World Rural Women's Day was established by the United Nations to recognise the critical role and contribution rural women make to enhance agricultural and rural development, improve food security and eradicate rural poverty.
On Monday 15 October 2018, a group of local women celebrated the International Day of Rural Women in the beautiful Otway Ranges with a networking lunch and farm visit.
Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Karen O’Keefe, facilitates the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network, who hosted the day.
“The Corangamite Rural Women’s Network began hosting events in 2015, and has since had over local 250 women participate in workshops and field days.
There are many remarkable women who play key roles in our local rural community. This event was a great opportunity for local women to enjoy a day out with others to meet new people, share stories and learn a few new things,” she said.
The day began at Platypi Chocolate in Forrest, where business owner Mandy Bishop shared some of her experiences and learnings about establishing the artisan cafe and boutique chocolate-making business.
Participants then visited Tanybryn Park Limousin stud farm, where they heard from owner Helen Masters about creating high quality beef in the magnificent rainforest country in the heart of the Otway’s.
Helen is a member of the Otway Coast Regenerative Farmers, a group of producers in the Otway Coast region who are committed to regenerative farming practices, and providing high quality meat and produce to the local community. Helen, along with group facilitator Libby Riches and members Ros Denney and Katrina Dance; discussed how they are focused on and working towards creating the highest quality produce in a sustainable way that regenerates the land.
Following the farm visit, the event concluded with a casual networking lunch at the Terminus Hotel in Forrest.
The Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator is supported through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
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