2026 Conference Program
Day 1.
Monday 27
Women on Agricultural Boards Network Breakfast
8:00am to 9:15am, AWiA Women on Ag boards and AgriFutures RWA Alumni only event
Conference Program
10:00am Welcome
10:40am Opening Keynote - Ms Alison Stone NSW Agricultural Commissioner
11:10am Networking: Connect, Share, Spark New Possibilities - Cathy McGowan AO
Start the conference feeling connected, confident, and part of the room, the session helps everyone, from first-time attendees to regular speakers, feel part of the community from the very start.
Proudly supported by RIC
Lunch - networking
12:20- 1:20pm
1:20pm AgriFutures Panel - The Power of Networking - Stephanie Lezaich 2025 Horizon Scholarship Alumni, Kelly Johnson 2025 Rural Women’s Award Alumni and SA State Winner, Claudia Humphries 2026 Acceleration Grant AlumniModerator: Cressida Cains NSW Chair
Explore how meaningful networks shape careers, create opportunities, and provide support through every stage of life. Hear from speakers about their experiences building professional and personal connections, the value of staying engaged with alumni communities, and how strong networks can amplify leadership, influence, and impact.
1:55pm Power Bites
From Paddock Data to Policy Decisions - Irene Sobotta MLA
Farmsafe Ambassadors - Stevi Howdle Farmsafe Australia
App, Forecasts, Tailored Warnings, Pacific Engagement and My Climate View -Jamieson Lowe, Stephanie Dickins, Bureau of Meteorology
2:30pm Roundtable
2:40pm Women Driving Change Across Australian Agriculture - Mel Kiel Farmer and educator KLR Livestock Marketing, Maggie Jarrett See Saw Wines and Caitlin Herbert Gundamain Pastoral Moderator: Madie Hamilton AgCentric
From livestock marketing strategies to regenerative viticulture and the realities of running a modern feedlot, these leaders bring practical insight, honesty and a collaborative spirit. Their stories highlight how women’s voices, rooted in lived experience and local knowledge create national impact across supply chains, sustainability, and the future of Australian food production.
Afternoon Tea - networking
3:10- 3:40pm
3:40pm Rapid Fire Session: From idea to movement – how women in ag are disrupting their industries
Grains leading the way – Natalie Sommerville, Director GRDC
Global Models for Regenerative Impact - Ebony Greaves-Zwinggi , Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, SEAOAK Consulting
Precision Fermentation and Bio Manufacturing - from food to fuels - Michele Stansfield, Founder & CEO, Cauldron
4:10pm Closing Keynote - Annabel Johnson, CEO NSW Farmers
4:40pm Closing Summary
5:00pm Close
Networking Evening
Duntryleague Golf club
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Our Welcome Networking event is relaxed, friendly, and full of those “I’m so glad I met you” moments. Whether you’re arriving solo or with a crew, you’ll be greeted with good food, easy conversation, and a room full of women who get what it means to work, lead, and thrive in agriculture.
Canapes provided, drinks at bar prices
Proudly supported by Elders
Day 2.
Tuesday 28
Optional Extras
Morning Walk
Join Laura Kiel from Balance Inside and Out for a refreshing 30-minute walk at Gosling Creek Reserve on 28th July at 7:30 am. As a Pilates Instructor and Nutritionist based in Central West NSW, with telehealth consultations available Australia-wide, Laura is passionate about helping people create healthy habits that fit into everyday life.
This isn't just a walk, it's a chance to move your body, clear your mind, and connect with like-minded people around the beautiful reserve walking track. Walking boosts blood flow to the brain for better focus, supports heart, muscle, and joint health, and helps reduce stress while lifting your mood. Start your day with fresh air, great company, and a little time to nurture yourself. I can't wait to walk with you!"
CSIRO Indigenous Women in Agriculture Breakfast
Co-Hosted by the Australian Women in Agriculture, CSIRO and TePu Oranga Whenua (Aotearoa)
A powerful yarn, culturally grounded, and action-orientated breakfast. Highlighting leadership, resilience and innovation of Indigenous women in agriculture, while also addressing systemic barriers and opportunities for knowledge sharing and empowerment
Time: 7.15am –8.45am
Where: Hotel Canobolas, The Media Room, 248 Summer Rd, Orange NSW
Conference Program
9:00 am Welcome
9:10am The Future of Ag - Vi Nguyen, Founder & CEO Ryka Global
This keynote explores how rapid industry disruption, accelerating AI capability and the push for digital inclusion are reshaping the way regional and agricultural communities work, learn and lead.
9:40am Women on Agricultural Boards Panel - Pip Job, Tammy O’Malley and Linda Bracken. Moderator: Emily Blackburn
Three members of AWiA’s WOAB program to share their journeys, lessons, and the realities of stepping into governance roles. Through reflections and practical insights, this panel explores what it takes to lead with confidence, navigate challenges, and influence decision-making at every level
Morning Tea - networking
10:15am
10:45am Climate change for Australian agriculture: beyond just colours on a map - Dr Rebecca Darbyshire, CSIRO
Weather and climate shape Australia’s agricultural productivity, but the impacts of climate change and how to plan for them are less certain. Explore what we do and don’t know about future climate risks, why proactive management matters for business sustainability, regulation and the tools available to support producers
11:15am Roundtable
11:30am Backing Women in Agricultural Advocacy - Elke Cleverdon, Felicity Richards and Jen Medway. Moderator: Rebecca Wilde National Farmers Federation
Explore how grounded leadership shapes statewide and national impact across Australia’s agricultural sector. Speakers will unpack how emerging issues, such as fuel, fertiliser and supply‑chain pressures are bought into national policy conversations, and how shared industry goals like the NFF $100 billion vision help set collective direction.
Lunch - networking
12:00pm - 12:50pm
12:50pm International Indigenous Voices - Lisa Warbrick TPOW, NZ, Raelene Ward Uni Southern QLD and Destiny Dewis Native Foodways. Moderator: Natalie Sommerville
Breakout Workshops
Choose 1!
1:30pm
Agritourism, Community Identity and Regional Futures
Facilitators: Sarah Parker, Natalie Sommerville and Fiona Elgin
Agritourism is more than farm visits, it’s a catalyst for regional development, local jobs, and stronger community identity. This session brings together producers, councils, and tourism leaders to explore how agritourism can drive economic resilience while protecting the integrity of working farms.
Rural Systems for Women: Childcare, Flexible Work, and Safe Participation
Facilitators: Katja Williams, Emily Blackburn
Rural women aren’t opting out of work or leadership, they’re navigating systems that were never designed with their realities in mind. This session unpacks how rigid “always‑on” work structures, childcare shortages, cultural expectations about who leads, and biases in promotion pathways collide to limit women’s long‑term participation. Participants will examine the structural levers that matter most, from flexible work design to childcare systems and safer pathways to participate
2:45pm Reflections and next steps
Designing a Rural Skills, Digital, Technology and Innovation Blueprint
Facilitators: Vi Nguyen, Cressida Cains
This participatory workshop will explore how women across agriculture can be supported to confidently adopt digital tools, technology and innovation. Through shared discussion and practical insights, the session will identify priority opportunities, barriers, and actions AWiA can take forward to government, industry and education providers.
Afternoon Tea - networking
3:15pm - 3:45pm
3:45pm Strengthening the Voice of Modern Agriculture - Claire Taylor, Agvocacy Consulting
Across the world, communities are finding new ways to speak up, be heard, and shape the decisions that affect them. Drawing on insights from her global Nuffield Scholarship, Claire shares powerful stories of people who are standing up for what they believe in, challenging the status quo and changing the direction of conversations around agriculture. Be inspired to think bigger, communicate with confidence, and use your voice as a leader in modern agriculture.
4:10pm Reflection Summary - Cressida Cains, AWiA President
4:30pm Close
Conference Dinner - A Touch of Orange
The Conference Dinner is our signature celebration, an evening where the AWiA community comes together to honour the achievements, leadership, and spirit of women in agriculture. Surrounded by the flavours and hospitality of the Central West, guests will enjoy a beautifully curated menu with local wine showcasing the region’s finest producers. This is a night to recognise our collective impact, toast to the year ahead, and share in the energy that makes this network so extraordinary.
What’s Changed, What Matters: Reflections on Regional, Rural and Remote Australia.
Special Guest Speaker - Gabrielle Chan, Journalist/Author
Award-winning journalist Gabrielle Chan shares her observations on the changing face of regional Australia, what's working, what isn't, and why meaningful change often starts with conversations close to home.
Two course meal provided including some local wines matched to the meal. Other drinks at bar prices.
Venue: Banksia Orange
Time: 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Note: this is a draft program and subject to change
Big ideas, real impact.
We look forward to seeing you in Orange!