Thriving Women 2023 host Kate Burr (left) with Goterra founder and keynote speaker Olympia Yarger. Photos: Supplied.
The Thriving Women conference is coming back to Wagga in August, and will take place at Charles Sturt University.
The annual conference hosted by industry group Women Together Learning (WoTL) is designed for women and men across all areas of agriculture, from farming and agribusiness to education, research, policy and beyond.
Robyn Buerckner, Ariah Park farmer and Thriving Women 2025 Conference Convener, says this year’s theme, Women Shaping Agriculture, is about inspiring and connecting women within the ag industry.
“So it’s not so much about agricultural production, but more processes behind agriculture,” she said.
Attendees can expect keynote presentations from three speakers on leadership within their fields:
- Lucy Bloom, Sydney-based entrepreneur, author and international aid leader;
- Stephanie Trethewey, Motherland founder and 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award national winner;
- Nuveen Natural Capital’s Kristina Hermanson, who has more than 25 years of international leadership experience and holds directorships at the Australian Farm Institute, AgSafe, CropLife Australia and Business of Development.
The conference will also run 15 hour-long “Toolbox Talk” sessions on business resilience, leadership, innovation, wellbeing and community impact.
“[The toolbox sessions] will deep dive into the different aspects relating to the functions that women play within the ag industry,” Ms Buerckner said.
“That will be set around the themes of succession planning, managing finances, managing teams, but then also looking at leadership and personal development and communication styles.
“So, no matter what industry the attendees are from, they’ll be able to customise the toolbox sessions that they’ll attend, and then they’ll be able to get the most out of the conference in terms of the needs that they want to upskill in.”
There will also be a panel discussion on the conference theme, “Women Shaping Agriculture”, featuring diverse perspectives from across the industry.
The conference offers attendees opportunities to connect with peers, speakers and industry leaders.
Attendees are also offered opportunities to connect with peers, speakers and industry leaders during breaks, the conference dinner and at the on-site trade exhibition.
Although the event theme is Women Shaping Agriculture, Ms Buerckner encouraged everyone in or looking to join the agriculture industry to attend.
“The theme is based around females, but we do encourage people of all genders to attend,” she said.
“And it will be related around the agricultural industry, but we’re also encouraging people that work within agricultural communities or provide services to people that work within agriculture.”
The event will run from 18 to 19 August in Joyce Hall at Charles Sturt University. Those interested can book tickets here or visit Thriving Women 2025 for full program details and speaker bios.
