Leaders across the New England have been acknowledging the strength of one of our region’s finest assets today: our strong rural women.
Today marks the International Day of Rural Women, a time to honour the resilience, leadership, and contribution of women who sustain regional communities across the region and beyond. From running farms and small businesses to leading councils, building communities, and shaping the future through education and advocacy, rural women continue to hold the social and economic fabric of regional Australia together.
NSW upper house politician, Aileen MacDonald, paid tribute to rural women across the state, calling on governments to listen and act on the issues affecting them most.
“Rural women are the backbone of regional NSW- feeding families, running small businesses, volunteering, caring, and keeping communities connected,” Ms MacDonald said.
“Yet too often, the very women who hold our regions together are the first to go without – whether it is healthcare, secure work, or simply being heard.”
Ms MacDonald highlighted the Country Women’s Association of NSW as one of the most influential advocates for rural women, recognising more than a century of its tireless work in community health, maternity care, and social justice.
“Since 1922, the CWA has built health clinics, supported bush nurses, created maternity wards and fought for services when nobody else would,” she said.
“When the CWA speaks, governments should listen.”
For Susannah Pearse, Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, the day carries personal meaning. Reflecting on her own journey from Brisbane to the black soil plains on her socials today, she shared how rural life has reshaped her sense of purpose.
Fifteen years ago, she left a corporate marketing career in the city seeking something more meaningful.
“The lure of doing something good—growing food and fibre—had huge appeal,” she said.
Over time, she found her place in local government and community life, driven by a belief that “if you want the services, events and opportunities that make rural life great, you need to get involved.”
Now leading one of Australia’s most productive agricultural shires, Pearse said she is proud to see women thriving in new ways across her region.
“We have so many young women taking up roles in ag. And we have more and more women actively running and innovating in our world-class farm businesses.”
At the University of New England, Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson said the day is also about recognising the global importance of rural women to food security, climate resilience, and social wellbeing.
“Around the world, rural women are the cornerstones of their communities,” Dr Pearson said.
“Their contributions to household incomes, education, health, and climate resilience are significant but often overlooked.”
Dr Pearson said education is the key to empowering rural women and building stronger communities, both in Australia and internationally.
“When rural women thrive, everyone thrives,” she said.
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