Welcome
The Victorian Government recognises and values the fundamental roles women play in strengthening and sustaining family farms, businesses and communities. The Department of Planning and Community Development supports networking between rural women through the Rural Women's Network. Involvement in the Network is informal. You can become involved in many different ways, for example by viewing our Network magazine (see below), or reading about regional events and forums and contacting us with your feedback about rural women's issues.
‘Beyond the Bushfires’ Spring 2009 edition of network magazine
In this special 75th edition ‘Beyond the Bushfires’, we honour the courage, strength and leadership of rural women across Victoria. Since the Black Saturday fires of 2009 many women are rebuilding their homes, lives and communities. Many other women are working and volunteering to help with the recovery.
Read the latest edition of the network magazine from Spring 2009.
Women Gathering After the Fires Program
Women who have been bushfire affected are invited to attend a two day workshop and be eligible for funding to form a new group, or support an existing group, in their own community. The Women Gathering After the Fires Program will create a friendly and fun environment in which women can come together to share their stories, reflect on what has happened, and gather strength from one another. Workshops will be held in regional Victoria in early 2010.
A Right to Respect
Premier John Brumby and Women’s Affairs Minister Maxine Morand launched A Right to Respect, Victoria’s Plan to Prevent Violence against Women 2010 - 2020, at Parliament House Gardens on 24 November. A Right to Respect is a world first in its long-term, system-wide and whole-of-community approach to addressing the underlying causes of violence against women.
Rural Women in a Changing Climate
As part of the Victorian Government’s strategy to support the needs of women in rural and regional areas, the Rural Women, Drought and Climate Change initiative was established in October 2006. Go to News and Events for more details and to find out about the recent state Forum.
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was established on 16 February to investigate the causes and responses to the bushfires which swept through parts of Victoria in late January and February 2009. For more information go to the
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission or call 1800 243 650Feedback
We always welcome ideas and suggestions about the website, the newsletter or the Network in general. Please contact us with your thoughts.
Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.
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