Search the collections Victorian Women on Farms Gathering
Collection Image: Patch - Victorian Women on Farms Gathering,
Warragul 1999 Source: Museum Victoria Since 1990, Victorian
rural women have met at annual events, Women on Farms
Gatherings, to share common interests, exchange information,
celebrate their contribution to their farms and communities, and
support and nurture each other. Each Gathering is linked by a
tradition of sharing memories, symbolic icons, women's stories,
workshops, rituals, farm tours, good food and fun. The meaning,
identity and action expressed through these collective
activities are often 'life changing' for participants and foster
a deep sense of community. These gatherings emerged as part of
the 'rural women's movement' in Australia. This movement sought
to raise the profile, opportunities and voice of rural women.
The Victorian Gatherings were soon replicated in other states
around Australia, and fed into the organisation of the world's
first 'Women in Agriculture' conference