6 March 2009
DAFF09/211B
The Rudd Government wants women in rural and regional Australia to play a central role in helping their communities prepare for the biggest challenge of all – climate change.
Organisations that support rural women are reminded they have until 9 April 2009 to apply for grants worth up to $50,000 under the Recognising Women Farmers initiative.
The funding comes under Australia’s Farming Future – which is investing in research and training to help the farming sector adapt to climate change.
“Rural women are hard-working and innovative,” Mr Burke said.
“Yet they are seriously underrepresented on the boards and industry groups that help to influence government policy and in other leadership and management roles.
“These grants will help to build the leadership capacity of women in primary industries, to make rural and regional areas more resilient in a changing climate.”
The $50,000 Recognising Women Farmers grants will support activities which aim to:
- develop leadership and management skills among women living in rural, regional and remote Australia to strengthen industry productivity and community resilience
- develop programs to increase participation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries
- improve engagement with women and increase participation in government and industry policy development, including industry boards and organisations and
- improve networks among individuals and women’s groups.
The Recognising Women Farmers grants are part of a broader $500,000 commitment for capacity-building activities for rural women, announced at the National Rural Women’s Summit which was held in Canberra in June 2008.
The summit delivered on a key Rudd Government election commitment.
Further information about the Recognising Women Farmers grants round is available at www.daff.gov.au/womenleadingchange or by calling 1800 638 746.
(Applications formerly received under the Women Leading Change grants will be automatically considered as part of Recognising Women Farmers).