RURAL WOMEN UNITE TO DRIVE FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE

More than 40 rural women gathered at the historic Barwon Park Mansion in Winchelsea on 16 October to celebrate International Day of Rural Women and explore pathways to leadership in agriculture and natural resource management.

They were attending a Corangamite Rural Women’s Network event, headlined by an inspiring lineup of speakers who shared their experiences on agricultural boards and in leadership roles, offering practical strategies and encouragement for women aspiring to lead.

Despite women making up approximately 31% of Australia’s agricultural workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership – holding only 19% of board positions and just 2% of CEO or equivalent roles, according to 2024 Workplace Gender Equality Agency data.

“There is so much potential within the agricultural sector for female leaders, and we want to empower women in the Corangamite region with skills, networks and confidence to put themselves forward for boards and leadership positions,” said Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator and event organiser, Karen O’Keefe.

Facilitated by Cath Jenkins, Director of Southern Rural Water and former Chair of Corangamite CMA, the event featured influential voices including:

• Alana Johnson – Founding member of Australian Women in Agriculture and former President of the Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women
• Jo Plummer - Chair of the Country Fire Authority and former Chair of Barwon Water
• Andrea Mason – Vice Chair of Global Landcare and Community Bank Buninyong Board member

Key themes of the day included empowering women to lead with purpose, clarify their value proposition, cultivate networks, and apply for positions that align with their values.

Among the attendees were newly appointed Corangamite CMA Board members Louisa-Jane Cunningham, Angela Higgins and Andrea Montgomery who are all members of the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network.

The day included an interactive panel discussion and Q&A, networking lunch, and a tour of Barwon Park Mansion, where guests learnt about the home’s former owner Elizabeth Austin - a pioneering female leader who founded the Austin Hospital, the Austin Homes for Women in South Geelong and numerous charitable institutions. 

Formed in 2015, the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network brings together rural women from diverse backgrounds to strengthen networks and build community resilience. The network is facilitated by Corangamite CMA’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Karen O’Keefe. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.