TWiA at Parliament House, Canberra

What's Tasmanian Women in Agriculture All About?

Tasmanian Women in Agriculture (TWiA) are mothers, wives, partners in farms and fishing, and managers of agribusinesses. Many of them also work in towns. TWiA members have links with primary production and with the special lifestyle and problems affecting rural families. They see themselves as, and are proud to be, rural women.

We are non-political, non-government and very grass roots.

In fact, our greatest asset is our ability to respond to the opportunities and issues affecting farming families. Our organisation increasingly has input into agricultural policy and practice in Tasmania. We operate at all levels with informal Discussion Groups across the state, a State Executive and a State Program Leader (appointed by the Department of Primary Industries and Water) provides strategic support to the organisation. 

What TWiA aims to achieve

Already Tasmanian Women in Agriculture has made great gains for rural women and for the broader industry. Tasmanian Women in Agriculture's short-term goals may change from year-to-year, but in the long term the organisation aims to:

• Raise the profile of agriculture as a forward-thinking and vibrant industry that is vital to the Tasmanian economy.
• Encourage women involved in the industry to realise their full potential and to support those who wish to be part of decision-making beyond the farm gate.
• Provide a forum to gain knowledge and understanding about what is happening in agriculture at state, national and international levels.
• Be acknowledged as a legitimate voice where advice and input is sought on relevant issues by government and industry organisations.
• Make comment, when necessary, on issues affecting rural women and farming families.

What's in it for you?

The beauty of Tasmanian Women in Agriculture is that you decide how involved you want to be.  You may be interested in our newsletter "The Bluegum" to keep in touch or you may be interested in coming along to a regular Women in Agriculture Discussion Group meeting, to a Beyond Farm Gate Tour or even join us at a state Women on Farms Gathering.

IT'S UP TO YOU!

In the main, it's friendship, understanding, sharing concerns that affect the family business, support, encouragement, gaining confidence, recognition and communication. You may also gain greater knowledge of agricultural industries, hear addresses by industry specialists and take part in workshops.

All this for a few hours a month, with no obligation to attend every meeting or take on any roles or fundraising.

Join Tasmanian Women in Agriculture

Who can join? 

Its simple, if you are connected to agriculture then you can join!  Membership is open to everyone. You can be a mother, wife, a partner in farms and/or fishing, a manager of agribusinesses or regional business that has links with primary production then this organisation is for you!

There are two ways to join.  You can join to receive quarterly newsletters and email bulletins by filling out the form below or in addition, you can also register to be a web-member, where you can connect with other members, enter forum's and have more interaction and say about the organisation, register here to be a web-member.

Why should I join?

• Membership is FREE
• You will receive our FREE Bluegum Newsletter each quarter.  It shares stories, images, experiences and information about Tasmanian women involved in agriculture.
• You can stay up-to-date with our regular emails with news, grants and events

As a web-member you can:

• You can join our FREE online chats, or book a private chat room for yourself and your friends or your organisation
• You can post a message or find useful information in the Interactive Forum
• For a small fee, approved advertises can promote their local produce in an effort to bring town and country together to reduce "food miles"
• Through this web site, you can 'have your say' about government policy and issues affecting rural women
• Most importantly, you will be linked to hundreds of amazing rural women all over Tasmania, Australia and the world!

How do I join?

Download the brochure or complete the form below: (* mandatory fields)

First name: *
Last name: *
Email address: *
Organisation:
Postal address: *
Town: *
Postcode: *
Phone:
How did you hear about TWiA?
Please send me information on my local discussion group *	Yes No
	To submit this form, please enter the characters you see in the image. If you make a mistake in your first attempt, please refresh your browser screen for a new image to appear before trying again. *
to register as a web-member, click on "News and Events" then "Register" on tool bar at top of page

 

What are Discussion Groups?

Discussion Groups are informal groups located all around Tasmania. The groups take many forms. Some are mainly social groups that provide an outlet for comradeship - for sharing experiences and friendship. Others provide a combination of social outings plus learning opportunities.

Discussion Groups provide members with a voice to share issues in the community. Many programs have been developed to build confidence and skills for members.

Issues raised initially at a local discussion group have gone on to be developed at a State level - eg defensive driving classes, computer courses, media training, succession planning workshops and 'Global Games' (a program for understanding how international dealings affect local businesses).

Local coordinators organise social outings, guest speakers and tutors for leadership courses and driving skills and to present technical and travel opportunities.

Many members now have a broader knowledge of their product when it leaves their farm and goes on to the consumer.

They also have a greater understanding of natural resource management issues.

In fact, any activity that a discussion group holds builds the capacity of women in agriculture!

How to Become Part of a Discussion Group

If you would like to make contact with a Discussion Group in your area, or would like to establish a group, please contact TWiA via the details below.

There is no minimum membership requirement for establishing a Discussion Group. For further information contact an executive member (refer to "contact us" page).

Personal Information Protection (PIP) Act:

Should you wish to receive the Bluegum Newsletter and Email Bulletins, your personal contact details will be required.  We are required to inform you that this information is collected and stored in accordance with the principles of the Personal Information Protection Act 2004.  This means that the information will only be used for Tasmanian Women in Agriculture purposes. Your information will not be distributed to a third party, unless required by law, and then only in strict accordance with the PIP Act.  You have the right to access or amend any of your personal information collected by TWiA.  Please contact the Program Leader or the Executive if you have any queries about the Policy.

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