THE desire for Moree locals to get out and about was on full display when tickets for GRO Events latest function went on sale earlier this month.
A long lunch to mark International Women's Day on March 6, the event sold out only 30 minutes after being offered to the public.
GRO Events director Dimity Smith said the event's popularity was evidence of the growing desire for rural women to connect and socialise.
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"I honestly couldn't believe how quickly all the tickets went," Ms Smith said.
"We had set a goal to hopefully sell 30 tickets on the opening day but within the first hour all of the tickets were gone.
"Luckily we were able to add a few more places but they went just as quickly and before I could really absorb it, all 140 tickets were sold.
"I think it just goes to show how eager women, particularly in this region, are to get out and connect with other people."
The event at the Moree Town and Country Club will be the first major gathering hosted by the rural networking company since before the COVID-19 pandemic begun.
"The pandemic certainly isolated people a lot more and deprived them of a lot of regular social gatherings," Ms Smith said.
"That's why I think this event was so highly anticipated.
"We haven't been able to hold a large-scale event since last year's International Women's Day before the pandemic began, so we are really looking forward to it."
As well as a long-lunch, the event will allow guests from as far away as Scone, Tamworth and Inverell to hear from guest speaker Liza Ratliff.
"Liza is originally from Barraba and is the head of podcasts for Mamamia Australia as well as the executive producer of Mia Freedman's award-winning No Filter podcast," Ms Smith said.
"It's honestly so exciting to have someone as passionate and as talented as Liza sharing her experiences with us.
"As well as hearing from Liza, she will also be doing an 'in conversation' interview with Mia Freedman via Zoom, which I'm sure will be a real treat for everyone."
Ms Smith said she was hopeful of hosting more events throughout the year.
"Hopefully the COVID-19 pandemic can let a few more events like this go ahead," she said.
"I think the popularity of this event goes to show the need for more social events, so hopefully we can come together again through the year."
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