Stories of Impact
From Career Crossroads to Farming with Purpose
After graduating from university not once, but twice (with two teaching degrees), Rachael McInerney only ever had her mind set on a career which would see her guide and develop the minds of her young students.
Fast-forward a few years, and yes, she’s still teaching the kids in her hometown of Riverton, but she’s also forged her own path as a new farm business leader in South Australia’s Mid-North.
Embracing Challenge and Change
After working in retail for most of her life, Shannon Pearson never imagined she’d become a fulltime dairy farmer. It was a transition that started off small. At first, she helped her mother-in-law with the business bookwork. Then there was a season helping out with calving on the property near Mt Gambier in SA’s South East. The more she did, the more she realised she enjoyed farm life. The only thing holding her back from taking on more was a lack of confidence in her skills. Now, thanks to WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership Program, Shannon has found the confidence and a network of supportive connections which led her to embrace fulltime farming.
Taking the ram by the horns
When 25-year-old Ellen Arney stepped into the role of Farm Manager of her family’s sheep stud, she knew there was going to be a steep learning curve ahead. Whilst some may consider her young to be managing a farm business, Ellen has a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for sheep breeding and together with a love of farming, she was ready to take the ram by the horns.
From Fleurieu to finalist
The Fleurieu Peninsula’s Susie Williams was recently in the limelight as a finalist of the 2024 AgriFutures SA Rural Women’s Award. As an alumnus of WoTL’s Stepping into Leadership Program, Susie’s networks and connections to rural women has strengthened incredibly.
Leading the change
For Leanne Pridham, it was not having a business card to put into a bowl at an event that made her realise the value of her role within the family farming business. This one seemingly trivial detail turned out to be a pivotal moment, creating awareness that Leanne was underestimating her value.
Finding validation through connection
Women in rural areas are often the glue holding families, businesses and community together particularly during times of crisis or disruption. In 2023, WoTL offered the Regenerate Rural Women Program for the first time. This is the story of two rural women, Kerry Bammann and Abbi Dahlitz.