Stories of Country Women

09/08/2025

🌾✨ *An unforgettable afternoon at the RRR Women Ekka Lunch!* ✨🌾

What a privilege to listen in as the incredible Pip Courtney sat down in conversation with Meg Boulton, reflecting on decades of storytelling, truth-telling, and championing women in rural communities 💬💪

📺 From covering the *very first* rural women's conference back in 1994, to her trailblazing work on Landline profiling the lives and struggles of women on the land. Pip continues to listen deeply, tell it straight, and speak up when it matters most.

🎙 “A lot of journos do stories where you’re not welcome… on Landline, it’s lovely — sometimes people even want to give you a horse.” 🐴💕

Held at the beautiful Blackbird restaurant on the Brisbane River 🌊, this lunch was a celebration of strength, resilience, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in rural Australia.

🚨 "The fight’s still on — we *don’t* have equality."
💥 Her advice to her 18-year-old self?
“Don’t put up with sexism. You *can* stand up for yourself in a workplace.”

🙌 With social media and 24-hour news changing the game, Pip’s voice remains a powerful reminder: real stories matter — and so do the women behind them.

💜 Thank you Pip & Meg, and to all the women walking the walk in rural, regional & remote communities. We see you. We celebrate you.

Thank you President Emma Clarke for the invite & leading! 🌸

Landlineing 💪🌾💬

17/07/2025

Amazing!

Heather Ewart was a powerhouse political reporter when she was asked to create a show about regional Australia. A decade later, and with her final season going to air, Ewart admits that getting the idea off the ground was no easy feat.

12/07/2025

Photography!

Sarah Southern

Calling all photographers!
The National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC) is inviting you to help showcase the incredible women who shape life in rural, regional and remote Australia - through your photos!
From paddocks to politics, footy fields to classrooms, we want to see women doing what they love, where they live and work. Whether she’s leading her community or adapting to climate extremes, show us what it means to walk in her boots
Free to enter
Open to all rural, regional and remote women
$100 for selected photos
Find all the details at www.nrwc.com.au
Submit your photos via Woobox: https://woobox.com/46rv4t

08/06/2025

A clinical psychologist warns that winter rain will not "wash away the worries" caused by severe drought across southern Australia.

07/06/2025

Every Act of Care Matters 🤍

Today, on World Caring Day, we celebrate the small but mighty acts of kindness that bring communities together.

At QCWA, caring is at the heart of everything we do, from providing support in times of need to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Let’s continue to show compassion, offer a helping hand, and look out for one another, not just today, but every day.

12/05/2025

We love Thallon!

MEDIA RELEASE - THALLON NAMED FINALIST IN QUEENSLAND'S TOP TINY TOWN AWARDS

The tiny town of Thallon is getting the recognition it deserves with it being announced as a finalist in the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category (for populations under 1,500).

For a town of just 50 people — or around 250 when you include surrounding farming families and Nindigully — this is a huge achievement.

Once facing near-ghost town status following the closure of its railway station, Thallon has proudly redefined itself as a must-stop outback destination full of community spirit, rich history, and iconic attractions.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole praised the recognition as a proud moment for the entire region.

“It’s wonderful to see Thallon recognised as one of Queensland’s top tiny tourism towns”, said Mayor O’Toole.

“This achievement shines a light on the passion and hard work of the Thallon community and our region’s commitment to creating memorable visitor experiences.

“From their regular events like the Grazing at the Watering Hole outdoor dining event to the Thallon Truck Pull and the painted silos, Thallon truly is the tiny town with the big heart!

“Being a finalist not only celebrates Thallon’s unique character, but also supports our ongoing efforts to grow tourism across the Balonne Shire.”

Public voting opened Saturday, 10 May and closes Saturday, 17 May.

Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to cast their vote and help put Thallon on the winner’s podium and can register their vote by going to:

www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards

11/04/2025

It’s always super to chat to the National Rural Womens Coalition CEO Keli McDonald.

Today Sarah & Keli were chatting about research, women, & climate impacts on RRR Australia. We admire the advocacy work the NRWC does. And the tireless efforts of the member orgs.

Be sure to follow their socials National Rural Women's Coalition and Network

https://www.nrwc.com.au

31/03/2025

Thinking of our friends affected by this event. X

28/03/2025

Thinking of our friends in RRR Qld & NSW x

As of Saturday morning, Flood Watches and Warnings cover large parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Through inland parts of Queensland, ongoing major flooding continues to impact rural and remote communities following heavy rain this past week including Windorah, Thargominah, Stonehedge and Jundah.

Flooding is also occurring across catchments closer to the coast after overnight rainfall totals of between 100-200mm. This includes the Mary River, Noosa River and Bremer River.

In western New South Wales, Minor Flood Warnings are current for multiple rivers including the Paroo, Warrego and Culgoa Rivers. In the north-east of the state, Minor Flood Warnings are also current for the Tweed, Wilsons and Richmond Rivers.

More rain is forecast today, which may result in further flooding. Flood Watches have been issued in both states, for areas including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the New South Wales Northern Rivers and North West Slopes, and parts of northern Queensland.

For the latest forecasts and warnings, visit http://www.bom.gov.au/ or the BOM Weather App.

08/03/2025

Happy belated IWD!
We are experiencing the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfie here so slightly delayed.

Check out the National Rural Women's Coalition and Network & ‘like’ or follow them.

10/02/2025

Noel is a legend.

09/02/2025

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/albanese-grocery-remote-store-price-guarantee-cost-city/104915590?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR12fhToFzZgZRC9ojLkDRdFfdXLzPNmC0_YiKsUY7GfjcqYbw5-w25Kj3k_aem_Aia4Zv4rKV608EasB6QHCg

With grocery prices in remote communities costing double on average compared to capital cities, the federal government will lock the price of 30 essential products in remote stores to city prices.