Rural Women's Network

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.

Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Programs

The Network’s flagship Leadership and Mentoring Programs support women across Victoria to develop their skills and confidence and grow their capacity to participate in leadership and decision making that benefits rural industries and communities.

• The Mentoring Program pairs rural women together for a peer-to-peer exchange of skills and experience. Working with skilled facilitators, participants will identify individual, career or business goals, and work to implement change with the support and accountability of their mentoring partner.
• The Leadership Program provides women with support to participate in training and study that accelerates their development as leaders. Participants issues impacting rural women, learn from subject matter experts, and connect with other rural women from across Victoria.

Subscribe to the Rural Women’s Network newsletter to be notified when applications open.

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 2024 Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant are now closed. Applications for 2025 will open in September 2024.

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 Nikki Davey was announced the 2023 Rural Women’s Award National Winner in September 2023. For more information visit the 2023 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.

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