Across regional Australia, women are often the quiet force holding communities together.
From caring for families and supporting local initiatives to mentoring others and driving connections across distances, their contributions are both profound and far-reaching.
Through the latest round of GrainCorp Community Foundation grants, Voices of Women received funding to support its Wellbeing and Connection Program, helping women build confidence and belonging through the power of storytelling.
This International Day of Rural Women, we’re shining a light on the work of Voices of Women – a recent GrainCorp Community Foundation grant recipient – whose Wellbeing and Connection Program is helping women build confidence and belonging through the power of storytelling.
For Lliane Clarke, Artistic Director of Voices of Women, storytelling offers something deeply powerful: a chance for women to come together, share their experiences and discover common ground.
Working with women across regional communities including Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, the program creates opportunities for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect through creative expression.
Whether their stories are shaped by farming life, cultural traditions, migration journeys or a lifelong connection to Country, each woman brings a unique perspective.
“Regional and rural women love celebrating the beautiful country that they live on,” Lliane says.
“They all express a deep closeness to Country, whether that’s culturally, through their work on the land or through an emotional connection to the places they call home.”
International Day of Rural Women recognises the invaluable contributions women make to rural communities, from running farms and businesses to volunteering, mentoring and caring roles, all while facing the challenges of distance and isolation.
"Rural women play a critical role in delivering community programs, supporting vulnerable groups and creating opportunities for others to connect," says Lliane.
"They rely heavily on their networks and are quick to put their hands up to help out."
The Voices of Women Wellbeing and Connection Program was created from a simple observation: something special happens when women come together.
Through storytelling workshops, participants are encouraged to share their experiences in a supportive environment. This process helps women build confidence, strengthen their sense of identity and develop meaningful connections with others who may be facing similar challenges.
“The outcome is a really positive contribution to everyone’s mental health and wellbeing,” Lliane explains.
“Women often leave having made new friends and feeling stronger in their ability to express themselves.”
For some, that confidence carries into new career opportunities, community leadership roles, or personal decisions. For others, simply knowing they’re not alone can make a lasting difference.
As Voices of Women are a recipient of the latest round of GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Grantsthe funding will support accessible participation for women from remote and disadvantaged communities while helping cover the costs of workshop facilitators and community events.
“GrainCorp’s support will enable us to open the door for regional women to access this life-changing and award-winning program,” Lliane says.
As communities across Australia celebrate International Day of Rural Women, programs like Voices of Women are helping ensure that women’s stories, experiences and contributions continue to be heard, shared and celebrated for generations to come.
