Agriculture
4 August, 2026
Women striving to thrive
CAMPBELLS Forest farmer Robyn Williams was one of the first to step forward and join the team bringing the annual Thriving Women conference to central Victoria next month.
CAMPBELLS Forest farmer Robyn Williams was one of the first to step forward and join the team bringing the annual Thriving Women conference to central Victoria next month.
The former physiotherapist who farms with husband Brendan says the conference, first held in 2022, was known for its strong sense of community.
“It’s the first time the conference for women in agriculture and regional communities has been held in Victoria,” Robyn said.
“My first was at Wagga Wagga in 2023 and then I went again, also in Wagga, last year.
“When it was announced the conference would be in Bendigo, I volunteered for the committee and have been looking after operations.
“As a local farmer and regional woman I can really vouch for the worth of the conference.”
Speakers this year include former federal MP Cathy McGowan, Kemi Nekvapil and Olympia Yarger with panel discussions sharing stories shaping the future of agriculture.
Fellow Campbells Forest resident Ann-Maree Davis is among the lineup of tool box presenters shining a light on the agritourism opportunities in the Loddon shire while Bridgewater Berets’ Jenny Hosking will be part of the trade show on August 10 and 11.
“Thriving Women is a rare event that meets you where you are – whether you’re there for the business side, the inspiration, or two days with women who ‘get it’. The conversations in that room are worth it alone,” said conference convenor Patrice Douglas.
“Thriving Women is more than a conference - it’s a space where women from across the agricultural sector come together to learn, connect, and take time for themselves,” says Robyn.
“Bringing the conference to Victoria for the first time is an exciting opportunity to connect with even more women across regional Australia.”
“The 2026 program has been thoughtfully designed to support women at every stage of their journey, combining inspiration with real-world application.
Read More: Loddon Shire