Enabling women involved in the production of rice or cotton to network with likeminded women and share their experiences and knowledge was the format behind the recent Food and Fibre with Flair event in Griffith.
Facilitated by Rice Extension, Wincott and AgriFutures Australia, the cross-industry collaboration is firmly established on the success of previous partnerships.
Chair of Wincott, Sally Dickinson said these cooperative events are a wonderful example of women with a passion for agricultural production are working together to produce improved outcomes and results.
“Wincott isn’t just about women in cotton … we aim to provide a platform to support all women in the rural communities of cotton growing areas,” Ms Dickenson said.
The platform, as formed is certainly an attractive method of filling the needs of rural women, with 70 in attendance representing the local rice and cotton industry from across the Riverina.
AgriFutures Australia communications manager Samantha Munro noted the event highlighted how much the rice and cotton industries have in common and more events to get the two industries talking is important for the region, especially as they tackle common issues such as water allocations.
“It was a valuable networking opportunity and chance for women to learn new skills to take back into their businesses,” she said.
“Liz Stott provided an update on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and as the supply of water is a common thread across both industries and it was an important conversation to keep the community informed.”
Ben Foley from Workplace Assured addressed the gathering on workplace relations and then stimulated thought with his workplace relations quiz which recognised lots of great insights for employers to think about when hiring new staff.
Mr Foley’s address was followed by a Q&A session with Kate O’Callaghan, General Manager Southern Cotton about their experiences with managing compliance in the workplace resonated with the group.
The outstanding message to come out of that session was ‘Businesses can’t afford to bury their head in the sand, everyone involved in the business should have an understanding of workplace relations’.
To round out an informative period, Robbie Sefton, director Sefton and Associates, Tamworth finished with an inspiring talk about her journey as a woman in agriculture and an exercise with the group on what makes a great leader.
Ms Sefton’s advice for the women was to get out there and have a go, leadership is critical and we need to have a united voice in agriculture in order to be powerful.
“My country background has given me permission to be whoever I want to be – I feel privileged to do what I do,” Ms Sefton said.
Related: Communication is critical
