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22.01.2022 NRWC President Leonie Noble spent 6 months a year living very remotely when her children were small - home schooling is something she knows about so is sharing some free educational websites for those looking for some inspiration.

18.01.2022 'This is the story of the Australian Women’s Land Army (1942-1945). It is a story about a cohort of women who dedicated their time, resources and energy to supp...orting Australia through a wartime shortage in food, agriculture and physical labour. Except for some memoirs, biographies and brief mentions, this important story remains largely untold... The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) provided a critical service, which was recognised by farmers to politicians (and many in between) throughout the Second World War. Yet such recognition has waned considerably since the war. The AWLA has had to contend for acknowledgement, and it was not until 1981 that they were granted acceptance to march on Anzac Day. Furthermore, historical works about the contribution of women to wartime food production are considerably wanting compared to research about the widely acknowledged men’s services. Yet, the AWLA provided an essential contribution to food production across Australia during the war. Australia’s domestic war effort included everyday services from communication to mining and agriculture, as well as more active efforts involving the Australian Defence Forces, to which both men and women contributed. War brought major disruption to agriculture and food supplies in Europe and Britain as well as in Australia. The possibility of a post-war famine in Britain and Europe was a significant concern. In Australia, discussions about increasing supply for Europe and Britain were tempered with concerns about Australia’s concurrent drought. NSW’s Governor Wakehurst contended that Australia must step up and increase her supplies in all areas of agricultural production. NSW’s Premier Mair echoed Wakehurst, urging Australia to resourcefully meet the British Empire’s food crisis. The AWLA was a centralised ‘land army’ with ranks and uniformed women dressed similarly to the way members of a defence army would be dressed. The Land Army actively recruited members and, even though the choice to serve was voluntary, all labour was paid. Once volunteering, the women were required to serve in full time roles for a minimum of one full year and be willing to go to any part of Australia where the Land Army required them. In launching their service, the AWLA and its auxiliary services faced several challenges relating to transport, medical needs, clothing and a range of other obstacles; but the most difficult obstacle involved biases against female labour. Yet, despite this bias, women’s organisations worked hard to persuade their opponents that they would deliver a valuable contribution to food production and to relieving the manpower shortage. Documents provide clear evidence that both farmers and local politicians had enough confidence in the Women’s Land Army that they continued to employ these women and pay them out of their own profits. They publicly petitioned for military honours and medals to be given to AWLA members (and those of the AWLA auxiliaries), together with those soldiers who won combat medals. Regrettably, no such awards were granted until 2012; and, as mentioned above, it was not until 1981 that AWLA members were accepted to participate in Anzac Day events. Acknowledgement in historical research is still scarce when compared with the acknowledgement bestowed upon male war efforts. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a commemorative artwork celebrated the contribution of the AWLA, yet this fades in significance against other relevant contributions. Finally, in 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard invited women from the AWLA to attend a dinner at Parliament House in Canberra, where Ms. Gillard gave a speech, certificates and brooches to acknowledge and thank these women for all they gave for their country. In her speech, the Prime Minister said: "You went to take up the work of the men who had left for the front. Some of them were your fathers, brothers, or even sons. In doing so, you brought victory closer, just as if you had picked up a rifle yourself. Now I know a thing or two about working in a traditionally male domain. But the life I've been privileged to lead is only possible because women of courage like you were there first; in the tough years, the desperate years, when the nation faced its ultimate test. You helped Australia pass that test. And today - here in the nation's heart - we thank you. I know it's been a long time coming, these words of thanks Ladies, each of you will return home with these certificates graciously signed by the Governor-General, and with booklets created by the Australian War Memorial and, above all, with a commemorative brooch to wear. I know you will wear those brooches with a great deal of pride. And I really hope, I genuinely hope they prompt younger Australians to ask you what they mean, because you'll be able to tell them. You'll be able to say ‘I answered the nation's call. I stood up to be counted when Australia needed help the most.' And a new generation will learn of the remarkable things you did and the remarkable women you are. So today, on behalf of all Australians, I thank you for your generosity and your service. The Australian Women's Land Army has achieved a lasting place of honour in the history of our nation. May it be celebrated - truly celebrated - for many years to come." ' Story by Heather Gartshore via the Invisible Farmer Project blog archive: https://invisiblefarmer.net.au//shining-a-light-on-the-aus Images courtesy State Library Victoria Australian Women in Agriculture National Farmers' Federation ABC Rural Victorian Rural Women's Network Graziher History Trust of South Australia Rural Women's Network The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. - CWA Melbourne Farmers Markets Art4Agriculture AP AgWomen Global RRR -The Rural, Regional, Remote Women's Network of Western Australia

17.01.2022 Looking after our well-being is even more important right now. Cynthia Mahoney has team up with the City of Greater Bendigo to deliver a free on-line version of my Well-being vacation workshop for women

08.01.2022 Got a story to share with other #rrrwomen? Send your 1-2 minute video or 350 written piece & photo to [email protected] See our guidelines for more info. #rurallife #ruralstory #ruralwomen #covid_19 #familylife #homeschool #stayhome #stayhealthy

05.01.2022 ABC will extend its educational programming on ABC ME to support students and caregivers at home, from 10am to 3pm each weekday during Term 2. The expanded sche...dule moves from blocks of primary school content in the mornings through to secondary school content in the afternoons: https://ab.co/2wUIjMS See more

05.01.2022 Fantastic initiative by Cynthia Mahoney and Louise Thompson this week featuring the fabulous Di Bowles. Great way to connect with other rural women while socially isolating & get some inspiration

04.01.2022 With the continuing uncertainty around the lifting of COVID19 restrictions the committee have decided to further postpone the gathering. Its now scheduled for the 13-15th November. This is a great weekend to bring your partner to the region as the National Swap Meet will be happening in Bendigo http://www.bendigoswap.com.au/ Bendigo Tourism will be in touch with updated ticketing but if this weekend doesn't work for you please contact them directly to organise a refund. 1800 813 153 / [email protected] We appreciate your understanding, your health and safety as well as that of our volunteers and Inglewood community is our top priority

04.01.2022 Applications for the 2020 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program have been extended until 5pm EAST Monday 13 April, 2020. The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP) mentoring opportunity is designed for aspiring female leaders, 25 years and over, with a passion for agriculture. https://nff.org.au/pro/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/

02.01.2022 The sign on the business door may say closed but the Inglewood Emporium is still trading online! Maybe sitting at home has got you reminiscing? From tins and bo...oks through to fashion there is something to meet all interests. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Got something of interest on your mind? Send them a message or give them a call on 03 5438 3287 and they will help you out. Postage and EFTPOS available. Inglewood Emporium - Vintage Collectables #UnearthLoddonValley #ShopOnline #ShopLocal

02.01.2022 Missed Cynthia Mahoney and Associates Wellbeing Wednesday? Catch up here

01.01.2022 The National Centre for Farmer Health is seeking Victorian primary producers (owners, managers, workers and those training to enter the primary production workf...orce) and industry representatives from across a wide range of sectors (including fishing, cropping, dairy, meat and livestock, wool, vineyards, beekeeping, horticulture, forestry and eggs) to join our Primary Producer Knowledge Network (PPKN) Advisory Group. The role of the Advisory Group is to provide strategic advice for the development and progress of the PPKN. If you have a passion for improving workplace mental health and productivity, and experience and networks in Victoria’s primary production sector we’d love to hear from you. Applications closing Wednesday 29th April, 2020. Read more about the project & apply: https://www.farmerhealth.org.au//primary-producer-knowledg