Dairy women looking for a few hours away from the farm and some much needed social interaction had the opportunity to participate in a pot painting workshop in Lockington recently.
The free event was hosted by Loddon Mallee Dairy Queens — a not-for-profit organisation all about nurturing growth and connection for rural women.
Organisers Bec Wyper, Andrea Boudville, and Ellyse McNish said the initiative was part of their participation in the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program — a 12-month program focused on supporting established leaders and actively developing emerging community leaders.
“We had to organise a community event and for me the choice was simple. I work in the dairy industry and I am passionate about supporting rural communities and mental health — this workshop is an extension of that.
“Women in rural communities can sometimes be isolated and this is a way of bringing them together for some relaxation and a bit of fun which is extremely important for mental health,” Bec said.
Andrea said it was rewarding organising an event that would have a positive impact on mental health.
“The bottom line is we just wanted everyone to get together and have a bit of fun and that’s what the Dairy Queens is all about — women often carry a lot of the burden from work to family life and no-one is looking after them,” Andrea said.
Bamawm resident Lesley Hanna along with Nanneella school teacher Anna Kent both decided to give the day a go — they were delighted with the event.
“It has been a really great day and we get to take something home with us at the end,” Anna said.
Dairy farmer Yvette Brown said she saw the event advertised on Facebook and she thought it was a great idea.
She enjoyed the chance to get off the farm and catch up with other women from the area.
“Over the seven years we have been on the farm this year is the best by far, its been a great season,” Yvette said.
The Dairy Queens applied for funding and were lucky enough to receive a grant from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
They intend to host further events in the future.
“We are looking at mapping some mental health awareness and bringing together service providers to address some of these challenges.
“We have had some local organisations want to partner with us already which is amazing and shows there is some genuine interest,” Andrea said.
Personally Bec said being involved in the leadership program had been a great experience and had enabled her to create her own community identity, separate from her working role at Murray Dairy where she is involved in the Young Dairy Network.