Dust off your gumboots and get your frocks ready. North Central Victoria’s most anticipated social event is on again.   

The 2016 Chicks in the Sticks will this year be held at the historic Mount Mitchell homestead in Lexton on November 25, and it is sure to attract a big crowd.   

This year’s event will showcase the achievements of women in the region connected to their surrounding and will delight, inspire and empower women to continue nurturing their sense of place and landscapes most important to them.   

“The program for this year’s event themed ‘FarmHER’, features speakers covering topics from mental wellness, wellbeing through food and lessons from farm changers all set against the incredible backdrop of one of Victoria’s most spectacular properties,” North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said.   

“This event attracts a female audience from Swan Hill, Kyneton, Donald and Echuca, all corners of our catchment and beyond.  Rural women searching for connections, support in farming communities and rural townships, often find it very difficult find their place.    

“In fact, many women still struggle to call themselves farmers even though they’ve  been managing a family farming operation full time, working in office, managing finances and the household.    

“Chicks in the Sticks offers an opportunity for women, who learn differently to men and often found working in a female dominated environment, a great deal of networking, sharing and a chatter.   

“Assisting women recognise their many skills, not only builds confidence but also empowers them to make sounds farming management decisions.”   

Mrs Coulson said the event, which costs only $25, will have something for everyone.   

“Guests are invited to throw on their gumboots, put on a garden frock and war a native flora and join women making a big difference,” she said.  

“Guest speakers will include local agronomist and farmer Laura Molloy and mental wellness practitioner Anne Watson. Mary Jennings will lead a kitchen garden demonstration and property owner Kate Tol will take us around her amazing home.   

“On this tour, there will be an opportunity to highlight the broader landscape, particularly the real and substantial economic benefits Waubra Wind Farm has brought into the landscape through high level industrialisation, while happily co-existing with existing local agricultural enterprises.                         

“Workshops will be followed by a delicious long-table grazing platter dinner, designed by renowned Australian chef Ian Curley.  

“Farm produce and Pyrenees wines will tantalise your tastebuds, paired with heart-warming story from Laura, about the importance of finding a balance between farming, sustainability and personal wellbeing.”    

To find out more about the 2016 Chicks in the Sticks event, or to book, go to www.eventbrite.com and search for ‘Chicks on the Sticks’.  

The event is supported by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au