Rural Victorian women are being empowered to step into leadership roles to help support the next generation of the state’s farmers
Applications are now open for the Victorian Rural Women’s Network 2025-2026 Leadership and Mentoring Program.
Since its foundation in 1986, the network has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of women in agricultural leadership roles as one of only a few leadership programs in Australia tailored for women in the sector.
The 2026 cohort will receive mentorship and leadership training from highly skilled leaders from both industry and government, equipping women with the skills, confidence and networks needed to participate in leadership and decision-making – advancing gender equality, economic participation and empowerment.
The program offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of sector challenges, examine barriers facing women leaders, build insight into government and industry decision-making, and set purposeful goals for their leadership growth.
“Women make up a third of the agricultural workforce and contribute significantly to Australia’s food and fibre production and encouraging them into leadership is key to attracting and retaining more women in the industry,” Victorian agriculture minister Ros Spence says.
“This program gives rural women the tools to lead with confidence – building skills, networks, and opportunities that drive gender equality, economic participation, and empowerment across Victoria’s agriculture sector.”
Costs are covered for each participant, including a bursary towards accommodation, childcare, and travel costs in acknowledgement of the financial barriers that prevent many women from participating in leadership programs.
Applications close on February 1, 2026 and can be made at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/rural-womens-network