Women across East Gippsland’s farming and agricultural communities are being encouraged to apply for a statewide leadership and mentoring program aimed at building skills, confidence and pathways into decision-making roles.
Applications are now open for the Victorian Rural Women’s Network 2025–26 Leadership and Mentoring Program, announced by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence, with places available for rural and regional women working across agriculture and related industries.
The program has operated since 1986 and is one of the few leadership initiatives in Australia specifically designed for women in the agricultural sector. It supports participants to develop leadership capability, understand industry and government decision-making, and strengthen professional networks.
Women selected for the 2026 cohort will receive mentorship and leadership training from experienced leaders in industry and government, with a focus on overcoming barriers to leadership, influencing change and setting long-term leadership goals.
The initiative recognises the challenges faced by rural women, particularly in agriculture, where women make up around one-third of the workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Many also face lower economic security and greater exposure to financial pressures.
To reduce barriers to participation, the program covers costs for successful applicants, including bursaries for accommodation, childcare and travel, which may be particularly beneficial for women from regional areas such as East Gippsland.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said encouraging more women into leadership roles was essential for the future of the sector.
“Women make up a third of the agricultural workforce and contribute significantly to Australia’s food and fibre production, and encouraging them into leadership is key to attracting and retaining more women in the industry,” she said.
“This program gives rural women the tools to lead with confidence – building skills, networks and opportunities that drive gender equality and economic participation across Victoria’s agriculture sector.”
