2026 International Day of Rural Women (Royal Adelaide Showgrounds)

Established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, this international day recognises “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty".

The day aims to maximise participation, support professional development, and shine a bright light on the remarkable achievements in SA Ag and Regions. We're aiming to double our numbers and create a truly unforgettable day where everyone leaves with extra tools and tips in their business and wellbeing kits.

What an INCREDIBLE day we had at the 2025 DORW!

Any opportunity to bring women together from across AusAg and RRR communities is a gift, but you all truly SHOWED UP, leaned in and left a lasting impact on each of us! My hope for the day was that despite the challenges we face on our farms, in business, and in life, we would walk away feeling lighter, that our ‘load’ had been repositioned and that we left better equipped to keep moving forward through it all. And thanks to you, that hope became a reality.

Any opportunity to bring women together from across AusAg and RRR communities is a gift, but you all truly SHOWED UP, leaned in and left a lasting impact on each of us! My hope for the day was that despite the challenges we face on our farms, in business, and in life, we would walk away feeling lighter, that our ‘load’ had been repositioned and that we left better equipped to keep moving forward through it all. And thanks to you, that hope became a reality.

Our speakers and wellbeing panellists poured their hearts out, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between—whether it was about letting go of toxic relationships, rebuilding in our communities through those hidden, lonely moments, taking bold steps toward our ‘best fit’ for business/life/the blur in-between, or breaking those glass ceilings after feeling like we’ve missed out or messed up. The message was clear: we need to be better allies for ourselves and each other every day, and these reminders will never grow old. The depth of those conversations in the morning, discussing all the messy, hard, and complicated things we often wish we could just throw away, was so necessary. Yet, after digging deep, we somehow found the strength to rally, raising three times what we did last year for the WCH Foundation! Alexi and Victor from Refined Real Estate brought the theatrics, and it was wonderful to let loose for a while during the charity auction.

I’m truly humbled by your commitment—driving so far, dedicating your time, and the incredible feedback that this event added so much value to the many hats you all wear. Mission accomplished!

I’m thrilled to announce we’ll do it all again in 2026 on Friday 9 October!

Why should you come? Glad you asked! We are bringing back a few of the 2025 crew and a few newbies.

Our 2025 panellists and keynote speakers shared lived wisdom and thought-provoking insights on building and scaling business, navigating life, creativity and finding purpose within ‘the blur’ in between. Together, we explored what it means to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction including:

• Nat Sommerville, SA State Director and former President of Australian Women in Agriculture, returns to guide us in becoming stronger allies for First Nations people and advocates for equity across the sector,
• Mel McGorman (affectionately known as Lady Ba Ba), will take us on her ongoing journey of self-discovery, exploring what it means to keep evolving and finding who we want to be when we grow up,
• Robyn Verrall, Chair of the SA Skills Commission (Agribusiness, Food, Wine & Beverage) and true AGMATRIARCH, will remind us of who we are and inspire us with stories and lessons from her most recent adventures,
• Lukina Lukin, businesswoman, mentor, and commercial fisher affectionately known as The Tuna Boss, will bring her trademark authenticity and heart, sharing insights from life and leadership on South Australia’s rugged Eyre Peninsula coast,
• Christine Robertson OAM, 2022 SA Local Hero Australian of the Year, General Manager of the Adelaide Farmers Market, and Founder of Lost Pets of SA, will remind us that when doors close, courage allows us to turn the handle anyway, AND
• Casey Treloar, 7 News Presenter, part-time dairy farmer, and Ambassador for Sophie’s Legacy (stepping in for Masterchef Judge Poh Ling Yeow, who unfortunately couldn’t make Friday work amidst her superstar schedule), will share her farming, creative, and storytelling journey offering practical ways to change our (many!) hats quickly and with fun.

"Just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful DORW 24 Adelaide function- a thoroughly enjoyable day. As I mentioned to you yesterday, I have rarely attended women's events and it was certainly worth the three hour drive to attend.

Such a wonderful array of remarkable women speaking and sharing their interesting life (often very personal) and business stories with us. Guests mingled well and chatted informally among ourselves during the breaks.

This morning I sat at the kitchen table detailing the days events and speakers to my Farmer husband, 'sounds like you've had a real day out!'

I just wanted you to know that I really appreciated your and team efforts in presenting an inspiring day for rural women. Just what I needed!"

Toni-Louise

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