Welcome
The Victorian Government recognises and values the fundamental roles women play in strengthening and sustaining family farms, businesses and communities. The Department of Planning and Community Development supports networking between rural women through the Rural Women's Network. Involvement in the Network is informal. You can become involved in many different ways, for example by viewing our Network magazine (see below), or reading about regional events and forums and contacting us with your feedback about rural women's issues.
‘Beyond the Bushfires’ Spring 2009 edition of network magazine
In this special 75th edition ‘Beyond the Bushfires’, we honour the courage, strength and leadership of rural women across Victoria. Since the Black Saturday fires of 2009 many women are rebuilding their homes, lives and communities. Many other women are working and volunteering to help with the recovery.
Read the latest edition of the network magazine from Spring 2009.
Asia Pacific Breakthrough
Register now for
Asia Pacific Breakthrough, a global summit to support women’s empowerment and social transformation. Featuring more than 20 national and international leaders, including Thoraya Obaid (UN Under Secretary General), Sister Joan Chittister OSB (Global Peace Initiative of Women, New York), Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (General Secretary, World YWCA) and Jane Sloane (Executive Director, International Women’s Development Agency). The Summit will take place on 2 & 3 December at Federation Square, Melbourne.Women and Money Month
More than 1,600 women are participating in free Women and Money Month workshops and seminars (October-November). The Office of Women’s Policy is proud to coordinate Women and Money Month, aimed at raising awareness of the financial issues faced by women and helping women improve their money management skills through workshops, seminars and online information.
Women’s Leadership Grants 2010
At the 2009 Premier’s Women’s Summit held in Melbourne on 8 September, Premier John Brumby launched Victoria’s new Women’s Leadership Grants program.
The Leadership Grants Program 2010 is aimed to extend and support new networks of women interested in taking up leadership roles. The closing date for applications is 30 November.
Rural Women in a Changing Climate Events
As part of the Victorian Government’s strategy to support the needs of women in rural and regional areas, the Rural Women, Drought and Climate Change initiative was established in October 2006. Go to News and Events for more details and to find out about the recent state Forum.
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was established on 16 February to investigate the causes and responses to the bushfires which swept through parts of Victoria in late January and February 2009. For more information go to the
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission or call 1800 243 650Feedback
We always welcome ideas and suggestions about the website, the newsletter or the Network in general. Please contact us with your thoughts.
Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.
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