CWFS Project Manager, Diana Fear, recently attended the National Rural Women’s Coalition Rural Women’s Muster in Canberra (11-14 Feb 2018) on the theme of Strengthening Community through women’s leadership.
As one of 14 women chosen from over 100 candidates Australia-wide, Diana participated in leadership development over three intensive days. Participants shared methods, tools and leadership best practices while building friendships and collaborations.
Each participant discussed their leadership projects and will aim to put the knowledge, skills and experience gained at the Muster to purposeful use in their community and beyond.
Diana talked about the current CWFS AgMarketing Project that aims to increase knowledge and confidence of on-farm decision makers in agricultural commodity marketing. This initiative is funded by Farming Together in partnership with NSW DPI International Engagement and RDA Central West. The project consists of a series of workshops with industry experts and mentors providing advice in all areas of commodity marketing such as grain, livestock and wool. It focuses on upskilling rural women in this initial stage as they are often a great untapped resource in farm businesses.
While in Canberra participants met and heard from a wide range of female leaders including founder of the Disability Leadership Institute Christina Ryan, leading expert in Public Sector and Institutional Reform in Developing Countries and one of Australia’s 100 inaugural Women of Influence Professor Shirley Randell and National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.
A full day spent in Parliament House included behind the scenes visits and a chance to meet and speak about individual projects to Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins and various parliamentarians including Assistant Minister for the Environment Melissa Price MP, Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Sport, Rural Health & Regional Communications Senator Bridget McKenzie, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP, Member for Indi Cathy McGowan AO MP, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women & Minister for Revenue & Financial Services Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek MP, local Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton MP as well as briefly meeting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The National Rural Women’s Coalition is a collaborative voice for women living in rural, remote and regional Australia and is the peak organisation of five powerful women’s organisations – Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Australian Women in Agriculture, Country Women’s Association of Australia, National Rural Health Alliance and Women in the Seafood Network Community.
Diana would like to thank the NRWC for this opportunity and also the wonderful women in the group.
Diana is keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in learning more about the CWFS AgMarketing Project or other CWFS projects. Please contact her on 0427 897 530 or cwfs@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
For more information contact:
Diana Fear
E: cwfs@dpi.nsw.gov.au M: 0427 897 530
Group photo of attendees of the Rural Women’s Muster and Diana Fear (CWFS) with Mark Coulton MP, Federal Member for the Electorate of Parkes.