The Women on Farms (WOF) movement has a lot in common with Landcare. Both are community driven, grassroots activities which are celebrating more than 30 years of operation. Landcare was founded by the late Joan Kirner, former Premier of Victoria, and the late Heather Mitchell, the former Victorian Farmers Federation President. Joan Kirner was a much-loved guest at several WOF weekends.

Five of our members on the WOF 2019 organising committee, Evelyn Lillie, Judy Lackman, Leeanne Evans, Marie Harding and I are also active Landcare group members and many of us have been Landcare leaders in our areas.

WOF gatherings are an opportunity for women to get together to share practical tips, farming lessons, and inspiring stories. Our members come from many diverse rural communities. WOF gatherings celebrate these differences and what we have in common – a respect for and value of the land. Sustainability is the fundamental goal.

Evelyn Lillie of Yarragon South has attended 28 annual WOF gatherings across Victoria. She is encouraging women to attend the next gathering to be held in Warragul from 29 – 31 March 2019.

“Women on the land care for our families, our animals, our environment and for each other. Come along to experience the hugs, enthusiasm, warm smiles and the supportive interest,” Evelyn said.

The Warragul gathering will be the third event held in West Gippsland. The theme is ‘striding forward.’ The program will include workshops, speakers and local tours.

Judy Lackman, also from Yarragon South, says the gathering will be a great opportunity to compare the environmental challenges and successes encountered in rural enterprises different from our own.

“We meet other women who are proud to share their experiences and to showcase their farms and local heroes. We have a few such women right here in West Gippsland,” Judy said.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to register for the 2019 celebratory WOF gathering. There is no need to be actively engaged in farming to participate. 

For more information go to www.wofg19.org.au or email Mary Hughes at mkhughes@dcsi.net.au