Local rural women connect at inaugural forum

Over 100 local women were inspired to learn, share and connect with each other at the inaugural Corangamite Rural Women’s Forum on Friday 15 March at the heritage listed Barwon Park Mansion in Winchelsea.

The day was hosted by the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network and featured presentations by local women, a discussion panel, networking lunch, afternoon high tea and a mansion tour.

Karen O’Keefe, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator at Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, facilitates the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network which was formed in 2014 to bring rural women from a range of backgrounds together to enhance community resilience.

“Since we began hosting events in 2015, over 200 local women have participated in workshops and field days.”

“This year we decided to run an all-day forum to showcase the remarkable women in our local rural community. Speakers shared their personal story on a wide range of topics, including ethical farming, influencing social change, inspiring refugee stories and health and wellbeing.”

A free bus transported attendees from Timboon, Simpson, Cobden, Camperdown and Colac. The bus was generously supported by Look Over the Farm Gate and the Simpson and District Community Centre.

The forum was supported by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the Victorian Landcare program and the Look Over the Farm Gate community grants program.