Women from Gladstone, Biloela, Kingaroy, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Maryborough and Rockhampton will advocate for improved policy settings for rural, regional and remote Queensland women when they travel to Brisbane as part of a delegation to State Parliament next week.
Led by Queensland Rural, Regional, Remote Women’s Network (RRR Women), the delegation will meet with MPs from all parts of government, Ministers and policy decision makers over two days during the November Parliament sitting week.
RRR Women President Emma Clarke says the delegation will discuss the unique challenges faced by women in rural, regional and remote Queensland and champion their leadership in shaping a stronger, more connected state.
By engaging directly with policymakers, the delegation aims to influence policy and investment decision making and ensure rural voices are heard and acted on.
“Our delegates will bring their diverse voices, lived experiences, and regional insights directly to the heart of decision-making,” Emma said.
“Representing a wide range of communities and industries right across the state, these women are all committed to advancing equity and inclusion for those living outside metropolitan centres.
“It’s really important policy and investment decision makers know rural, regional and remote Queensland women are leading these important policy conversations at the local level every day, and this delegation will bring those to State Parliament.”
On the policy agenda, the delegation will focus on RRR Women’s policy priorities including improving telecommunications and digital infrastructure in the bush, energy policy certainty and responsibly rolling out renewables, financial literacy and economic participation and benefits of the state’s volunteering economy: the triple shift.
The policy priorities were formed using decades of insight and engagement with rural, regional and remote Queensland women and data collected in the recent Rural, Regional, Remote Women Report.
Meet some of the delegates
Queensland Country Womens Association State President Tamara Stephensen, from Howard in the Hervey Bay region.
“When rural women succeed, we all succeed. I’m joining this delegation to ensure our voices are heard at every table where decisions about women, rural, regional and remote communities are being made,” Tamara said.
Economic development consultant Kate Giles, from Bundaberg
“I am proud to be part of this delegation to share the perspectives of women across Queensland and particularly those in the Bundaberg region and Wide Bay Burnett,” Kate said.
“Our regional communities are driving so much of Queensland’s growth and it’s important that our challenges, opportunities and priorities are part of the policy conversation.
RRR Women Board Member and Aussie Helpers CEO Natasha Kocks, from Gladstone
“We’ve got really clear policy priorities heading into these meetings and I’m aiming to have rural women’s voices and experiences as part of the decision making,” Natasha said.
“In my work I see time and time again the need for equitable, fit-for-purpose and community-led mental health and wellness support in regional Queensland, especially in the wake of natural disaster and drought. These communities need to know support is available when they need it most.”
Sibo Mtunzi, account manager and business development professional, from Gladstone
“I’m particularly interested in understanding what the energy transition roadmap means for regions like Gladstone. With renewable projects earmarked for our area, I want to help ensure women in our community can see where the opportunities lie whether that’s in jobs, business, or community partnerships,” Sibo said.
“Clear information and pathways are key to making sure regional women are part of this new chapter.”
Jorunn Lorenzen, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Director Impact, from Rockhampton
“I’m participating to contribute insights from lived experience, to challenge policy assumptions, and to demonstrate what advocacy looks like for women who come next,” Jorunn said.
“If my participation opens pathways for another woman to recognise her own capacity, connect with networks like RRR Women, or step into advocacy, that matters profoundly.”
Grazier, small business owner, stakeholder engagement advisor and RRR Women board member Casey Alsop, from Biloela
“To have the opportunity to sit face to face with the decision makers for our State is something we can usually only dream of. To see their willingness to take time to meet with us and hear our priorities, concerns and opportunities is honourable. Collaboration is key and if we can create connections with the bush and the key decision makers, great things can be achieved together,” Casey said.
