After an early morning walk in the rain and a sumptuous breakfast prepared by Laurie Whelan at ‘The Good Loaf’, the Wheatbelt Women Farmers met with local women involved in Rural Women Leading Change.
Ellen White, program manager for the Regional Rural Women’s Reference Group, explained that ‘Rural Women Leading Change’ was an initiative of the Victorian Government’s Department of Planning and Community Development.
“Whatever changes your community is going through, women can lead the change and support people managing difficult times and coping with change.”
Notes in regard to climate change;
Society needs to build a shared understanding by seeking credible information
We need to proactively address waste, production methods and attitudes for long-term good.
Whether or not you agree with climate change these outcomes are beneficial environmentally, socially and economically.
Various household and domestic sustainability initiatives were supported.
Aleta Kilner explained the Bendigo Sustainability Group which has been supported by funding to improve people’s lifestyle sustainability-
Solar bulk buy and installation
Stormwater recycling
Community vegetable garden in the city
Water-wise initiatives
Farmers Markets
Key Learnings for Wheatbelt Women Farmers;
“There is a silver lining in adversity!” – look at how our community operates and re-assess. Make adversity a catalyst for good change.
During drought communities become ‘dehydrated’. Funds and projects are needed to ‘rehydrate the community spirit!’
As recorded by Jane Mouritz – 13th October 2010
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