More than 320 south-west Victorian dairy farming women have enjoyed a day off the farm at the region’s biggest event specifically for women.
With a direction that no jeans or work boots were allowed, the women heard from ABC Landline presenter Pip Courtney and a panel of local farming women on the theme ‘Telling Stories’.
The South West Dairy Ladies Luncheon on August 17 marked a return to a full function for the first time since 2019, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19 and separate smaller capacity events were held in Colac and Warrnambool in 2021 due to pandemic restrictions.
Luncheon committee chair Simone Renyard said the event was an opportunity for women to network, have a day off and have a bit of fun
“It has a following now and we don’t even have to advertise it,” Simone said.
“It has been going for so many years that women know about it and know they are going to have a good time.”
Simone said the event at the Deakin University Warrnambool campus attracted women of all ages from across the region.
“We’re really excited that more and more young people are coming and bringing babies and bringing their mums with them as well.”
Simone said it was important that women socialise and take a break from the farm.
“We’re treating ourselves to a break.
“Many of us will still have to go home and milk or pick the kids up from school so we don’t have a full day off, but we can cherish a few hours where we catch up and have some laughs.”
The theme ‘Telling Stories’ was chosen to recognise the role of women in the local dairy industry, with a panel — dairy farmers Elizabeth Clarke and Val Crawford, and Bernadette Wurlod from Keeayang Maar Vineyard — sharing their experiences and thoughts on the important role women have in farming, keeping family together and the community.
“We want to honour the women who have gone before us in the dairy industry and listen to and learn from what they’ve got to tell us,” Simone said.
“We’re all in there together and let’s keep moving forward.”