YACTAC’s Bronwyn Thomas, chairperson Trevor Clark and Andrea Mitchell are excited about the opportunity for women from all aspects of the community to come together for the Chicks in the Sticks event. Photo: YACTAC.
A Chicks in the Sticks luncheon will be held in Jerilderie on 17 March aimed at bringing women in the regional community together for a day of fun, inspiration and connection.
Presented by YACTAC, the Yanco Creek and Tributaries Council, and made possible through funding from FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal) the day will have a race day vibe, some bespoke market stalls and two special guest speakers.
“This will be the first time that the Chicks in the Sticks events will be held in NSW. There have been several held in Victoria, but this is a first for the Riverina,” said YACTAC project officer Bronwyn Thomas.
“We’ll actually be having two very different events, with the first one our cup-style luncheon held in Jerilderie on 17 March and then we’ll be holding a second event on 4 July in Moulamein.”
Bronwyn hopes the Jerilderie luncheon, to be held at the civic hall, will attract around 100 women keen to spend a day together listening, learning and laughing.
“The aim for the day is to reconnect our communities and bring them together,” she said.
Bronwyn anticipates some guests will travel more than 100 kilometres to attend the event.
“I would like to think that people can come along, relax for the day and park everything that might be happening at home or in their personal life and just enjoy and fill that cup up,” she said.
“If they get just one concept or one connection from the day and can leave and spread their wings to the next journey then that would be wonderful.”
Tickets to the luncheon are $25 and guests will hear from Bendigo entrepreneur Kimberley Furness and former local Lou Bull, a teacher, conservationist and coordinator of many natural resource projects throughout the Riverina.
Kimberley Furness is an award-winning magazine publisher and podcast host who spends her time sharing stories that focus around regional and rural women.
She started her career as a subeditor and reporter in a regional newsroom. She has 20-plus years’ experience in media, marketing, and communications.
Kimberley started her first business, a digital agency, in 2014, and launched OAK Magazine in 2017. She has been on the other side of the media as the 2022 Agri Futures Rural Women’s Award National Runner Up and VIC winner.
Lou Bull is well known for her success in working with landholders to protect the squirrel glider populations around Burrumbuttock.
She loves many things but when asked to really sum them up it always comes back to nature, health, connections and learning.
“I am happiest with dirt under my nails, sounds of nature in my ears, a body feeling cared for and sharing this with family and community and learning new things,” she said.
Lou has presented garden talkback on the local ABC radio and also wrote and published the beautiful Aquila Garden Guide.
The lunch will run from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and will also have a panel discussion and general question and answer session.
YACTAC board chairperson Trevor Clark said he was pleased the Chicks in the Sticks concept could be delivered to communities that have been affected by adversity such as drought.
“Women are the foundational linkages in businesses, volunteering, providing off-farm income and securing resources for environmental projects on farms.
“The YACTAC board appreciates the roles and responsibilities women often endure and invite them to enjoy a day of fun,” said Trevor.
Bronwyn herself is looking forward to the opportunity of spending some time out with like-minded people and making new friends.
“I really like connecting with people I’ve never met before; I love it.
“I like making people feel comfortable in their own space and engaging with them and listening to them.
“I’m quite comfortable walking up to a complete stranger and letting them tell me what they’d like to tell me. I really like listening to people.”
The farmer/bookkeeper/mother/administration officer and former local government councillor says there should be lots of stories shared on the day.
“There will be women from all walks of life here I hope.”
The Chicks in the Sticks luncheon will be held in Jerilderie on 17 March. You can secure your ticket by contacting Bronywn on [email protected], or by booking online here.
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