Rejoicing our rural women
• Next generation of local women in agriculture Karelle Morice and Shaelyn van Brecht with the interpretive panels in Scottsdale.
By Taylor Clyne
September 7, 2022
A series of interpretive panels have been installed in King Street, recognising the significant contribution women around the region have made to agriculture.
Bearing the words ‘connecting, supporting and celebrating’, the sign tells the story of Tasmanian Women in Agriculture (TWiA) and its ties to the North-East.
TWiA vice chair Deb Morice said the project was funded by proceeds from their book ‘A place in the Stockyard’ which the book committee wanted to use to celebrate their history.
“In 1994 the first gathering was held in Scottsdale and from there Tasmanian Women in Ag was formed,” she said.
“So naturally Scottsdale was the chosen site for the signs.”
Locally women in agriculture are still meeting under the umbrella of the North-East Women’s Discussion Group chaired by Shaelyn van Brecht.
The group meet bi-monthly with a targeted topic discussed and social catch up followed.
Ms van Brecht said the group is open to any levy paying farmer, their employees, wives and children.
“It’s for any farming woman, no matter your role,” she said.
“Once upon a time women might have only been doing the accounts on the farm however now there has been a massive change and the best person that can do that job is doing it, be it male or female.
“Seeing something like this interpretation sign come to life is really wonderful – it’s important for women to be recognised.
“We always get in and do the work and there is not always the recognition.
“Many of the women who first started TWiA like my neighbour Rae Wardlaw have been very instrumental in my farming life so I’m pleased to see this today,” Ms van Brecht said.
The art installation, at the Athol R. McLennan Reserve near the big thumb, will be officially unveiled on Friday October 21.
This will be followed by celebratory nibbles and networking at the Mechanics Hall.
The fun will continue the next day with bus tours of the region, highlighting locations including Clovelly Dairy, Nichols’ rhubarb and lemon tree orchard, Telita Dairy, Musselroe Wind Farm and Tebrakunna Visitor Centre, the Scottsdale Military Museum.
A gala dinner will be held at the Scottsdale Football Club Rooms that evening, MC’d by Jo Palmer MLC, with a guest presentation from Farmsafe Australia Chair Felicity Richards.
More details of the events and registration forms can be found on the TWiA website.