East Gippsland Women in Agriculture
Who We Are
The East Gippsland Women in Agriculture Network (EGWAN) is a grassroots network supporting women involved in farming enterprises across East Gippsland. Formed in 2016, EGWAN addresses a critical gap in agricultural capacity-building by engaging women as key decision-makers in family farming businesses.
Why We Exist
Farming in East Gippsland is predominantly family-based. Women play essential roles in operational, financial, and strategic decision-making. Research demonstrates that sustainable, long-term change within farm enterprises occurs when all decision-makers are equipped with knowledge and skills.
Historically, many agricultural programs have targeted individuals, often men, rather than whole-of-business decision-makers. EGWAN ensures women are not only included but intentionally supported.
What We Deliver
EGWAN provides practical, relevant, and accessible programs that acknowledge the complex roles women balance — farm work, off-farm employment, business management, and family responsibilities.
Projects
Personal development (leadership, communication, negotiation)
Practical agricultural skills (fencing, chainsaw, grazing, livestock)
Farm visits and peer learning exchanges
Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
Networking Social events
Outcomes
Increased confidence and decision-making capability
Greater adoption of improved farm practices
Strengthened peer networks
Enhanced resilience across farming families and farming communities
Participants MUST learn something at each event. All events will be well catered (the women need to feel pampered). The women do not mind taking time off from their busy days if they are learning something that is relevant and valuable.
Steering Committee
To ensure the network remains relevant and responsive, a Steering Committee was established to guide project development and delivery. In designing programs, EGWAN recognises that women in agriculture often balance multiple roles (farm labour, off-farm employment, business management, and family responsibilities) and require accessible, practical, and high-value learning opportunities.
Small Skills
After the Black Summer Fires, the Women in Ag steering committee identified several areas they felt were essential to improve.
These included:
Chainsaw training (Genoa x 2 & Orbost x 1)
How to repair a fence (Orbost, Bairnsdale, Buchan, & Benambra)
How to build a temporary fence (Bairnsdale)
Basic Rifle Skills (Buchan x 3)
Rifle maintenance (Barinsdale x 1)
Working-dog training (Bairnsdale x 1)
Small engine repairs (Sarsfield x 2)
Animal Health (euthanasia) (Bairnsdale x 1)
Basic tractor skills (Bairnsdale x 3)
How to drive a tractor (t.b.a) - 2026
SOCIAL EVENTS
Farm Visits
Farm visits are a great way to see how others live on farms in different parts of East Gippsland. Everyone faces various challenges, has different enterprises, and pursues different goals. However, they also experience similar challenges and highs.
Women in ag are happy to visit and socialise, but they must be learning something at the same time. EGWAN has done several farm visits in the past and has more planned.
Ensay & Tambo Crossing
Marlo & Newmerrella
Forge Creek
Swifts Creek & Omeo
Wairewa
Cann River (March 2026)
EGWAN has hosted several dinners with inspirational speakers.
Including:
Robyn Moore - ‘the power of the word’
Frauke Bolten-Boshammer - ‘A diamond in the dust’
Inspirational Speakers
TRAINING
High Country Farm Visit - October 2023
22 attendees, including farmers, collectively managing 6,509 ha of farmland
100% stated the event exceeded expectations with 85% thinking it was brilliant!!
Visited Jill Hill and Dee Commins properties with a stop at Nullamunjie Olives for lunch.
High Country Women
“Growing Farms… Growing Families”
In 2017 the High Country Women hosted EGWAN. This is a video about that day.
East Gippsland Farm Dog Group partnered with East Gipp Women in Agriculture
Chainsaw Course 2023 - Orbost
Chainsaw Course 2023 - Orbost
Chainsaw Course 2023 - Genoa
Chainsaw Course 2023 - Genoa (no.2)
Chainsaw Forestech - 2021
Chainsaw - Forestech 2023
one day Chainsaw Forestech 2021
Farm Visit - Forge Crk Lamb
Farm Visit - Forge Creek Free Range Eggs
Regen Grazing Management - Bengworden
Leadership Training 2022 - Wattle Point
Leadership Training 2022 - Wattle Point
Leadership Training 2019 - Nowa Nowa
Leadership Training 2019 - Nowa Nowa
Women in Ag & Business Dinner 2021 with Robyn Moore
Women in Ag & Business Dinner 2021 - Robyn Moore
Women in Ag & Business Dinner 2022
Dinner 2022 with Frauke Bolten-Boshammer
Workshop with Robyn Moore 2021 - Nicholson
Lunch 2017 - Nullamunjie Olives
Lunch at Nullamunjie Olives
Nullamunjie Olives with Sallie Jones
Leadership Training 2017 - Fraser Island (Lakes Entrance)
Leadership Training 2017
Leadership Training 2017
Boat Trip - 2020
Cruise the Lakes - Mental Health Day
Basics of Fencing 2022 - GAgG (Bairnsdale)
Basics of Fencing 2023 - Buchan
Fencing 2023 - Sarsfield
High Country Women - farm visit
Farm Visit - Tambo Crossing
Farm Visit - Doctors Flat
Farm Visit - Marlo Plains
Farm Visit - Marlo Plains
Heifers on Target 2022 - Marlo Plains
Farm Visit - Marlo Plains
This project is supported by East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. EGWAN has had many funders over the years. They include:
