Empowering the next generation of rural women leaders

29 October 2026

The Victorian Government is supporting rural and regional women to build their leadership skills, expand their networks and create new opportunities to shape the future of Victoria’s agriculture sector.

Agriculture Victoria today announced applications are now open for the Victorian Rural Women's Network 2026–27 Leadership and Mentoring Program. Since 2018, the program has equipped more than 100 women with the skills, confidence and connections to take on leadership roles across agriculture, regional industries and local communities.

For almost 4 decades, the Victorian Rural Women's Network has supported women to develop their capabilities, build valuable connections and contribute to their communities and industries. Participants in the 2026–27 program will receive mentoring and leadership training from experienced industry and government leaders, helping them to grow their leadership capability and strengthen their contribution to decision-making across Victoria’s agriculture sector and rural communities.

Agriculture Victoria Rural Women’s Coordinator Kirsty Argento said the program supports more women into leadership roles and ensures Victorian industries and communities benefit from a broader range of perspectives, experiences and ideas.

‘Women contribute enormously to Victoria's agriculture sector, that’s why Agriculture Victoria is continuing to support the creation of new pathways into leadership which help build a stronger, more diverse and resilient industry,’ Ms. Argento said.

Women make a vital contribution to Victoria's agriculture sector and regional communities but remain underrepresented in many leadership and decision-making roles. This program helps address that gap by providing women with the skills, networks and opportunities to build their leadership capability so that they can take on influential roles across their industries and communities.

Costs are covered for each participant, including a bursary towards accommodation, childcare and travel, in acknowledgement of the financial barriers that prevent many women from participating in leadership programs.

Building on the Victorian Government’s investment in the Rural Women’s Network 2026–27 Leadership and Mentoring Program, the government is also supporting the Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) 2027 National Conference being held in Ballarat in March 2027. Agriculture Victoria is providing a $10,000 conference sponsorship and $20,000 scholarship program to be administered by AWiA to ensure Victorian women from across the state can participate in the conference.

To learn more about the Rural Women Leadership and Mentoring program, visit Rural Women’s Network

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au