R[0]="2103"; T[0]="Changing times for women in the sugar industry"; A[0]="By ... CSIRO"; Dn[0]="20071024"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[0]="a20a49"; B1[0]=" A project to improve women's participation in decision making in the sugar industry has discovered that the role and status of women "; B2[0]="in the industry is changing... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]=" A project to improve women's participation in decision making in the sugar industry has discovered that the role and status of women "; S2[0]=" in the industry is changing.
Researchers from CSIRO and the University of Queensland interviewed both women and men working in various roles "; S3[0]=" in the sugar industry.
'The message from both men and women is that the industry is starting to accept women in what "; S4[0]=" were traditionally male roles and there is greater recognition of their contribution,' project leader Dr Emma Jakku of CSIRO said.
Many of "; S5[0]=" the women interviewed felt that they are now more accepted on industry boards and at industry meetings and are increasingly being employed in different sectors "; S6[0]=" within the industry.
Women who are employed in industry sectors, such as extension and milling, said that their focus was on doing "; S7[0]=" their job well, rather than their gender.
'The message from both men and women is that the industry is starting to accept "; S8[0]=" women in what were traditionally male roles and there is greater recognition of their contribution,' project leader Dr Emma Jakku of CSIRO said.
"; S9[0]=" 'The majority of women we interviewed rated their participation within the sugar industry as highly important to them personally.
Their reasons "; S10[0]=" ranged from the need to be involved in their family business, through to the need for women's perspectives to be heard,' Ms Jenny Bellamy of "; S11[0]=" University of Queensland said.
Women in the study identified a need for better communication, networking and information exchange among women in the "; S12[0]=" industry.
Many women, especially in the growing sector, work off farm to help support their family and are unable to attend industry "; S13[0]=" meetings, meaning that this group of women needs to give and receive information in other ways.
To try and meet this need, "; S14[0]=" a group of motivated sugar women are working together to create an email and online network to improve communication and information sharing.
"; S15[0]=" This research is being funded by the Sugar Research and Development Corporation as part of its strategy to help the men and women of the "; S16[0]=" Australian sugarcane industry respond and adapt to change.
The researchers are collaborating with: Bundaberg, Isis and Wet Tropics Women in Sugar groups, "; S17[0]=" BSES Limited, CANEGROWERS, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Burnett Mary Regional Group for NRM, Terrain NRM, FNQ and Wide Bay Area Consultative Committees, "; S18[0]=" Isis Mill, Centacare and individuals across the industry... "; R[1]="1839"; T[1]="Dubbo hosts International Women's Day"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20070129"; Dt[1]="Monday 29 January 2007"; Acats[1]="a49a54"; B1[1]=" Drought affected women including those living on farms or working in the rural sector are invited to participate in a free event "; B2[1]="at Dubbo RSL to celebrate International Women's Day... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]=" Drought affected women including those living on farms or working in the rural sector are invited to participate in a free event "; S2[1]=" at Dubbo RSL to celebrate International Women's Day.
The 7 March event is designed as a break from the drought and a "; S3[1]=" chance to celebrate women's achievements locally and globally.
Coordinator of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)'s Rural Women's Network and event "; S4[1]=" coordinator, Sonia Muir, said an impressive diversity of speakers will help to make it a day to remember.
'We want this day "; S5[1]=" to be one of celebration and sharing of stories to give rural women who are struggling some time out from the everyday pressures of drought,' "; S6[1]=" she said.
'The event starts at 10.30 and includes a free morning tea and lunch.
NSW Department of Primary "; S7[1]=" Industries is also funding free buses from key locations to make it easier for women to travel to Dubbo for the day.
"; S8[1]=" 'Confirmed bus departure centres to date include Orange, Coonamble, Harden, Blayney, West Wyalong, Wee Waa, Crookwell and Nyngan.
Many of these will "; S9[1]=" also pick up along the way.
Contact the RWN to book a seat.
'Keynote speaker is the inspirational and "; S10[1]=" funny Robyn Moore, a renowned entertaining presenter who was one of the original members of Australia's longest running radio comedy How green was my cactus.
"; S11[1]=" 'Probably her best known and much loved character voice belongs to Blinky Bill.
Robyn will share some of her "; S12[1]=" life experiences during her 30 years experience as a presenter and radio talent, as well as her country childhood.' Other speakers include the authors of "; S13[1]=" 'Desperate Gardenwives - Unlocking the Mysteries of Gardening Out West' and Mahboba Rawi, an Afghanistan woman who has written an enthralling book Mahboa's Promise which "; S14[1]=" shares her life story and the setting up of an international aid organisation.
The event is being sponsored by the NSW DPI's "; S15[1]=" drought support program and Rural Women's Network (RWN) in partnership with Women Out West and the NSW Premier's Department's Office for Women.
"; S16[1]=" All rural women from across the state are invited.
RSVP for both the bus and the lunch is essential, please contact the "; S17[1]=" RWN 02 6391 3620, or email rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au... "; R[2]="1792"; T[2]="Finalists selected in Rural Women's Award"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20061223"; Dt[2]="Saturday 23 December 2006"; Acats[2]="a49"; B1[2]=" Two outstanding NSW rural women have been selected as finalists in the NSW Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's "; B2[2]="Award... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]=" Two outstanding NSW rural women have been selected as finalists in the NSW Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's "; S2[2]=" Award.
Eleanor Cook from Coolah and Fiona Kliendeinst from Uralla will vie for the prestigious award, with the winner to be announced "; S3[2]=" on 6 February 2007 at a special gala dinner.
NSW awards coordinator Allison Priest said the finalists were selected from a field "; S4[2]=" of skilled, highly committed and enterprising women from throughout the state who underwent an extensive selection process.
'Applicants were judged on their "; S5[2]=" vision for the future of primary industries, the benefits they can bring to their industry or community, and their own leadership potential,' she said.
"; S6[2]=" 'This year's finalists have set their sights on what they want to achieve and have put forward unique proposals that will deliver significant "; S7[2]=" benefits to rural Australia.' Eleanor Cook and her family own and operate 'Hidden Valley', an organic beef property at Coolah in the State's North-West.
"; S8[2]=" Eleanor is also the owner/editor of the local newspaper 'The Diary', and one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Coolah "; S9[2]=" District Development Group, which, over the past 10 years, has attracted over $1.5 million in funding and completed a broad range of projects.
"; S10[2]=" Eleanor hopes to research and develop a Community-Managed Trust model where individuals, families and businesses can bequeath funds tax-free to their community.
"; S11[2]=" Fiona Kliendeinst and her husband run an ultra-fine wool business from their New England property at Uralla.
Fiona established the 'Luv2wearwool' "; S12[2]=" label that is run by local wool-producing women.
The business produces made-to-measure and off-the-rack woollen garments, wool fabrics and work clothes.
"; S13[2]=" Fiona is involved in many local and national industry initiatives and is passionate about promoting Australian wool as a quality clothing product.
"; S14[2]=" This year's winner will receive a $10,000 bursary for activities that build management, business or leadership skills, and help to strengthen rural industries "; S15[2]=" and communities.
The NSW Award is supported by RIRDC, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Department of Natural Resources, NSW Heritage Office, NSW "; S16[2]=" Premier's Department Office for Women, Department of State and Regional Development, ABC Radio, Rural Press Ltd and The Australian Women's Weekly... "; R[3]="1522"; T[3]="RIRDC rural women's awards close this weekend!"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20061011"; Dt[3]="Wednesday 11 October 2006"; Acats[3]="a49"; B1[3]=" Applications close this weekend for the 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.... "; B2[3]=" "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]=" Applications close this weekend for the 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.
They "; S2[3]=" must be submitted by World Rural Women's Day - this Sunday, 15 October.
Coordinator Christine Thompson from the Department of Agriculture "; S3[3]=" and Food encouraged Western Australian women with a passion for primary industries to enter.
'The RIRDC Rural Women's Award supports women "; S4[3]=" with a strong and positive vision for the future of rural Australia.
They are open to all women involved in agriculture, forestry "; S5[3]=" and fisheries, natural resource management and related service industries,' Ms Thompson said.
'The Awards recognise and encourage the vital contribution women "; S6[3]=" make to rural Australia, and assists in developing their skills and abilities with $10,000 bursaries for each of the seven State and Territory winners,' Ms "; S7[3]=" Thomson said.
'The money can be used for a variety of projects including overseas study tours, formal training in marketing and "; S8[3]=" promotion, developing new markets or even writing a book.
'The State and Territory winners will also have the opportunity to attend "; S9[3]=" the prestigious Australian Institute of Management's Company Director's course, which builds leadership, management and business skills,' Ms Thompson said.
State and "; S10[3]=" Territory winners will be announced in early February, while an Australian winner and runner up will be named at a ceremony in Canberra early next "; S11[3]=" year.
This year's winner for Western Australia and national runner-up, Bev Logue from Binnu, said the Award had been a great "; S12[3]=" benefit for her work, promoting her biodiesel project and enabling her to reach out to farmer groups nationwide.
'Because of the "; S13[3]=" Award, bio-diesel has become a broader and more effective industry, and we are achieving a better relationship with government over the impact of legislation on "; S14[3]=" the fledgling industry,' Mrs Logue said.
'The respect and profile of the Award has had priceless benefits for my biodiesel project.
"; S15[3]=" I would encourage rural women to take the opportunity to apply for the 2007 Award.' The Award is a RIRDC initiative "; S16[3]=" in partnership with State Government Departments of Agriculture/Primary Industries.
Major sponsors of the 2007 Award are the Australian Women's Weekly, and ABC "; S17[3]=" Radio (the original instigator of the Award) and Rural Press.
Application forms are available from RIRDC (02) 6272 4819 or can "; S18[3]=" be downloaded from www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au For more information call Christine Thompson, Department of Agriculture and Food WA (08) 9861 2022, or email cthompson@agric.wa.gov.au.. "; R[4]="1335"; T[4]="Female Case IH Apprentice receives National Award"; A[4]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[4]="20060827"; Dt[4]="Sunday 27 August 2006"; Acats[4]="a01a49"; B1[4]=" When DeArne Crane told her parents she wanted to be a diesel mechanic, they tried their hardest to talk her into choosing "; B2[4]="a more feminine career... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]=" When DeArne Crane told her parents she wanted to be a diesel mechanic, they tried their hardest to talk her into choosing "; S2[4]=" a more feminine career.
However the 20-year-old second-year apprentice at Case IH dealership Boekeman Machinery in Northam, Western Australia, has proven she's "; S3[4]=" a natural, recently receiving a Group Training Award from a pool of 5,000 nominations.
DeArne was one of 22 Australian apprentice's working "; S4[4]=" in various fields to be selected for the Award, which saw her spending a week in Canberra recently undergoing training in leadership and team building "; S5[4]=" which she hopes will help her achieve her dream of one day running her own mechanics business.
'It was a fantastic "; S6[4]=" week.
The Prime Minister even invited all 22 of us into his office to discuss how to make apprenticeships and traineeships a "; S7[4]=" more attractive option for employers,' DeArne said.
'We talked about getting more group training organisations to take on apprentices and trainees because "; S8[4]=" this makes it more appealing for employers to take on newcomers.
The award has opened new doors, with DeArne recently nominated "; S9[4]=" for Apprentice of the Year in Western Australia.
She will find out on September 15 if she has been selected for the "; S10[4]=" honorary award.
DeArne cites her dedication and commitment as the key to her run of success.
'Mum was "; S11[4]=" OK when I told her I wanted to become a diesel mechanic, but dad tried to talk me into an office job.
"; S12[4]=" He didn't think it was something girls should do.
But nowadays, they're both really proud of me and of my commitment.
"; S13[4]=" 'Because I'm female, I have to work twice as hard as the guys in my class just to prove myself,' she said.
"; S14[4]=" 'And I've had to toughen up a bit.
But most of the time they're pretty good and they respect "; S15[4]=" the work I do.' Working twice as hard is paying off for DeArne.
She continues to top the class in her studies, "; S16[4]=" a Certificate 3 in Auto Heavy Duty Diesel Mobile Earth Moving Plant and Agricultural Equipment, and receives continual praise from her colleagues.
"; S17[4]=" 'I've been told by the people I work with that I've got the skills to pick up on things quickly and that I think "; S18[4]=" outside the square.
I think because I listen and take notice, I'm quick to pick up new skills,' she said.
"; S19[4]=" DeArne's boss Stuart Boekeman said he was thrilled to hear that his first ever female apprentice has received such an award.
"; S20[4]=" 'It's great to have her on board and the guys have accepted her really well,' Stuart said.
DeArne added, 'I can "; S21[4]=" do anything the other mechanics can do, apart from lift really heavy stuff.
I really like working on Case IH equipment because "; S22[4]=" there is lots of variety in the type of equipment and the range of technical features such as guidance systems and autosteer.
"; S23[4]=" Working on different types of machines with different types of technology will help me to get further in my career and it's great to be "; S24[4]=" constantly challenged.
Plus, Case IH put a lot of time into training so when a new machine is released or if we "; S25[4]=" order a machine we've never sold before, one of us will get to attend an intensive training course on the machine.
Plus, "; S26[4]=" Case IH is well respected by the local farmers who enjoy dealing with us because of our service and reliability.' DeArne said her love "; S27[4]=" of mechanics started at an early age.
'I used to tinker around in the shed with Dad and I just happened to "; S28[4]=" be good at it.
Originally I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the Navy but I wasn't eligible to join.
"; S29[4]=" 'I decided to work with diesel engines because it gives you more choice.
When you're working with petrol, it "; S30[4]=" really limits you to cars, generators and lawn mowers but working with diesel gives me the option to work on everything from combine harvesters to "; R[5]="1287"; T[5]="Apply today for the NSW Rural Women's Award"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060812"; Dt[5]="Saturday 12 August 2006"; Acats[5]="a49"; B1[5]=" Rural women of all ages and all walks of life are encouraged to apply for the 2007 RIRDC Rural Women's Award and "; B2[5]="give themselves the chance to bring their special project dream or ambition to fruition... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]=" Rural women of all ages and all walks of life are encouraged to apply for the 2007 RIRDC Rural Women's Award and "; S2[5]=" give themselves the chance to bring their special project dream or ambition to fruition.
Applications open for the annual award this month, "; S3[5]=" with a bursary of $10,000 and a chance to undertake the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course in Canberra up for grabs.
"; S4[5]=" Winner of the 2006 NSW award, Kate Schwager, said the awards offered an enormous range of benefits, including the opportunity to network with women from "; S5[5]=" across Australia.
'The last 12 months have been an incredibly exciting and rewarding time for me, and I have formed friendships and "; S6[5]=" partnerships with a diverse range of rural women,' she said.
'By winning the 2006 award, I have been able to develop my "; S7[5]=" professional skills and feel more confident about my ability to contribute to the community - it's an experience I'd urge all rural women to get "; S8[5]=" involved with.' Mrs Schwager's award-winning website project, the Rural Towns Package, has grown from her initial weewaa.com website to now include websites for eight rural "; S9[5]=" towns in NSW and Queensland.
The website aims to promote local farming produce, businesses and attractions in a bid to support agriculture "; S10[5]=" and tourism in country towns.
Coordinator of the NSW Award, and Assistant Coordinator with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)'s Rural "; S11[5]=" Women's Network, Allison Priest, said she hoped to see more younger women and indigenous women apply this year.
'In addition to a "; S12[5]=" bursary of $10,000 for the winner in each state and territory, the award also provides the opportunity for winners and runners up to attend the "; S13[5]=" Australian Institute of Company Directors' course in Canberra,' she said.
'If anyone is interested and would like to discuss their application with "; S14[5]=" a previous finalist or winner, we can help by putting them in touch with women from previous years' awards.' The Award supports women with a "; S15[5]=" strong and positive vision for the future of primary industries, and is open to all women involved in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, natural resource management "; S16[5]=" and related service industries.
Entries close on 15 October, World Rural Women's Day... "; R[6]="1251"; T[6]="Become SA's 2007 Rural Women's Award Winner"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060805"; Dt[6]="Saturday 5 August 2006"; Acats[6]="a49a68"; B1[6]=" Rural women from across South Australian are encouraged to celebrate their achievements by applying for the 2007 Rural Industry Research Development Corporation "; B2[6]="(RIRDC) Rural Women's Award... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]=" Rural women from across South Australian are encouraged to celebrate their achievements by applying for the 2007 Rural Industry Research Development Corporation "; S2[6]=" (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.
The award recognises and encourages the vital contribution women make to rural Australia.
It "; S3[6]=" provides a bursary of $10,000 for each of the seven State and Territory winners', with the opportunity for both the winners and runner up to "; S4[6]=" attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Course.
SA's 2006 Rural Women's Award recipient, Broadacre farmer Heather Baldock will use her "; S5[6]=" award to increase the awareness of GM technology in rural areas through organising various forums around the state, starting from 25 September 2006.
"; S6[6]=" Heather says as the 2006 SA Rural Women's Award recipient, she wants to encourage more women to feel and to be acknowledged that "; S7[6]=" they have an important contribution to make to agricultural business decisions.
The Award now in its eighth year, supports women with "; S8[6]=" a strong and positive vision for the future of rural Australia and is open to all women involved in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, natural resource "; S9[6]=" management and related service industries.
The 2007 State winner will be announced at a ceremony in Adelaide early next year, and "; S10[6]=" will go on to represent the state in the National awards to be announced in Canberra next year.
The award is "; S11[6]=" a RIRDC initiative in partnership with the State Government Departments of Agriculture/Primary Industries.
Major sponsors of the 2007 Award are the Australian "; S12[6]=" Women's Weekly, ABC Radio and Rural Press.
Applications are open until 15 October 2006... "; R[7]="1098"; T[7]="Winning Women - Just Scratching the surface"; A[7]="By ... RIRDC Pub. No. 06/047"; Dn[7]="20060713"; Dt[7]="Thursday 13 July 2006"; Acats[7]="a49"; B1[7]=" The RIRDC Rural Women's Award is now entering its seventh year, but women's contribution to rural life in Australia is more than "; B2[7]="200 years in the making... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]=" The RIRDC Rural Women's Award is now entering its seventh year, but women's contribution to rural life in Australia is more than "; S2[7]=" 200 years in the making.
As a woman who has spent a large part of her life in rural Australia - "; S3[7]=" as a shearers' cook in outback Australia, as an aerial stock mustering pilot in Queensland and as a wool and beef farmer in rural Victoria "; S4[7]=" - I have had the privilege of meeting, working and becoming friends with many women who help support rural industries and the communities they sustain.
"; S5[7]=" Moreover, as a Federal representative for a rural electorate since 2001, I have also been lucky enough to see first hand "; S6[7]=" the important, and somewhat unheralded role women play in keeping our agricultural sector ticking along nicely.
As Parliamentary Secretary for the "; S7[7]=" Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, I will get to explore these contributions even more.
Life in rural Australia "; S8[7]=" can be tough and uncompromising, but it can also be extremely rewarding.
Leadership and ingenuity are not just desirable, but crucial to "; S9[7]=" making ends meet.
One of the quintessential Australian images is the dust-covered farmer, working the land against the odds and the "; S10[7]=" elements.
I think what has often been missing from this picture is the woman who also has her sleeves rolled up and "; S11[7]=" boots covered in dirt.
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation decided six years ago to recognise these achievements through the "; S12[7]=" RIRDC Rural Women's Awards.
The first six years of the RIRDC Rural Women's Award has seen more than one hundred women "; S13[7]=" honoured, but I know this is just scratching the surface.
Over the next six years and beyond, the female face of rural "; S14[7]=" Australia will continue to be revealed, recognised and admired.
The RIRDC Rural Women's Award began in 2000 with the objective of "; S15[7]=" increasing women's capacity to contribute to agriculture and rural Australia, by providing them with the support and resources to further develop their skills and abilities.
"; S16[7]=" The Award is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with the State and Territory "; S17[7]=" agencies responsible for agriculture, primary industry and natural resource management, who manage the Award at a state and territory level.
RIRDC "; S18[7]=" is a statutory agency of the Australian government.
Our objective is to maximise the contribution of research and development to more profitable, "; S19[7]=" sustainable and dynamic rural industries and communities.
RIRDC is also responsible for making more effective use of the resources and skills of "; S20[7]=" the rural community - and providing rural women with the opportunity to make their best possible contribution is critical.
Since its "; S21[7]=" inception in 2000, over one hundred women, representing every facet of agriculture and natural resource management, have been recognized for their unique skills and abilities "; S22[7]=" and their capacity to make a higher contribution to rural Australia.
Past recipients have used the Award and its Bursary to "; S23[7]=" forge new markets and relationships for our primary products, including salmon into Japan, olive oil into China, tropical fruit wine into Singapore and Taiwan, yabbies "; S24[7]=" into the United States and wool and alpaca fibre into Europe.
Through the Award they have also achieved a number of "; S25[7]=" firsts - including the world's first cultivation of marine tube worms for the recreational bait industry, the first national mohair classing training course and manual "; S26[7]=" and the first best practice handling manual for the Australian tuna industry.
Their contribution to their respective industries and communities has "; S27[7]=" been recognized with numerous recipients now holding positions of leadership on Premiers and Ministerial Advisory Committees, Company and Corporation Boards, and in industry organizations.
"; S28[7]=" Three have been honoured with Australian medals.
While the RIRDC Rural Women's Award acknowledges past achievement, it is "; S29[7]=" clearly focused on supporting women with strong leadership skills, a positive vision for the future of agriculture and the potential to make a difference in "; S30[7]=" their chosen field.
Women from across agriculture, including fisheries and forestry, natural resource management and related service industries, in each State "; R[8]="1048"; T[8]="Training support for rural women"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060708"; Dt[8]="Saturday 8 July 2006"; Acats[8]="a49a53"; B1[8]=" Rural women from across South Australia are providing input into an 'Engaging Women in Agribusiness Training' project that aims to find solutions "; B2[8]="to training issues and barriers faced by women in rural areas... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]=" Rural women from across South Australia are providing input into an 'Engaging Women in Agribusiness Training' project that aims to find solutions "; S2[8]=" to training issues and barriers faced by women in rural areas.
As part of the project supported by Women in Agriculture and "; S3[8]=" Business and FarmBis, focus groups are currently being held around the state.
The workshops will enable rural women to talk more in "; S4[8]=" depth about the types of training issues and barriers they face and voice their ideas on how they can be overcome.
Project "; S5[8]=" facilitators Jeanette Long and Sharon Honner from Ag Consulting Co.
says more than 200 surveys were conducted across South Australia that highlighted "; S6[8]=" various training issues and barriers including the timing of training, cost, distance, childcare and family support.
'These focus groups will be important "; S7[8]=" in finding out more information on how these issues can be dealt with and ultimately support and assist rural women to increase their knowledge and "; S8[8]=" skills within rural areas,' they said.
'Rural women shouldn't feel disadvantaged in undertaking training because they live in rural areas.
"; S9[8]=" As part of the project we want to find out why they may feel that way, and what we can do to help empower "; S10[8]=" and support them.' A final project report is expected to be released July 2006, which will greatly assist organisations and training providers specifically cater their "; S11[8]=" training programs in line with the needs of rural women.
Upcoming focus groups will be held at: Naracoorte, Thursday 1 June, 1 "; S12[8]=" pm at Settlers Caf�, 85 Gordon St.
Karoonda, Friday 2 June, 9.30 am at Karoonda District Football Club Inc, Adelaide Rd.
"; S13[8]=" Kadina, Tuesday 6 June, 1 Pm at The Farm Shed Museum & Tourist Centre, 50 Moonta Rd... "; R[9]="857"; T[9]="A hundred winning rural women"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20060608"; Dt[9]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[9]="a49a53"; B1[9]=" Since 2000, RIRDC has been encouraging and supporting rural women through the Rural Women's Award.... "; B2[9]=" "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]=" Since 2000, RIRDC has been encouraging and supporting rural women through the Rural Women's Award.
Over a hundred women "; S2[9]=" have been recognized, rewarded and reaped the benefits from this program.
This month over 80 past recipients gathered for a two-day forum "; S3[9]=" to reflect on what the Award has meant for them, and, in many cases, how it has profoundly changed their lives.
'The "; S4[9]=" Award opened doors, raised my profile and has given me the opportunity to influence outcomes for our business, the industry, the region and beyond,' said "; S5[9]=" Mary Nenke, the WA Award Winner for 2000.
Sue McGinn, NSW Award 2000 finalist, said, 'It raised my profile in the dairy "; S6[9]=" industry...
I became the first female board member in the cooperative's 100 year history.' Past recipients have used the Award and its "; S7[9]=" Bursary to forge new markets and relationships for primary products, including salmon into Japan, olive oil into China, tropical fruit wine into Singapore and Taiwan, "; S8[9]=" yabbies into the United States and wool and alpaca fibre into Europe.
Australian Award Winner for 2006, Martha Shepherd, urges rural women "; S9[9]=" to get involved: 'If you've got an idea, if you think you could do something, go and apply! Anything is possible.' A publication providing insights "; S10[9]=" into the personal development and professional achievement of recipients of the first six years of the RIRDC Rural Women's Award.
Winning Women "; S11[9]=" - Just scratching the surface is available from RIRDC.
For more information on the Rural Women's Award, including the application process for "; S12[9]=" 2007, visit www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au... "; R[10]="855"; T[10]="National RIRDC Rural Women's Award winners"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060608"; Dt[10]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[10]="a49"; B1[10]=" Representing almost every region across rural Australia, from all states and the Northern Territory, and coming from a diverse range of business, "; B2[10]="community and farming activities, the women recognised by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's Rural Women's Awards are anything but ordinary... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]=" Representing almost every region across rural Australia, from all states and the Northern Territory, and coming from a diverse range of business, "; S2[10]=" community and farming activities, the women recognised by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's Rural Women's Awards are anything but ordinary.
"; S3[10]=" Take Martha Shepherd for example - the first-ever Australian winner selected from the seven state winners of 2006 - who has established a high-value niche "; S4[10]=" native-foods crop on her Sunshine Coast farm, as part of a commercially-competitive value-added food enterprise.
Martha's 35 years experience in the food "; S5[10]=" industry has laid a strong foundation for her venture into a value-added rural enterprise.
Her challenge was finding a way to make "; S6[10]=" her 4.5 hectare farm to become commercially viable.
The solution, she believes, lies in a value-chain business model.
The "; S7[10]=" national RIRDC Rural Women's Award runner-up for 2006, Bev Logue, has a vision of a sustainable rural sector that is less dependent on oil companies.
"; S8[10]=" Bev believes farming regions could be catering their fuel needs with farm -produced, environmentally-friendly biodiesel.
Congratulating the women, Parliamentary "; S9[10]=" Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The Hon Sussan Ley MP said, 'Martha and Bev represent the diversity and enterprise of today's rural industries.'.. "; R[11]="711"; T[11]="Simulated baby program gets good results with teens : RACP Congress"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20060518"; Dt[11]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[11]="a09a48a49a53"; B1[11]=" New research has found health programs involving infant simulators can change the attitudes of young people regarding safe sex and teen pregnancy.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]=" New research has found health programs involving infant simulators can change the attitudes of young people regarding safe sex and teen pregnancy.
"; S2[11]=" The research is being presented by Dr Bret Hart and colleagues, from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Western Australia, to "; S3[11]=" The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Scientific Congress in Cairns today.
'Despite the fact that thousands of these infant simulators are "; S4[11]=" being used in high schools around the world, there has been no research to conclusively demonstrate that there is a difference in pregnancy rates between "; S5[11]=" teenagers managing an infant simulator and those who haven't,' Dr Hart said.
The Virtual Infant Parenting Program (VIPP) aims to give young "; S6[11]=" people the experience of test driving a simulated baby and experiential learning about pre-conceptual health, pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a baby.
"; S7[11]=" School health nurses implement the six day program with up to 7 students.
'Who would spend half a million dollars on a "; S8[11]=" car without trying it out first? This is about how much it costs to raise a child, and yet many young people today venture on "; S9[11]=" the road to parenthood without realising the personal, financial and emotional responsibilities involved and the necessary changes to lifestyle.' It will take a few "; S10[11]=" more years to gather all the results, but so far 2830 year 9-10 female students participated from 58 schools and reported the following pre-intervention information "; S11[11]=" on their beliefs and behaviour: 45% strongly agreed that they would never have sex without using contraception but, of the 16% that said they had "; S12[11]=" had sex, only 55% used contraception.
'We are not just looking for a difference in rate of pregnancy but other potential "; S13[11]=" benefits from the education package, including the facilitators role of the school health nurse and GP awareness and access For example, is smoking reduced, PND "; S14[11]=" & SIDS prevented, and are immunisation rates increased or child abuse and injuries reduced?' Dr Hart said.
When asked what they would "; S15[11]=" consider to be the ideal age for them to have a baby, program students indicated that they would like to have a child later in "; S16[11]=" life when compared to their responses prior to the program.
So far, there have been no reported differences between pre and post "; S17[11]=" attitudes and behaviours towards smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and sexual behaviour.
Preliminary results indicate that those participants contemplating teenage "; S18[11]=" parenthood had positive changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviours after completing VIPP.
This is a good sign particularly for those students who "; S19[11]=" are engaging in potentially health harming behaviours... "; R[12]="634"; T[12]="Country women held back by inequality"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20060324"; Dt[12]="Friday 24 March 2006"; Acats[12]="a05a48a49a53"; B1[12]=" An apprenticeship program for rural girls is needed to lift low female employment in the country, a key welfare group says.... "; B2[12]=" "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]=" An apprenticeship program for rural girls is needed to lift low female employment in the country, a key welfare group says.
"; S2[12]=" Mission Australia's Rural and Regional Australia: Change, Challenge and Capacity report highlights the need for new training programs specifically for young country women.
"; S3[12]=" It has proposed the development of the rural girls apprenticeship program in conjunction with industry and government.
"; S4[12]=" Mission Australia's South Australian manager, Mark Herselman, said there would be an outcry if many of the same levels of disadvantage and inequality were prevalent "; S5[12]=" in metropolitan areas.
'We're finding young women, particularly with young children, suffer from a lack of services in the country,' he "; S6[12]=" said.
'Young women tend to be more bonded to local areas because of their families.' Mr Herselman said disadvantages facing young "; S7[12]=" women included the lack of women's health services and education facilities.
Mission Australia's national manager of research and policy, Anne Hampshire, "; S8[12]=" said 36 per cent of Australians live in rural and regional areas in a great diversity of communities.
'They have shown "; S9[12]=" incredible resilience to the dramatic economic and social changes of the past two decades, but some have still fallen behind metropolitan Australia,' Ms Hampshire said.
"; S10[12]=" She said the inequality in regional Australia needed to be tackled.
'Most people would agree that an "; S11[12]=" Australia without a thriving and vibrant rural and regional population would be a soulless place,' she said.
The report's key recommendations include: "; S12[12]=" the need for a special national rural mental health strategy and greater use of mobile outreach and information technology-based service delivery.
"; S13[12]=" South Australian Farmers Federation chief executive Carol Vincent said she supported Mission Australia's approach.
'We are putting together a range of "; S14[12]=" strategies to help improve services in regional areas,' Ms Vincent said.
'Mental health is something we feel very strongly about, along "; S15[12]=" with succession planning, because the human relationship side is causing a lot of distress to farm families.'.. "; R[13]="568"; T[13]="Program unlocks the potential of future rural leaders"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060302"; Dt[13]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[13]="a49a53"; B1[13]=" The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may have the answer with its popular Building Rural Leaders program planned to begin in "; B2[13]="Bundaberg on March 28... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]=" The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may have the answer with its popular Building Rural Leaders program planned to begin in "; S2[13]=" Bundaberg on March 28.
DPI&F rural development officer Pamela McAllister said positions were still available in the course for people who wanted "; S3[13]=" to develop confidence and skills for a successful future.
Ms McAllister said the Building Rural Leaders program gave participants the opportunity to "; S4[13]=" realise their potential through an intensive personal development program that had already inspired more than 1,000 Queenslanders.
'Our greatest resource for growing "; S5[13]=" industries and communities is our people and their potential.
We are looking for participants who wish to develop themselves, their business, industry "; S6[13]=" and community,' she said.
'Individual participants grow and develop as they gain knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to promote positive change for "; S7[13]=" themselves and others.' Graduates of the program have gone on to make a real impact in rural communities, and include success stories such as a "; S8[13]=" drought-affected lucerne grower who now heads a $60 million herb growing facility, or the young single mother who gained the confidence to move from the "; S9[13]=" packing shed floor to be an active member of the local horticulture industry board.
'Building Rural Leaders offers the motivation and "; S10[13]=" self-development participants need to unlock their own potential.
Communities gain committed and knowledgeable citizens who create real and positive change.
"; S11[13]=" New networks between the public and private sectors develop new initiatives that meet genuine community needs.' The Building Rural Leaders program kicks-off in "; S12[13]=" Bundaberg on March 28.
For more information about the program, including how to enrol, contact Pamela McAllister on 1800 356 621... "; R[14]="553"; T[14]="Broadband boost for rural breast screening"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060302"; Dt[14]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[14]="a09a49"; B1[14]=" Telstra Country Wide� has signed a communications partnership agreement with BreastScreen Victoria to improve the delivery of breast cancer screening services in "; B2[14]="country Victoria... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]=" Telstra Country Wide� has signed a communications partnership agreement with BreastScreen Victoria to improve the delivery of breast cancer screening services in "; S2[14]=" country Victoria.
BreastScreen Victoria is undertaking the Regional Mobile Digital Mammography project to trial digital mammography on its Rural Mobile Screening Service "; S3[14]=" using wireless data technology.
The use of hard-copy film will be replaced with digital images that can be sent to radiologists anywhere "; S4[14]=" in the state for diagnosis.
Speaking at the Rural Press Club of Victoria today, the Group Managing Director for Telstra Country Wide�, "; S5[14]=" Mr Geoff Booth, said the agreement demonstrated the company's commitment to improving the delivery of health care services and communications in regional and rural areas.
"; S6[14]=" 'Telstra is passionate about this initiative because of its potential to help tackle breast cancer, and therefore make a difference to the "; S7[14]=" lives of thousands of rural Victorian women,' Mr Booth said.
'Under the agreement, Telstra Country Wide will provide a dedicated integrated wideband "; S8[14]=" IP network, digital image storage facilities and mobile broadband communications solution using 3G technology to enable images to be sent from BreastScreen Victoria's Mobile Screening "; S9[14]=" Service to radiologists based in regional and metropolitan centres.
'The trial project will help BreastScreen Victoria to offer the latest mammography "; S10[14]=" technology to rural women through the Rural Mobile Screening Service.' BreastScreen Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Onella Stagoll, said the signing of the partnership agreement with "; S11[14]=" Telstra Country Wide is a significant milestone for the project.
'The use of digital technologies and wireless broadband will improve the efficiency "; S12[14]=" of BreastScreen Victoria's Mobile Screening Service,' Ms Stagoll said.
'The project will benefit both the rural radiographer workforce and women using the "; S13[14]=" Mobile Screening Service.
Currently radiographers working on the Mobile Screening Service are unable to develop and view their images.
"; S14[14]=" The new technology will allow them to view images as they are taken.
'Not only will this greatly improve the working "; S15[14]=" conditions for radiographers, it will assist BreastScreen Victoria to attract and retain skilled staff in rural areas and improve the service for women.
"; S16[14]=" 'The radiographer will know instantly if another x-ray image is required.
This will reduce inconvenience to women, who currently need to "; S17[14]=" come back to the mobile service if, for some reason, their first x-ray was not clear enough for us to read.
We "; S18[14]=" are also expecting the project will provide faster results.' Mr Booth added: 'Our communications agreement is an important step towards the realisation of Telstra's vision "; S19[14]=" of a better connected health environment in regional Australia through the innovative use of broadband and wireless technology.
'This project will also "; S20[14]=" improve the delivery of mobile broadband services to regional businesses and communities in the Victorian centres involved in the program.' Women over 50 wanting to "; S21[14]=" make an appointment for a free mammogram can contact BreastScreen Victoria on 13 20 50.

* The project "; S22[14]=" has received the following funding: $2 million from the Coordinated Communications Infrastructure Fund (CCIF) administered by the Australian Government Department of Communications, Information Technology and "; S23[14]=" the Arts; $1 million from Multimedia Victoria and $900,000 from the Victorian Department of Social Services... "; R[15]="81"; T[15]="Looking for the 2006 Queensland Rural Woman of the Year"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060222"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[15]="a04a49"; B1[15]=" Are you a woman who has a passion for primary industries, strong leadership skills and the drive to make a difference in "; B2[15]="your industry, or do you know someone who is?.. "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]=" Are you a woman who has a passion for primary industries, strong leadership skills and the drive to make a difference in "; S2[15]=" your industry, or do you know someone who is? The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is calling on all businesswomen who have these "; S3[15]=" characteristics to enter the 2006 Queensland Rural Woman of the Year Award.
Women working in agriculture, fisheries, forestry or natural resource management "; S4[15]=" are encouraged to apply for the annual Award funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).
DPI&F is seeking five "; S5[15]=" outstanding finalists from throughout the state to contend the overall title.This prestigious award, now in its seventh year recognises the vital contribution women make to "; S6[15]=" agriculture and rural Australia.
The Award winner receives a $10,000 bursary to undertake a project that will develop their skills and contribute "; S7[15]=" to profitable and sustainable primary industries in Queensland.
Additionally, both the winner and runner-up will have the opportunity to attend the Australian "; S8[15]=" Institute of Company Directors' Course in Canberra.
2005 Rural Woman of the Year, Anne Osborne, said that the Award has increased her "; S9[15]=" profile and enabled her to pursue her passion for the Australian Native Food industry.
Ms Osborne is part way through her research "; S10[15]=" project into potential markets for these products and hopes to instil a greater understanding of their diverse uses amongst consumers.
'Without this "; S11[15]=" Award I would have continued to develop my business, but at a much slower place.
The Award has created new opportunities that "; S12[15]=" I am now able to explore,' Ms Osborne said.
For the first time ever, one of the seven State and Territory winners "; S13[15]=" will be selected as the 2006 Australian Award winner.
The RIRDC Award is sponsored by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and "; S14[15]=" Fisheries, Rural Press, ABC Radio and the Australian Women's Weekly.
The Award is open now and closes on October 15 - "; S15[15]=" World Rural Women's Day.
Entry forms and selection criteria are available at www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au.. "; R[16]="72"; T[16]="Rural Women s Day focus on life s turning points"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060222"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[16]="a04a49"; B1[16]=" Seven Central Queensland women who have made significant changes to their lives will share their stories to celebrate the 2005 World Rural "; B2[16]="Women s Day in Rockhampton on October 14... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]=" Seven Central Queensland women who have made significant changes to their lives will share their stories to celebrate the 2005 World Rural "; S2[16]=" Women's Day in Rockhampton on October 14.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries rural information specialist Robyn Donovan in conjunction with Fitzroy "; S3[16]=" Basin Association's education officer Mittsy Voiles will host the 10am to 2pm function at the Rockhampton Leagues Club.
Ms Donovan said that "; S4[16]=" based on the theme - Life's major turning points - the event provides an informal opportunity to hear how women have successfully made changes in "; S5[16]=" their personal and business lives.
'World Rural Women's Day opens the door for those who might be considering some major change and "; S6[16]=" to hear how others have made the transition,' Ms Donovan said.
'In addition to the speakers, there will be others with stories "; S7[16]=" to tell who will be available to share their experiences more informally over lunch.' 'We already have acceptances from visitors travelling from Emerald, Dingo, Moura, "; S8[16]=" Biloela and Yeppoon and expect this year's event to draw up to 100 attendees.' Ms Donovan said the guest speakers from as far as the "; S9[16]=" Dawson Valley and Central Highlands include Margie Tomlinson, Jayne Cho, Inge Pedersen, Irene Ingram, Judy Nobbs, Jo Luck and Annika Barrett.
'These "; S10[16]=" women have made significant changes in their lives and will speak about the challenges they faced during those major turning points,' Ms Donovan said.
"; S11[16]=" 'They will be talking about the challenges of moving either from the city to the bush or making the transition from rural life "; S12[16]=" into an urban community.
'There are changes associated with succession planning and in some cases, an unwillingness to hand over the reins "; S13[16]=" of the family property to the next generation.
'Making the decision to begin studies as a mature age student using the STEPS "; S14[16]=" (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies) program as a pathway to higher education is also on the agenda.' Ms Donovan said World Rural Women's Day "; S15[16]=" event would cost $25 per person and intending participants should book through Cate Horn, DPI&F, Rockhampton on 4936 0211... "; R[17]="64"; T[17]="Environmental scientist wins women s award"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060222"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[17]="a04a42a49"; B1[17]=" Palmerston businesswoman Sandy Griffin has been named the Northern Territory s Businesswoman of the Year..... "; B2[17]=" "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]=" Palmerston businesswoman Sandy Griffin has been named the Northern Territory's Businesswoman of the Year.
Dr Griffin won the honour "; S2[17]=" for her role as the principal environmental scientist for HLA Envirosciences.
Dr Griffin established the Darwin office of the company, which provides "; S3[17]=" advice on environmental management.
She will represent the Northern Territory at the national awards in Melbourne in October.
Dr "; S4[17]=" Griffin says the awards are a rare time when businesswomen can reflect on success.
She believes passion is the key to achieving "; S5[17]=" success in business.
'If you don't have that passion for whatever it is you do, you are less likely to, I guess, "; S6[17]=" achieve your vision and objectives and so on,' she said.
'I think passion is one of the key things to achieving success.' "; S7[17]=" Other leading businesswomen recognised by the Territory awards are Jo Reiter and Teresa Anderson of Darwin and Phyllis Nicoll of Alice Springs... "; R[18]="46"; T[18]="Apprentice boom - and females help lead the way"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060222"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[18]="a49a53"; B1[18]=" South Australia has recorded its highest number of apprentices and trainees - and females are leading the way..... "; B2[18]=" "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]=" South Australia has recorded its highest number of apprentices and trainees - and females are leading the way.
At "; S2[18]=" the end of March, there were 34,600 apprentices and trainees in SA, an increase of 2600 in the past 12 months.
This "; S3[18]=" contrasts with national figures which show a drop of 13,400 apprentices and trainees in the past year.
According to National Centre for "; S4[18]=" Vocational Education Research figures, SA also outpaced national growth in the number of female apprentices and trainees, with 8.7 per cent growth, compared to a "; S5[18]=" national fall of 6.7 per cent.
Acting Employment, Training and Further Education Minister Karlene Maywald said the state was making inroads into "; S6[18]=" skill shortage areas, with a 13 per cent rise in the number of people starting apprenticeships in traditional trades.
'Traditional trades now "; S7[18]=" comprise 37.9 per cent of all traineeships and apprenticeships in the state, compared with 33.8 per cent for the same quarter last year,' she said.
"; S8[18]=" The Government said strategies such as increasing the uptake of apprenticeships in traditional trades, encouraging women and indigenous people to take up "; S9[18]=" opportunities and the South Australia Works program have assisted in the rise.
SA also defied the national trend to record a higher "; S10[18]=" percentage of women in training in SA, as a proportion of all apprentices and training.
Females accounted for 36.2 per cent of "; S11[18]=" apprentices and trainees in SA during the quarter, compared with 34.7 per cent nationally.
Final-year mechanical engineering apprentice Christine Stock, 22, is "; S12[18]=" one of several women now working in a traditionally male-dominated field.
'It is fantastic that women are doing these apprenticeships.
"; S13[18]=" We bring other aspects to the job,' she said.
Ms Stock is a finalist for Apprentice of the Year in the "; S14[18]=" SA Training Awards to be announced tomorrow night.
Figures also show: SCHOOL-BASED commencements rose by 10 per cent in SA in the "; S15[18]=" year ending March 2005 MORE than 20,000 young South Australians under the age of 24 were training as apprentices and trainees THE top occupation for "; S16[18]=" apprentices and trainees was trades and related workers... "; R[19]="32"; T[19]="Rural Remote and Regional (RRR) Women s Website Launched"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060222"; Dt[19]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a04a46a49"; B1[19]=" The Rural Remote and Regional Women s Network (RRR) today broadened its reach to rural women with the launching of its new "; B2[19]="website at www.rrr.wa.gov.au... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]=" The Rural Remote and Regional Women's Network (RRR) today broadened its reach to rural women with the launching of its new website "; S2[19]=" at www.rrr.wa.gov.au.
The Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Mr Ian Longson, officially launched the website at the Dowerin GWN Field "; S3[19]=" Days.
Mr Longson described the site as 'a most informative, attractive and easy to use site giving women an excellent resource to "; S4[19]=" discuss the issues affecting rural WA and provide input to government.' The launch caps a year long initiative committed to providing relevant and up to "; S5[19]=" the minute information to rural, remote and regional women, industries, government and communities.
Nikki Egginton, Chair of the RRR Network, said www.rrr.wa.gov.au "; S6[19]=" provided a wide range of information on the Network and its activities.
The interactive forum expands the way in which RRR women "; S7[19]=" can communicate with each other and with government on the issues affecting rural WA.
The interactive forum features discussion topics, chatrooms, news, "; S8[19]=" events and a photo gallery for members to post their own albums for family and friends.
'It will be an excellent mechanism "; S9[19]=" for women in rural, remote and regional WA to have greater input into the RRR Network and showcase the contribution they make to their communities "; S10[19]=" and promote opportunities for social interaction and sharing of ideas,' she said.
'The new interactive forum provides easy access for women to "; S11[19]=" discuss issues and to have their say about the things that are important to them'.
The RRR Network is supported by the "; S12[19]=" Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development to recognise, promote and expand women's contribution to their communities... "; R[20]="19"; T[20]="Women Achieving in Australian Tourism Industry"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060222"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a04a44a49"; B1[20]=" Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey today took the opportunity to formally congratulate women in the Australian tourism industry..... "; B2[20]=" "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]=" Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey today took the opportunity to formally congratulate women in the Australian tourism industry.
"; S2[20]=" Speaking at Women in Tourism Conference on the Gold Coast Fran Bailey said this year's theme, 'Leading the Way', was indicative of the "; S3[20]=" work being done by women in the tourism industry.
'This conference provides a wonderful opportunity to tap into the minds of successful "; S4[20]=" businesswomen and be inspired and motivated by their achievements,' said Fran Bailey.
'It will give delegates the tools, ideas and information needed "; S5[20]=" to help them become even more successful in their pursuits in this highly competitive tourism industry.' Women have achieved enormous success in the Australian tourism "; S6[20]=" industry.
Six of Australia's tourism ministers are women, two of the state tourism organisations are led by women and the head of "; S7[20]=" the tourism division within the Department of Industry Tourism and Resources is a woman.
Almost half the employment base of the tourism "; S8[20]=" industry is women.
There are many successful businesses throughout Australia that are run or owned by women.
More than "; S9[20]=" 460,000 Australian and Indigenous women describe themselves as self employed in the last Census, meaning they run there own business.
'These women "; S10[20]=" are making a huge contribution to the Australian economy and are seen as positive role models,' said Fran Bailey.
'These are very "; S11[20]=" impressive facts that highlight the invaluable contribution women make to the tourism industry, and we should be proud of these achievements.' Clare McFarlane is one "; S12[20]=" of many successful businesswomen in the tourism industry.
Aries Tours, located on the Gold Coast and Cairns, are leaders in the areas "; S13[20]=" of coach charter, eco-tours, tour coordination, and guide services.
Offering a range of educational and special interest programs, and servicing corporate clients, "; S14[20]=" with transportation for conferences and sporting events.
'Tourism is one of the Gold Coast region's biggest industries and I applaud the Women "; S15[20]=" in Tourism organisation for running events like this which can only help take the industry to the next level,' said Fran Bailey... ";