Rural Women Celebrated at WoTL & AgriFutures Lunch

On November 8th, WoTL and AgriFutures hosted a “Celebrating Rural Women’s Lunch” for the Stepping Into Leadership (SiL) and South Australian Rural Women’s Award (RWA) Alumni. This vibrant day brought women from across the ag industry together to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and reflect on the diverse and impactful contributions of rural women in agriculture.

The event featured inspiring guest speakers, including the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner and Finalists—Nikki Atkinson, Susie Williams, and Suzi Evans—who shared their journeys and visions for the future. Talitha Stoeckel captured the day’s energy, saying, “It was a great event to meet other WoTL and RWA Alumni and hear about the diverse range of roles and contributions from women to the Ag industry. It was motivational to hear about the successes and future visions of the recent Rural Women’s Award finalists—they truly are inspirational women.”

For Lyndsey Jackson, the event was a meaningful reminder of the commitment rural women and women connected to agriculture bring to their communities. “It is always a pleasure to be able to meet at events. Each time it’s a reminder of how talented and committed rural women are to their businesses and communities.

“Connection and the collaboration and sharing that comes from these events is necessary and vital to strengthening regions we care about.” 

First-time attendee Fiona Tomney said it best: “Thank you for organising such a fabulous day. It was my first alumni event, and it certainly won’t be my last. It was a bit like being invited to hang out with the cool older girls, but then discovering that those girls were actually friendly & kind, & really did want your company. A networking event that instead of being scary, was fun & cup-filling. I never imagined that I’d be invited to, let alone attend, events like this, however once I was there I never felt like an imposter.”