A unique opportunity for women on the land is operating in Queensland, Australia. A business and personal growth program, the Rural Women’s Forum Program (RWFP) is running in several rural and regional areas in Queensland. The RWFP involves a group of 10-12 women meeting regularly for a full day to further develop their business skills.
 
This is exclusively for rural women who are looking to increase their knowledge and confidence in running the business side of their rural enterprise. The RWFP charter states that we will be “committed to supporting rural women through skills development, education and idea exchange.”
 
The program is moderated by experienced facilitator Denise Quinn, who has been involved at a senior level in professional development within the rural sector, and with Leadership Forum Groups for many years.  Denise and her partner Kelvin Hutchinson run a property in the Clifton area with beef production and a quarter horse stud.
 
The program provides the opportunity for professional development, personal growth, the swapping of business ideas, the development of people skills, and support from like minded women.
 
In no way can it be considered little more than a ‘talk fest’ with little or no consequence. On the contrary, Rural Women’s Forum Program  participants have an opportunity to truly make a difference in their lives.  Participants have a choice of using the program towards a nationally recognised Diploma in Business, but only if they want to do it that way.  Every member of the group will benefit from the same high quality course materials, resources, individual coaching and information provided at the full day workshops.
 
According to Denise Quinn, the benefits of the Rural Women’s Forum Program are numerous. "Participants at the RWFP will learn a lot during the course of these days," Denise says. "The program is based on your vision and your needs, and tailored to your specific rural enterprise or business of your choice. The material covers simple business planning and management techniques, developing skills for managing people and many other aspects of your business, as well as practical tools and great materials to re-organise you workplace priorities. All in all you get great assistance in creating an effective and sustainable rural business.”  

Programs have been running throughout south west Queensland for the past 3 years in Goondiwindi, Yelarbon, Condamine, Chinchilla, Dalby, Clifton and Gympie where you hear comments like “great value for money”, “wonderful personal and business growth”, “I love the support which breaks the isolation”, “I am far more confident now in our rural business”, and “Thanks for coming to US!”.
 
With a limit of 12 eligible participants, the RWFP fits within the AAAFarmBis subsidy guidelines.
Contact us today to discuss starting a group in your area.