By KATH GANNAWAY
LIVING up to the 2015 theme, the 250 women who came to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges for the Yarra Ranges Women on Farms Gathering over the weekend, not only made every woman count … they made every minute count.
After two years in the planning, the organising committee welcomes women from regional and rural townships across Australia and put on a spectacular program of events.
Speakers including keynote speaker executive director of Worawa Aboriginal College, former Sapphire, among many other achievements, Lois Peeler, Brooke Collins-Wandin who did the Welcome to Country, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, founder of the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group, Suzanne Halliday, the Gathering’s Patron, Kalorama author and culinary wizard, Ann Creber, and Yarra Ranges mayor Maria McCarthy, were inspirational.
There were many others who inspired with their stories, their challenges and their achievements.
Tours to areas including Marysville, the Dandenongs and around the Yarra Valley showcased beautiful townships, landscapes and communities to a positive group of potential ambassadors and workshops initiated networks that will last way beyond the weekend.
YRWOFG chair, Debbie de Laps, was at a loss on Monday to single out one highlight of the event.
“The whole idea was that we would work as a team and enjoy the journey as much as the outcome and we really did,” she said of the committee and the volunteers.
“I suppose, for me, it was probably behind the scenes and seeing every single person putting their shoulder to the wheel, finding what needed doing and just doing it.”
If you were part of the YRWOFG, let us know what your highlight was. Post to the Mail facebook page, email to editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au , or write to Mail News Group, PO Box 470, Healesville. 3777.
