Rural Women’s Gathering torch passed to Lismore

LISMORE has been announced as the host of the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering following a symbolic torch-passing ceremony during this year’s event in Harden Murrumburrah, NSW.

Lismore City Council representatives Tina Irish and Karen Hirst, along with Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, accepted the honor at the ceremony, which marked the transition of the event to the Northern Rivers for next year.

Minister Harrison said the Gathering plays a vital role in connecting women to services and opportunities that build personal and business resilience.

“It allows us to promote action on rural women’s issues and ultimately strengthen communities across NSW,” Harrison said.

“After 31 years, the Gathering continues to be a key event on the NSW Rural Women’s Network calendar, enabling women from regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to connect, learn and celebrate.

“Each year, there’s a range of diverse speakers and workshops, all of whom bring something new and inspiring to share – and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lismore in 2025,” she said.

The $30k state government initiative aims to support women and girls across regional and rural NSW to build new connections and learn new skills to ensure they can reach their full potential and thrive.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the government was committed to empowering women and girls across regional, rural and remote NSW to have full access to opportunities.

“We recognise that women in regional NSW experience unique challenges living in remote locations. We also know women in these communities are doing extraordinary things,” Moriarty said.

“The Gathering provides a great opportunity to share their experiences and, in turn, help other women to better support their communities.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Gathering was good news given the great women in the community.

“The Rural Women’s Gathering is a great opportunity to network and having it in Lismore means it’s easier for local women to take part,” Saffin said.

“This is recognition that there’s a whole lot of women’s leadership here, particularly from our rural women. They’re in everything, from the CWA to the SES, to the RFS, to Zonta, we’ve got the lot.”