WOMEN from across the Northern Gulf Region gathered in Mt Surprise on the 29-30th April to make new connections and catch up with old friends.
A crowd of 60 women, children, presenters and stall holders shared and exchanged ideas, thoughts and experiences.
Participants were able to participate in some hands on activities including pasture identification and using the new stocktake app, mosaic pavers and belly dancing. Using social media to promote the grazing industry and individual businesses and to connect with others in similar situations and roles was a theme woven throughout the event, with speakers Catherine Marriot from Influential Women and Michelle Dale from Digital Enterprise Program highlighting some of the opportunities.
Trade displays were on hand to provide information and an opportunity for one on one consultation. Women were able to have an input into the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group regional plan, have their blood pressure taken and talk general health with the Savannah Regional Health team, consult with an RFDS counsellor, find out about the latest opportunities in solar power alternatives with Regional Development Australia, get information on breeding cattle at the Future Beef tent and shop for a new kitchen or pick up a sample bag in the Bunnings tent.
While all this was happening the children were supervised by sitters4kids and were able to meet up with others from remote properties and play water balloon games, mini putt putt and build bird houses.
Rural Industries Resource and Development Corporation Dinner was held on Tuesday evening with inspirational guest speakers’ rural women Catherine Marriott, Lyn French and Terressa Ford, who spoke of their leadership journeys and their hopes for women of the region. The workshop has been made possible through funding from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
A similar one day event is planned for October to celebrate International Rural Women’s Day near Mareeba. For more information contact Erica Blumson, Northern Gulf Resource Management Group phone 07 40 921 088, Mobile 0488 499 266, Email education@northerngulf.com.au