THE COVID-19 pandemic may have prevented people from coming together but a virtual conference is hoping to buck the trend for rural women.
Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) had to cancel its annual conference in Tasmania earlier this year, but the organisation is doubling down on its commitment to help women influence the industry's agenda by hosting an online conference on November 6.
Featuring a star-studded line-up of guest speakers including National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson, Sober in the Country founder Shanna Whan and University of New England associate professor Skye Saunders, the one-day conference will cover a variety of topics.
Supported by AgriFutures Australia and Gro Events Group the speakers will focus on informing members on some of the big issues facing women in agriculture, such as climate change, agricultural research and workplace conditions.
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AWiA President Natalie Sommerville said the bringing the conference online had the potential to change the way women rural women could engage nation wide.
"We are absolutely thrilled to bring the 2021 online conference to women in agriculture from all over the country," Ms Sommerville said.
"Our members are extensive ranging from Tasmania in the south to the Top End of the Northern Territory.
"This conference is an amazing opportunity to connect with other likeminded women from around this country.
"We are employing the innovative platform Hopin, to host this conference and think delegates are going to be blown away! It's not going to be just another zoom session."
As discussions surrounding a net zero by 2050 goal looms, as well as a bumper harvest and COVID-19 enforced labour shortage, Ms Sommerville said the virtual conference was timely for members as every keynote speaker would give members plenty of take-home messages.
"Our line-up of amazing influential speakers has been chosen with Australian rural women in mind and those connected to Agriculture and natural resources more generally," she said.
"Every speaker will provide relevant key take home messages and actions we can implement or consider in our personal and professional lives."
The virtual conference will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 6, new and existing members will receive a complimentary ticket.
For more information, visit: www.awiaconference.com.au
Full list of speakers:
- Fiona Simson (National Farmers Federation)
- Katrina Myers (Barham Avocados)
- Associate professor Skye Saunders (University of New England)
- Karin Stark (Renewables in Ag Conference)
- Suzanne Thompson (Yambangku Aboriginal Culture Heritage & Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation YACHATDAC)
- Keli McDonald (National Rural Women's Coalition)
- Sonia Peterson (Barefoot FarmHer)
- Shanna Whan (Sober In The Country)
- Skye Douglass (HighBrit Beef)
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
