A WEEKEND of laughter and companionship, as women from across the state (and some from South Australia) gathered to celebrate their rural connection. Benalla will be the destination for next year’s, and Hamilton in 2026 - so pop them in your calendar.

The annual Women on Farms Gathering (WOFG) was held at the RSL in Ararat in March for the 34th time. The gathering brings together any women interested in agriculture and/or rural living in learning and friendship.

These women come from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries from multi-generational Australians to newer Australians, all with an interest in farming and/or rural living.

The atmosphere is one of inclusion, support, fun and is a true celebration of shared interests.

This year’s event shared many stories of women who have experienced both business and personal challenges along their chosen paths to success.

Leila Sweeney - a farmer from - described her background in farming, and fashion design before setting up a charity (with husband Sean) ‘Live Rural’ - promoting agriculture and supporting farmer health.

Leila is the force behind ‘Just a Farmer’ - the movie currently in cinemas around the country.

Leila told of her journey from writing the script to finding the actors and finding finance to bring this vision to life. The movie has played to rave reviews.

When asked what prompted her to write the screen play - she said that it was a moment of pure madness driven by a desire for better understanding of the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family. On average, one farmer dies every ten days by suicide in Australia.

Just A Farmer, is a compelling drama, highlighting the critical mental health issues facing rural communities and the devastation that it leaves behind.

Shelley Green - with husband Allan, came from a mixed farming enterprise and established ‘Green Eggs’ with 36,000 chickens - laying 12,500 dozen eggs per week.

Shelley told her story of taking a derelict farm of 486 hectares at Great Western, and turning it into a thriving, environmentally and animal friendly business. The hens are free range during the day and naturally go back to their coup during the evenings. Maremma dogs are used for protection from predators.

Initially, all the eggs were delivered by a van from their property to boutique retailers in Melbourne and locally.

As the business grew - a new mind shift was created.

A $10,000 award for innovation and enterprise gave them the impetus to employ a brand manager - cutting out the middle man - and start being a price setter as opposed to a price taker.

While this story is one of business success, there were serious events and challenges along the way. Everyone in farming is familiar with forward planning and succession, but the loss of their son - who was working in the business - changed everything.

Shelley and Allan Green sold their business and retired in 2019. ‘Green Eggs’ is now operated by the Warner family from Dundonell.

Robyn Lardner - spoke on her roles through nursing to becoming a Director of Nursing at aged 26 in a small country hospital - then through small town hospital amalgamations. Robyn easily admitted that her naivety was sometimes a blessing - particularly when taking on the Director of Nursing position - as she may not have taken the role on otherwise.

Gathering strength and confidence with each new role and always up for a challenge, Robyn then took on Manager of Corporate Services and Commissioning Officer for a large regional hospital. Robyn has recently retired from Deputy Chairman of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria.

Nancy Panter - the effervescent free spirit; who was busy travelling the world as a Corporate Communications Officer, while working in sports marketing for the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup - hit a bump in the road when she met her husband-to be in California. As she got to know Adam (originally from Best Western) in the Nappa Valley over a Cabernet Sauvignon.  They now call Ararat home. Adam does the winemaking and Nancy says she does everything else (and Adam says that too).

Sub Rosa was born in 2013. They have had considerable help and support from locals - even when their press broke down - they were offered a spare one. Raising their children and growing grapes and making great wine is a great passion for them both - and there is nowhere else that they would want to do it.

Councillor Jo Armstrong - was born in New Zealand and has been farming sheep and grain at Yalla-Y-Poora with husband Peter and four children. She has served four terms as Mayor and a councillor since 2016.

Jo has been involved in a wide range of sporting organisations, school executives and had major roles in local government. Jo has a huge passion for her local community and has just been elected as President of the Victorian National Party.

It was inspiring; and at times heartbreaking, to listen to these women describe their journeys in a very open and honest way. They all described the hurdles and challenges that often go unnoticed by most. Just like farming, the outside picture does not always reflect the dedication, commitment, strength and tenacity required to achieve in life’s journey.