Where rural women go to thrive

Oaklands farmer, Kathy Moloney is one of the event coordinators and said Thriving Women was about creating a space where women feel supported, inspired, and equipped to take the next step, whatever that looks like for them.

“Whether they are just starting out, highly experienced, working on-farm, or contributing through service industries that support rural communities, this conference has built a strong reputation as a space for connection, growth, and practical learning,” Kathy said.

“Bringing the conference to Victoria for the first time is an exciting opportunity to connect with even more women across regional Australia.”

Kathy began working for event host, WoTL (Women Together Learning) two years ago as a part time event coordinator.

She said WoTL also runs bespoke ambassador events for training and development of women in agriculture with a group recently started in Yarrawonga Mulwala.

Along with fellow ambassador, Ingrid Inchbold, the first event was held in October last year and attracted 50 women who discussed what they felt they would like to see.

“OH&S always comes up,” Kathy said.

“They also talked about crop walks in the paddock, just for women, with an agronomist who could take us through what was happening at the time, and tours of grain receival sites, which we can do in Yarrawonga and at Oaklands.

“When it’s only women, they can feel more confident to ask questions; they’re talking to other women in the same boat.”

“At WoTL, we are women, and aware of the things women are dealing with because we are dealing with it ourselves, so for example, we try to have meetings in between school pick up and drop off.”

The 2026 Thriving Women Conference has been designed to support women at every stage of their journey, combining inspiration with real-world application.

The powerful lineup of keynote speakers each brings their own unique insights, experiences and perspectives.

Former Federal Member for Indi and past chair of AgriFutures Australia, Kathy McGowan’s focus is on building networks.

Author, Kemi Nekvapil is one of the leading credentialed coaches for female executives and entrepreneurs and former ACT Australian of the Year, and Olympia Yarger is a maggot farmer, a sustainable process where fly larvae are bred to convert organic waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer.

Conference convenor Patrice Douglas said the three women bring “the kind of depth and warmth you can’t manufacture”.

“Thriving Women is a rare event that meets you where you are,” Patrice said.

“Whether for the business side, the inspiration, or two days with women who ‘get it’, the conversations in that room are worth it alone.”

The program includes concurrent ‘toolbox’ workshops, with deeper exploration of topics and skills relevant to agriculture, business, leadership, community development and personal wellbeing.

They are designed to provide practical tools and strategies that delegates can take back to their workplaces, farms, and communities, and implement immediately.

But the core focus is connection, where attendees get the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and expand their professional and personal networks.

For more information about Yarrawonga Mulwala Ambassador events, go to wotl.com.au