CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & CELEBRATING
TASMANIAN RURAL WOMEN & THEIR FAMILIES
News
2026 Tasmanian Leaders Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 Tasmanian Leaders Program - and this one will be a very special experience as they celebrate 20 years of leadership in Tasmania.
There's never been a better time to apply for your place in their flagship program for this milestone year. Designed for high-potential leaders who are ready to stretch themselves, connect deeply, and lead with purpose, the program runs intensively over one year and transforms how people see themselves and their place in Tasmania.
Refined over two decades of leadership development expertise, the program’s unique design ensures participants and employers benefit directly and immediately from the experience.
The program offers a powerful combination of monthly gatherings from February to November that include multi-day Residentials, two or three-day Linking Sessions and Community Action Projects. This flexible structure of just 25 days commitment across the year allows participants to maintain their professional and personal responsibilities, and also affords time for reading, reflection and networking.
Delivered by expert facilitators, critical thinkers and inspiring guest speakers, this distinctively Tasmanian experience can fast-track your leadership capacity within a diverse peer network. Exposure to participants' diverse backgrounds and experience offers fresh learning and new insights on a wide range of issues critical to Tasmania's future.
Places on the program are limited, and applicants are selected based on merit through a competitive application process that seeks to select a diverse cohort of participants. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unique learning opportunity.
Want to know more?
Register for one of the upcoming online information sessions in August and September and find out why there's never been a better time to apply to take your place in 2026 in our flagship program.
Speak with staff and past participants to find out whether it’s the right choice for you or your employer. We will cover everything from navigating the application process and requirements through to program commitments and structure.
Info Session 2: Tuesday 16 September 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm
FarmX Conference and Expo
Real People. Real solutions. Shaping the future of farming, one conversation at a time.
Date: Thursday 21st August
Time: 8am - 5pm
Location: Woolmers Estate, Longford
Discover the future of farming in Tasmania.
Hear from national and local ag leaders, discover cutting-edge innovation, and connect with fellow farmers, thinkers, doers shaping the next chapter of agriculture.
Inspiring speakers:
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Saul Eslake - Economist
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Belle Binder - Left Field
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Luke Chaplain -SkyKelpie
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Pip Courtney - ABC Landline
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Nigel Kerin - Kerin Agriculture
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Olivia Lawson - Paringa Livestock
For a full speaker line up visit farmx.org.au
Tickets available now! https://events.humanitix.com/farmx/tickets
Unlock the Power of Healthy Governance
Date: 11 September 2025
Exclusive to Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Members | Limited to 20 Participants
Tasmanian Women in Agriculture has engaged Healthy Tasmania to offer this exclusive one-day course designed to build strong, transparent, and purpose-driven leadership through healthy governance.
Acknowledge Attributes: Understand your own and others' personality traits, skills, and competencies.
Understand Obligations: Know what you're committing to, including the basics of governance for both individuals and the board.
Contemplate Carefully: Listen intently, challenge constructively, contribute concisely, disagree gracefully, and decide with conviction.
Operate as a Collective: Focus on teamwork, culture, and the governance tools needed for effective collaboration.
Review, Reflect, and Renew: Evaluate board performance, composition,
and plan for the future.
Valued at over $400 per participant, this high-impact program is available to Tasmanian Women in Agriculture members for just $50 - an incredible opportunity to access expert facilitation, real-world insights, and practical tools at a fraction of the cost.
Spaces are limited - reserve your place today and lead with confidence and purpose.
To secure your ticket please email: admin@taswomeninag.org.
Not a member? Become one now to take advantage of the member only price:
Resilient Farming Tas Strengthen Your Farm's Future
Resilient Farming Tas and TWiA are collaborating to deliver a series of half-day workshops based on identified training needs and aligned to TWiA SIPP funding initiatives.
WHAT WILL MEMBERS (AND OTHERS) GAIN BY BEING INVOLVED?
The workshops will be open to all farmers (female and male). All participants must be enrolled in the RFT Program to access the benefits.
3 HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS (9am until 1pm)
Workshop 1: 31 July (UTAS Inveresk Library) - Completed
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Digital Literacy and Cyber Security
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Produce Marketing and the Art of Negotiation
Workshop 2: 9 August (UTAS Inveresk Library) - Completed
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Farm Biosecurity and “Carbon Without the Jargon”
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Emissions Reporting
Workshop 3: 28 August (Door of Hope, South Launceston)
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The topic will be decided based on group needs.
PROGRAM VALUE* AND COST
*The cost of completing a farm business resilience plan to the equivalent of what is provided through this program is estimated at $8,000.
Pay $250 to secure your place in the workshop series. This fee covers up to three people (per business that has an ABN)
HOW TO REGISTER
Visit: https://events.humanitix.com/twia-rft-farm-business-resilience-plan
Apply now and gain access to an additional session on Grants and How to Get Ready
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded by:
The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund
The Tasmanian Government’s Rural Business Resilience Package
For more information and costs click here
Changes to the Pastoral and Horticultural Awards
As of 1 April 2025, significant changes will be implemented in the Pastoral Award and the Horticulture Award under Australian workplace laws. These adjustments pertain to the definitions of entry-level classifications and the establishment of minimum pay rates.
Key Changes:
Entry-Level Classifications: The Fair Work Commission has mandated that introductory classifications, previously known as 'C14' or 'Level 1', are to be applied for a transitional period not exceeding six months. This period is intended for employees to undergo induction and training, acquiring the necessary skills and experience for their roles.
Level 1:
This applies to specific roles (station hands, station cooks, cattle farm workers, etc.) during the first 6 months of employment if the employee has less than 6 months of experience in the industry.
Level 2:
This applies to employees in the same roles (station cooks, offsiders) who have more than 6 months of experience. It also applies to station hands and dairy operators (Grade 1A) who have between 6 to 12 months of experience.
Level 3:
Station hands and dairy operators (Grade 1A) will progress to Level 3 after 12 months of experience in the industry.
Piggery workers:
They will move from PA1 (Pastoral Award Level 1) to PA2 (Pastoral Award Level 2) no later than 3 months after starting in the industry.
Minimum Pay Rates: Following the transitional phase, employees must be classified at a level that ensures their remuneration meets or exceeds the National Minimum Wage. This change aims to provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net for all employees.
Horticulture Award Specifics:
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Hourly Rates: Under the Horticulture Award, the hourly rate for a full-time or part-time Level 1 employee is set at $23.46. For casual employees, a 25% casual loading applies, bringing the hourly rate to $29.33.
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Piece Rates: Employers utilizing piece rates must ensure that these rates allow competent pieceworkers to earn at least 15% more than the standard hourly rate. Additionally, pieceworkers are guaranteed a minimum daily wage based on the hourly rate, ensuring fair compensation for their work.
More information about Pay and Piece rates
Pastoral Award Specifics:
The Pastoral Award encompasses various classifications with corresponding pay rates. To determine the applicable rates and classifications, employers and employees should consult the Fair Work Ombudsman's official Pay Guide for the Pastoral Award.
Fair Work Ombudsman Awards Summary
For comprehensive information and guidance, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's resources on the Horticulture Award and Pastoral Award.
Lifetime Ewe Management Course Expression of Interest
We are excited to announce that TWiA is offering a special incentive for members interested in participating in the Lifetime Ewe Management Course. As part of our ongoing commitment to support your learning and development, we are heavily subsidising the cost of this course for those who wish to partake.
This course is designed to help you improve your sheep management practices, leading to healthier flocks, more efficient breeding, and better overall productivity. It's a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on knowledge from industry experts.
Maximise your lamb numbers with Lifetime Ewe Management! 🐑
Join an LTEM group in your area and learn how to boost your flock’s productivity. LTEM is delivered on farm and works best with small groups of 5-7 participants.
Gather your like-minded neighbours and farmers to form a group, and a Trainer will come to you to deliver the course. Don’t miss out – improve your lambing results today!
For more information or to express your interest and take advantage of the heavy subsidies:
Contact Deb Morice 0408 990 927 or email chair@taswomeninag.org
Leading together 2024 Women's Leadership Program
In the final week of November Executive Committee member Melissa Edwards had the privilege of spending 3 days with 45 inspirational Tasmanian female leaders, each working within male dominated industry. What an incredible experience it was!
Captains Penny Terry and Lucy Byrne (GAICD) from Healthy Tasmania guided participants through a motivational journey of self-discovery, helping them find their voices and develop strategies to overcome barriers, all while honing business and leadership skills.
Key takeaways:
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The importance of healthy workplace governance
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Understanding authenticity markers - mannerisms, momentum and mojo
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Crafting compelling stories to ensure messages resonate
This program was more than just a learning opportunity; it was a chance to connect, draw inspiration from one another, and forge bonds with other talented female leaders.
About the I-LEAD Women in Industry program
Specifically designed for women, I-LEAD Women in Industry aims to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles across both large and small enterprises in Tasmania. This program is tailored for emerging and established leaders working in traditionally male-dominated industries and occupations, including mining, construction, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, agriculture, STEM, electricity, water, gas, waste services, and technical trades.
Pending funding, the program is expected to run from July to September 2025.
For more information head to: https://www.tasmanianleaders.org.au/programs/i-lead/
Contact information and Support for Farmers
NRE Tas have a document available for Contact information and support for Tasmanian farmers to build farm business resilience and manage dry conditions.
Find it here: https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Information%20and%20Support%20for%20Tasmanian%20Farmers.PDF
Tas Farm Innovation Hub
Tas Farm Innovation Hub brings together researchers, farmers, industry, natural resource managers and traditional owners to co-design and implement relevant and innovative solutions.
There have been some interesting projects underway funded by the Hub, as well as information gathering of research available for farmers.
Tas Farm Innovation Hub project examples:
https://landdrainagetasfarming.com.au/
Seedlab Tasmania - Growing Tasmania
Of the 44 newest recruits to the seedlab bootcamps 77% of the businesses were founded by women.
Did you catch Seedlab at the Salamanca Market? It is one of the ways that Seedlab have supported small businesses in Tasmania in 2023.
Did you also know that Seedlab ran a Bootcamp for small businesses? The program ran for 6 weeks and was designed to equip start-ups, small, and early-stage businesses with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship needed to navigate the initial stages of business growth.
For more news and initiatives from Seedlab head to seedlabtasmania.com.au
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Little Lissa Loo (L) and Milie Organics (R), already seasoned hands at Salamanca Market,
joined Seedlab's Bootcamps in 2023.
