Rural Women’s Network

Applications for the 2026 Leadership and Mentoring Program are now closed

Congratulations to the 2026 Leadership and Mentoring Program cohort who will participate in Agriculture Victoria’s Rural Women’s Network flagship Leadership and Mentoring Program.

The initiative addresses the underrepresentation of women in agricultural leadership roles by providing targeted support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program will develop the skills and confidence to participate in leadership and decision making, both in agriculture and the broader community.

Leadership can take many forms and is not always underpinned by gaining ‘positions of authority’. Many women exhibit leadership qualities in quiet, often unrecognised ways – they may not even see themselves as leaders. We want these women to apply for the Program as well.

Agriculture Victoria welcomes and encourages applications from women of all abilities, sexualities, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and ages who have experience in the Victorian agriculture sector or agriculture supply chain.

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

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 closed.

The national winner will be announced at a gala event in Canberra on 8 September 2026.

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 scientist, Dr Mary Cole was announced the 2025 Victorian Rural Women’s Award state finalist. 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