The 2025 NSW Rural Women's Gathering was held in Lismore on Saturday 25 October.
The Rural Women’s Gathering has been held annually around different regional and rural towns in NSW for more than 30 years. It’s an opportunity for the host town to showcase the strength of their community, their region, culture, talent and attractions to women who attend from all corners of the state.
Located in the Northern Rivers region, vibrant Lismore hosted the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering.
Woven throughout the 2025 program was the theme Connect to the Heart – celebrating authentic connection, community and the strength of rural women.
Attendees enjoyed an exciting line-up of activities, including a range of enriching workshops, networking opportunities, arts and crafts, cultural experiences, delicious catering, plus you will hear from our amazing speakers:
- Shanna Whan AM, Founder of Sober in the Country and 2022 Australian Local Hero
- Madeleine West, advocate, author and speaker on safety in the digital age
- MC: Mel Bampton
The annual Gathering is a fantastic opportunity for women living in regional and remote areas of NSW to come together and connect, celebrate, and learn. You’ll meet new people, gain new skills, visit new places and most of all have a fabulous time.
The 2025 workshop program included a cacao ceremony, an artificial intelligence (AI) workshop, writing a business plan, a sustainability session, a weaving workshop with Widjabul Wia-bal woman Kylie Caldwell, beading, an ‘80s dance class and a food and nutrition information session.
2025 Gathering Program
The program featured a powerful keynote from Shanna Whan AM, 2022 Australian of the Year (Local Hero) and founder of Sober in the Country. Her raw honesty and resilience sparked conversation and reflection long after the day ended. Guiding us through the experience was Mel Bampton, former Triple J host and wellness advocate, bringing her signature warmth, humour and energy to the stage.
In the afternoon, attendees dove into a choose your own adventure workshop series where they shaped the day based on what light them up. They explore creative sessions like weaving, beading, singing and 80s dance, unwind with wellbeing workshops including cacao ceremony and storytelling, business and tech skills with practical sessions on AI, sustainability and writing a business plan.
Workshop Details
Weaving by Kylie Caldwell
Learn traditional weaving with Bundjalung artist Kylie Caldwell and connect with culture through hands- on Indigenous craftsmanship and storytelling.
CACAO Ceremony by Lisa Camillieri
Explore cacao’s heart-opening benefits through mindful tasting, intention-setting and connection in this relaxing, beginner-friendly, interactive wellness workshop.
Sustainable Workshop with Nimbin Sustainable Hub
Join this engaging workshop to explore practical, everyday ways to live sustainably covering gardening, waste, energy and natural building.
Beading by The Artisans Table
Create custom beaded jewellery in a welcoming workshop that celebrates creativity, community and connection.
80s Dance Workshop by The Cassettes
Get moving with retro-inspired dance fun this high-energy, all-levels workshop brings joy and classic '80s grooves to life!
Vocal Singing by Imogen Wolf
Experience the joy of group singing in this inclusive, uplifting workshop celebrating harmony, connection and community.
The Food We Eat, The Stories We Tell by Adele Wessell
Food historian Adele Wessell explores how meals reflect place, culture and women’s roles through stories, landscapes and dinners.
Heartland Our Way - Strength in Unity by RFCSNR and Reboot Rural
Join a powerful creative session celebrating rural women’s resilience, connection and unity through storytelling, photography and a shared message.
Writing a Business Plan by Felicity Blake
Learn to craft a clear business plan with goals, market insight, financial planning and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
Make a Weekend of it
The Gathering weekend kicked off with a Friday night welcome event (5.00pm–6.15pm) under the stars at the Lismore Quad, featuring live music from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium’s Youth Jazz Orchestra. Afterwards, attendees were encouraged to explore Lismore’s vibrant food scene and book into one of the many incredible local restaurants.
Sunday’s activity was a free guided tour of the Nimbin Rainbow Walk, offering the perfect way to round out a nourishing weekend of connection, conversation and celebration.
Guest Speakers
Shanna Whan (AM)
Shanna Whan (AM) is the rural woman, founder, CEO, and face behind Sober in the Country. She's an Australian of the Year recipient who decided to “do what she could to be part of the change” after almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction in 2015.
Today, through her tireless advocacy, Sober in the Country has grown from an online blog into a nationally respected charity, shifting the entire conversation around booze in the bush and saving and changing lives. She lives in rural northwest New South Wales with her husband, 'Timbo' and her beloved dogs.
Madeleine West
Madeleine West is a mother of seven, actor, and fierce advocate for digital safety. A survivor of childhood abuse, she now works with Safe on Social to protect women and children from online harm. Known for her raw honesty and powerful advocacy, Madeleine partners with law enforcement, educators, and policymakers to fight online predation and child exploitation. Her work, especially in rural and regional areas, empowers communities with practical tools to stay safe. She's also a bestselling author, podcast creator, and relentless voice for national reform in digital safety and child protection.
Mel Bampton
Mel Bampton, is a multifaceted talent with a rich history in media and wellness. She was a beloved host on Triple J, where she co-hosted the Drive show with Charlie Pickering and later hosted "Mel in the Morning". Transitioning from her media career, she has embraced a journey of self-discovery and wellness. Mel is now a respected yoga instructor and wellness advocate, using her platform to promote mental and physical well-being.
Accommodation
Looking for Accommodation in Lismore?
If you’re attending the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering and need a place to stay, you can explore a range of accommodation options on the official Lismore tourism website. From hotels and motels to boutique stays and bed & breakfasts, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Visit Lismore Accommodation Guide to find the perfect place for your stay.
Roaming Lunch Experience
This year, lunch was done a little differently.
Registration included access to the Roaming Lunch, giving attendees the chance to experience Lismore’s local food scene their own way. Instead of a single group meal, participants chose from a curated selection of nearby cafés and eateries, each offering a set menu for Gathering attendees.
All venues were within easy walking distance of the Quad, making it easy to enjoy great food, stretch your legs and soak up the local vibe, while supporting some of Lismore’s best small businesses.
FAQ
Event Questions
The Rural Women's Gathering on Saturday is $85pp.
Welcome drinks on Friday (optional event) is free to attend.
The dinner on Saturday (optional event) is $80pp.
Lismore is just 45km inland from Byron Bay and 100km south of the Gold Coast.
Located on the Bruxner Highway and easily accessed by car, the Lismore region is within a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and just over 7 hours from Sydney.
Travelling by Air
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is just 37km from the heart of Lismore, with up to 45 direct flights per week from Sydney and Melbourne, making it the easiest and fastest way to and from the beautiful Northern Rivers Region. Serviced by Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Travelling by Train
NSW Trainlink services are available from Sydney to Casino with a change over and bus from Casino to Lismore.
Travelling by Bus
The Lismore region is serviced daily by Premier Motor Service , Greyhound Australia and NSW Trainlink.
Please refer to their websites for the latest schedules.
Looking for local parking? Check out where HERE.
Flying in and need a car? Book with a local car rental company.
Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the event will be eligible for a full refund.
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made by 11 October.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within 14 days of the event due to catering and logistical commitments.
We appreciate your understanding.
If you have any questions, please contact Lismore City Council.
For the Saturday event and dinner that night, wear casual comfortable clothing. If you have chosen the active workshops, please wear appropriate active clothing and shoes for these activities.
When you register for your ticket, you will be able to provide any details regarding dietary and accessibility requirements.
The dinner will be located at the same location as the day event. You are more than welcome to stay and relax or head back to your accommodation before the dinner starts. The event will be held within walking distance of accommodation options located in the CBD area.
If you have any questions or enquires about the Rural Women's Gathering 2025, please contact Lismore City Council - council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
Never been to a Rural Women's Gathering?
The NSW Rural Women's Gathering is traditionally an annual event for women from regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to come together to celebrate, connect, network and learn. The Gatherings have been ideal opportunities for women to network and meet other like-minded women.
The first ever Gathering was held in Orange in 1993 and came full circle celebrating 30 years in 2023 back in Orange. The Gatherings are a great success, with women attending to hear from inspiring speakers, participate in creative workshops and have a fantastic weekend away with friends new and old. Decades later the Gatherings continue to be an important event on the rural calendar.
Whether you're a seasoned Gathering attendee or a first timer, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
Please email us at ruralwomensnetwork@tco.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions regarding the Rural Women's Gathering.
Rural Women's Gathering History Book
In 2023 the Rural Women's Gathering celebrated 30 years of Gatherings, to commemorate this momentous occasion, the RWN reflected on 30 years of Rural Women’s Gatherings and the incredible committees who made it all possible and created a history book. The history book titled 'The NSW Rural Women's Network: 30 Years Strong - A History of the Rural Women's Gathering', was launched during NSW Women's Week 2024 at the Armidale International Women's Day event.
Registrations are open for those wishing to receive a hardcopy version of the book, while stocks last. A digital version is also available to view and download below.
Register now for your copy of the Rural Women's Gathering History Book.
* T&C's apply to receive your copy. You must be following the Rural Women's Network on social media or the Rural Women's Network newsletter to be eligible.