Annual Rural Women’s Gathering in Lismore

LISMORE City council has opened registrations for the annual Rural Women’s Gathering on Saturday, October 25.

Held in conjunction with the Rural Women’s Network, this year’s theme is Connect to the Heart, which encourages women from across regional, rural and remote NSW to gather to connect and learn.

The Gathering will showcase a diverse program of inspirational talks, entertainment, writing and AI workshops, music, arts, local businesses, catering, and community vendors.

Shanna Whann, founder and CEO of Sober in the Country and the 2022 Australian Local Hero, will be the keynote speaker.

She is joined by actor, author, podcaster, and partner of Safe on Social, Madeleine West.

Therapist, advocate, and CEO of The Prana Project, Lissie Turner, will speak and hold Master of Ceremony duties.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the Gathering had a great history.

“Each year brings something different, and I am excited to meet talented and exceptional women from across the state, embodying the essence of each of their country towns,” Harrison said.

For over 30 years, the Rural Women’s Gathering has been held annually in different regional and rural towns in the state presenting an opportunity for the host town to showcase the strength of its community, region, culture, talent, and attractions.

A full weekend of activities from October 24 to 26 will help boost the local tourism economy, which is still recovering from recent severe weather events.

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said she was glad to have the privilege of welcoming so many wonderful women to the Lismore community.

“I want to thank Lismore council for the contribution they’ve made,” Saffin said.

“It’s great that we get to host so many fantastic people from all around the state.”

Keynote speaker Shanna Whann said she was humbled to be invited back to the region.

“Most won’t know this, but Lismore and its surroundings were home to me in another life and hold some good memories,” Whann said.

“My goal, as always, is to help equip others with a decade of extremely hard-earned experience from my alcohol harm advocacy through Sober in the Country by sharing our work around health, mental health, mateship, and social inclusion.

“We survivors of hard times and catastrophes are uniquely bonded,” she said.

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rural-womens-gathering