Rural Women’s Network
Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program
Applications for the 2024 Leadership and Mentoring Program are now closed.
Thank you to all those who applied. We are currently going through the assessment process and will provide an update to all applicants towards the end of September 2024.
If you have any questions relating to the program please contact the Rural Women’s Network Program Coordinator by email at vrwnetwork@agriculture.vic.gov.au or mobile on 0427 463 014.
AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant
The Rural Women's Network and Agriculture Victoria work in partnership with AgriFutures Australia to provide two opportunities to women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.
Applications for the 2025 Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant are now open.
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 / territory receive a $15,000 Westpac 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 from Westpac. For more information visit the AgriFutures website.
Victorian Grace Larson was announced the 2024 Rural Women’s Award National Runners up in September 2024. For more information on the Program visit the 2024 Victorian State Finalists page .
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 seven Australian women with a learning and development bursary to develop an initiative in its early stages.
Each year, 7 Australian women will be provided with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life. For more information visit the AgriFutures website.
Subscribe to the Rural Women’s Network newsletter for program updates.
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).
Read more about the first Rural Women’s Network and the Victorian Government’s 2017 announcement.
Subscribe to the Rural Women’s Network
In addition to the programs above, the Network delivers a range of 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.
Our regular e-newsletter helps subscribers feel supported and informed so they can thrive and excel in their businesses and communities. It is free to subscribe and keeps rural women informed of:
- inspiring stories from rural women from across Victoria
- upcoming programs, training and events
- grant opportunities from across the Victorian Government
- opportunities for scholarships or other supports
- publications and resources
- links to other useful services from partners.
Subscribe to the Rural Women’s Network newsletter here.
Your details will not be used for any other purpose or provided to any third party. See our privacy policy.
More information
- Visit the Victorian Rural Women's Network website
- Like us on Facebook @VRWNetwork
- Follow us on Twitter @VRWNetwork
If you have any queries, please contact the Network Team at vrwnetwork@agriculture.vic.gov.au