket team during the 1940’s and has played an exceptional role in the development and support for children within her local community.

Figure 6: Celebrating International Women’s Day at Conargo

RAW has also supported the work of the local NSW DPI District Agronomists in running groups specifically to encourage and educate women about the practical end of farming and are proving very valuable to those women who attend.

Succession planning has been identified as a very important but problematic issue for rural women and RAW is currently organising workshops in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys.

Achievements of RAW

Whilst RAW has been successful in promoting networks, building confidence and skill development on a regional level, these activities have encouraged a number of local women to take up higher levels of skill improvement and broader industry representations:

• Board appointments – four women to six individual boards • Women on Boards Training – seven participants • Australian Women in Horticulture Conferences – six participants • Murray-Darling Basin Leadership Program – two participants • Australian Rural Leadership Program – one participant • Rural Women’s Gathering – three participants • Company Director’s Course – one participant

Constraints to Participation

With the failure of the two working groups, the RAW Steering Group was landed with all the tasks of undertaking activities from planning through to completion. The participation of other rural women was severely constrained by the worst drought in 100 years being experienced by both valleys. This resulted in a reduction in discretionary spending by rural women and a withdrawal of activities that were not related to farming or family activities.

This was further exacerbated by limited participation by those women who worked or who were responsible for small children. These groups were time and resource constrained and whose activities were limited by commitments to school buses and lack of childcare. These constraints have been identified in previous work by Grace (1997).

Figure 7: Industry tours provide networking opportunities

In an effort to alleviate some of these issues, activities were undertaken during school times and completed with sufficient time for women to meet school bus timetables. In addition, childcare facilities were provided where necessary and prudent, but legal implications were involved with the provision of childcare, both in terms of facilities and appropriately qualified personnel. 10

The other main problem that was identified was a culture surrounding particularly horticultural women in the Griffith and Leeton areas, where participation in further skills development and industry participation is not highly encouraged. This may be a symptom of the high cultural diversity of the region.

Generally, women were happy to participate in activities, providing the cost was minimal, that the time suited their busy schedules and if someone else had organised it. The general comments from participants in activities was always positive and feedback constructive.

The networks developed as a result of the RAW project has ensured that the women remain in contact. Of note is the enjoyment of mixing with women from different parts of each valley and in some cases between the two valleys. This has been an extremely positive outcome, with women keen to meet other women.

Conclusion

The objective of the project was to improve the opportunities for rural women to develop networks and to enhance their skill development with a longer term objective of perhaps encouraging rural women to participate more actively in their farm, family, community and industry.

Despite some constraints to higher uptake of participation at particularly an industry level, those who did undertake activities organised and or funded by RAW enjoyed the experience and were willing to develop further within their family and community levels.

RAW will be undertaking further activities over 2006 based on the feedback and suggestion of activity participants with the aim of maximising the leverage of funds via strategic partnerships.

Overall, industry leaders were encouraging of the project and the participation of women at higher levels of industry and were consequently generous with their time to attend various functions.

Over the coming year, it is hoped that by exposing rural women to opportunities under the RAW project, women will individually acknowledge that they are indeed capable of aspiring to individual, community and industry leadership. This is summed up by the feedback of one woman:

“We are only limited by what we believe!”

Reference List

Alston, M. 2000, Breaking through the Grass Ceiling: Women, Power and Leadership in Agricultural Organisations, Harwood Academic Publishers, Amsterdam.

Grace, M. 1997, Networking Systems for Rural Women, RIRDC Publication No 97/4.

Haslam-McKenzie, F. 1998, Farm Women and the 'F' Word, Australian Women Towards 2000 Conference, Centre For Rural Social Research, Charles Sturt University: Wagga Wagga NSW.

Muir, S. 2001 Rural Women's Network NSW Agriculture.

RIRDC & DPIE 1998, Missed Opportunities - Harnessing The Potential of Women in Australian Agriculture, vol 1, Social Survey and Analysis, Canberra, Commonwealth of Australia.

RIRDC 2001, Building Capacity for Change: a report of a review of the extension services of the rice industry, RIRDC Rice Research & Development Committee, Barton, ACT.

RIRDC 2005, Rewarding Australia’s Outstanding Rural Women, Shaping The Future, No 46, April 2005, RIRDC, Canberra.

Troeth, J. 2004, Perspective of women vital to rural economies, media release, 25 March 2004.