Beyond the Crossroads

A personal development and leadership program empowering rural women in far-western NSW to reconnect, reflect, and redefine their role in their communities.

Key objectives

Empower rural women by developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills.

Build social capital through strengthened community networks and peer support.

Foster resilience and community spirit by recognising women’s roles in agriculture and rural life.

Address isolation and barriers to personal development through inclusive, locally led experiences.

About the project

Beyond the Crossroads: Developing Leadership Skills for Rural Women in Isolated Areas of Far-Western NSW was a targeted program supporting women in the Wentworth-Pooncarie region to step away from the daily grind and rediscover their personal and professional strengths. The initiative, funded by the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Rural Communities Prepare for Drought program through FRRR, was co-designed and delivered by Mallee Sustainable Farming in response to the region’s ongoing challenges of rural isolation, drought, and limited access to leadership development opportunities.

The program was thoughtfully designed by leadership development expert Tanya Lehmann, with delivery facilitated by the highly regarded Toni Duka. Their combined expertise created a safe, inspiring environment for women to explore their values, strengths, and aspirations through two in-person workshops, a mid-program online check-in, and a final celebratory gathering that brought participants from both locations together. Inspired by the natural cycles of the seasons, the program gently guided women through a journey of harvesting strengths, letting go of limitations, consolidating resources, and planning for new beginnings.

With a focus on reflection, connection, and practical strategies, Beyond the Crossroads offered more than just leadership training – it provided the space and spark for rural women to prioritise themselves, support each other, and begin their next chapter with clarity and confidence.

Videos

Acknowledgments

Working together with farmers

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