Presented as a collaboration between DPI’s Rural Recovery Officer Tia McIntyre and Rosi Klass of the Women who Farm Network, the ‘Grow Well’ series was designed for female farmers on the Mid North Coast from October to February this year.

The program provided 35 women free access to learning, resources, and opportunities to build lasting connection with their peers over the four months of workshops.

Kicking off on the Dorrigo Plateau, speakers included Rebel Black on business planning, Cultivating Prosperity, while Elizabeth Bond led a creative writing session ‘Farming Your Story’, and Kim Thompson presented ‘Effective Online Promotion’ featuring an Instagram ‘Hour of Power'.

The second session at Daisie’s Farm in the Bellingen Valley featured presenters Kim Deans from Reinventing Agriculture, speaking on ‘Heart and Soil’ and Nolani McColl from the Mulloon Institute on ‘Catch Water and Restore Landscapes’. This session ended with a demonstration of leaky weirs and an impromptu swim in the river.

Tia described the catering, which was provided by local wholefoods and organic caterers Health and Harmony and Bush Grazing, as a highlight – especially as both businesses are owned and run by local women.

The final third session at Yaraandoo Retreat in Ebor concentrated on personal wellbeing and building on connections and friendships. The workshops featured topics such as Visioning and Values, Art Therapy, Music, Foot Baths, Yoga and Bushwalking – highlighting the value of taking a holistic approach to farming and life.

“Grow Well offered both practical advice and a supportive environment to the participants, enhancing the personal and professional lives of women farmers,” Tia said.

“Women shared powerful experiences with feedback highlighting the series' impact on their confidence, mental health, identity as farmers, and the value of community support.”

One of the participants described the opportunity to network, discuss life and share farming practices with other women as “invaluable”.

“Since being on the series I have reclaimed the title of farmer,” she said.

Grow Well is just one of a number of primary producer-focused community events coordinated or supported by DPI’s Rural Recovery Support Service.

For more information on the Women Who Farm - Mid North Coast chapter, visit https://www.bellingenorganictea.com/women-who-farm

To learn more about the Rural Recovery Support Service, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/floods/rural_recovery_support_service