The Limestone Coast Women in Ag Network will now be coordinated by WoTL (Women Together Learning), an organisation which is dedicated to inspiring and supporting women in agribusiness around Australia.

The LCWiAN was established for women in the agriculture industry in the Limestone Coast to communicate with and support each other in both a social and a professional capacity, building strong connectedness in the region.

In March 2022, MacKillop Farm Management Group, with a consortium of partners, established the Limestone Coast Women in Ag Network (LCWiAN), which was funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and their Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, which is administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

The network was launched with a sell-out event at Bellwether Wines, attended by more than 40 women from across the Limestone Coast.

WoTL executive officer Kim Blenkiron said she looks forward to developing the partnership.

“WoTL is looking forward to working with all LCWiAN partner organisations and growing the network in 2023,” she said.

“As a collective of organisations, we will continue to bring social and professional opportunities to the Limestone Coast that support women in agriculture to thrive.”

Ms Blenkiron said WoTL had a stimulating program planned for the LCWiAN in 2023 including a two day personal development workshop and events focussed on business and soil management.

During 2022, MacKillop Farm Management Group coordinated the network, working in partnership with DairySA, Lucerne Australia, the Grassland Society of Southern Australia, Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan, Women in Business and Regional Development, WoTL and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, and supported by a steering committee.

MacKillop Farm Management Group chief executive Meg Bell said there was great support for the partnership.

“MacKillop Farm Management Group was pleased to initiate and coordinate the LCWiAN during 2022,” she said.

“We believe WoTL is a great organisation to lead the next stage and continued growth of the network.

“We’ll be supporting and working with WoTL to promote opportunities for women in agriculture in the Limestone Coast.”

Throughout 2022, the LCWiAN held a series of workshops and networking events tailored specifically for women to upskill themselves in various aspects of the agriculture industry.

The topics focused on building resilience both personally and in their businesses.

The workshops included business succession planning with Tony Catt, business planning and quick business analysis with Chris Scheid, effective communication with Jeanette Long and the psychology of pricing and financial resilience versus financial wellness with Melissa Browne.

Membership of the network is free and when you sign up you’ll receive direct communication about LCWiAN events and networking opportunities.

The network also runs a private Facebook group where information is shared, connections are built and network members can get to know each other.

Visit www.mackillopgroup.com.au/blog/lcwian/1684770 to find out more and join the LCWiAN.