Rural Women’s Network

Leadership and Mentoring Program 2026–27

Applications now open

The 2026–27 Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program supports women in agriculture to build the skills, confidence and networks to lead and influence decision making in their industries and communities.

Delivered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with leadership professionals, the 4-month program combines practical leadership development workshops, one-on-one mentoring and connections with peers and industry leaders.

What you’ll get out of the program

From March to June 2027, you will take part in two 3-day residential leadership workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions and a presentation and graduation day. You will develop practical skills in leadership and communication, explore challenges facing agriculture and women in leadership, and set goals for your own leadership development.

Program participation costs, including residential accommodation, meals, activities and materials, are covered. Capped reimbursements are also available for eligible travel, additional accommodation for long distance travellers and childcare expenses, subject to the guidelines.

Who can apply

You do not need a formal leadership title to apply. The program is for women who want to strengthen their contribution to agriculture and their communities, whether they are already leading or preparing to take their next step.

• To apply, you must be a woman aged 18 or over, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, live in rural or regional Victoria, including the peri-urban fringe, and be involved in Victoria’s agriculture sector or agriculture supply chain.
• You must be able to attend all program sessions, with attendance in person required except for the online orientation.
• Victorian Public Service employees and non-permanent visa holders are not eligible.

How to apply

Read the 2026–27 program guidelines [MS Word Document - 2.7 MB] and submit your application using the online application form Rural Women's Network Leadership and Mentoring Program Application

Applications must be complete and submitted by 5 pm on 18 December 2026. Hard copy, late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please note: Continued funding and delivery of the program are not guaranteed and will depend on the Victorian state election outcome and the priorities of the incoming government. Applicants will be advised of any changes to the delivery of this program.

If you have questions relating to the program, please contact the Rural Women’s Network Program Coordinator by email: vrwnetwork@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant

Applications for the 2026 Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant are now open and the deadline has been extended until midday on Monday 9 November 2026.

The Rural Women's Network and Agriculture Victoria work in partnership with AgriFutures Australia to provide 2 opportunities to women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

About the Rural Women’s Award

Empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women, the Rural Women's Award supports women-led projects, businesses or programs that will benefit rural industries, businesses and/or communities.

Winners in each state or territory receive a $15,000 grant to grow the impact of their initiative, as well as training, development and a national profile to showcase it. They will also compete for the national award and a further $20,000.

About the Acceleration Grant

Fostering the professional growth of rural women who are not quite ready to apply for the award, the Acceleration Grant provides 7 Australian women with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.

For more information visit AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

About the Victorian Rural Women’s Network

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network (the Network) was originally established in 1986 to better recognise the contributions of rural women and build stronger links to government. Since its establishment, the Network has been a forum for women to share skills, resources and information for collective benefit.

Key programs and priorities of the Network have changed over time as the needs of rural women have evolved. Today, activities are focused on improving workforce participation, growing job opportunities, and supporting more women in leadership and decision-making roles in rural and regional Victoria.

Aligning with the Victorian Government's gender equity policies and strategies, the Network encourages women to have an active voice in industry, community and government leadership and decision-making.

The Network delivers a range of programs, workshops and digital communications to connect women to development and training opportunities, grants and resources, and other valuable information from across the Victorian Government and our network of partners.

The Rural Women’s Network is an Agriculture Victoria program and part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

If you have any queries, please contact the Network team at vrwnetwork@agriculture.vic.gov.au