Celebrations focus for The Country Web

The latest edition of The Country Web newsletter produced by NSW Agriculture's Rural Women's Network recognises the importance of celebrations within rural communities.

Whether it's the small isolated outpost or the larger regional centre, celebrations bring rural families and individuals together and provide the opportunity to have a good time and exchange ideas.

The newsletter uses a 'celebration' theme to reinforce the significance of those events and features personal stories that will make readers think about the value of their own experiences.

Editor of The Country Web, Sonia Muir, said with rural communities continuing to be affected by drought, it was timely to highlight the significance of events.

"Despite the rain that has fallen in the north of the State, most farmers are still affected by drought and need events to bring people together so that they feel supported," Ms Muir said.

"We often don't give much thought to the personal benefits of participating in a celebration or event - but there are many positives and this edition highlights these."

With a readership of around 20,000, The Country Web is an important communication avenue for rural communities, providing access to information and resources.

The current edition contains an information sheet provided by the NSW Department of Women, titled 'Hands Up for Women in Council', to encourage and support women to stand for the upcoming Council elections.

Diana Hoffman, Deputy Chair of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is featured in a special 'Decision-makers' column.

Other features include an article and images from the 2004 Women's Gathering held in Temora last October, and information on grant and funding opportunities, resources and a new 'information technology' section.

Copies of the 32nd edition and previous editions are available from Allison Priest at the Rural Women's Network on 6391 3620 or via the internet at www.agric.nsw.gov.au/rwn.

Media contact: Sonia Muir, Coordinator NSW Agriculture Rural Women's Network, telephone 6391 3611

Issued by: Annette Cross, NSW Agriculture Tamworth, telephone 6763 1243, mobile 0427 201 840