‘Rural Women Connect’ is a new project co-ordinated by the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network, which is technologically linking women from across the state, giving them a voice and opportunities to make a difference.
Rural Women Connect links participants via phone and computer technology – a technology channel increasingly known as the ’cloud’ – in interactive sessions.
By using webinars, the 24 women scattered across NSW are overcoming the barrier of distance and will link every few months as part of this new initiative.
“All the women involved responded to our public promotion campaign during October and November 2012 and are keen to progress issues and continually improve Rural Women’s Network services,” Rural Women’s Network project co-ordinator Allison Priest said.
“It is exciting that so many women from across NSW were keen to be involved and be a voice for other women in their region.
“Within the Hastings region, rural women are ably represented by Pix Jonasson, owner Success Dynamics Group, an educational, motivational, training and consulting business.
“Ms Jonasson has 20 years marketing, communications, event management and speaking experience, working in both the public service field and private enterprise.”
“Technology will allow rural women to share ideas and improve the government’s understanding of our needs and how best to work together without having to leave our homes, farms or families,” the group’s recently appointed chairwoman Nerida Cullen said.
“We held our first webinar in February and I am confident we can grow our knowledge about what is happening beyond our backyards and learn much from each other.
The Rural Women’s Network (RWN) is a state-wide government program and works in innovative ways to share information and promote action on rural women’s issues, often in partnership with individuals, groups and non-government and government agencies and has been behind successful projects such as the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Hidden Treasures, of which Ms Jonasson was announced recently.
Rural Women Connect participants are dedicated to connecting and exchanging information with women in rural, regional and remote communities so feel free to contact them with your ideas on how to address issues of concern.
You can also contact the Rural Women’s Network direct on 02 6391 3620, rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au or see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/rwn
