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SECTION 1 OVERVIEW This section brought to you in association with
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Big year for Women in Cotton By Sharna Holman
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incott – Women in Cotton – was established in December 2000 to help develop the skills, knowledge and networks of women involved in all aspects and regions of the Australian cotton industry. Wincott has grown and expanded to provide professional and personal development opportunities for all women living in our cotton growing communities. Wincott functions with the dedication of volunteers geographically spread across the cotton industry. Our volunteers are passionate about the industry and assisting other women to achieve personal and professional growth, develop skills and have influence as community members. We would like to extend our greatest thanks and gratitude to the women, sponsors and our industry that continues to support our organisation. These people provide support in the form of time, energy, commitment and funding to help Wincott achieve our goals and help better our members, our industry and our communities. Some of the highlights from the 2018 – 2019 season include:
Wincott ‘Ladies of the Land Luncheon’ Wincott hosted the ‘Ladies of the Land Luncheon’ in Emerald in May. The luncheon provided the opportunity for women working in all sectors of agriculture across Central Queensland to learn, network and importantly celebrate being a woman in agriculture. A sold out crowd of 130 guests heard from two guest speakers, Elisha Parker from Cattlesales.com.au and Earle May from Sunsuper. Cattlesales.com.au co-founder Elisha Parker inspired guests as she represented the modern and multitasking women. Elisha shared her story of raising a family, running a cattle station, working externally for a Brisbane-based law firm and building a revolutionary online platform to market cattle, all from a remote property near Clermont. She inspired women not to be afraid to break traditions and to dream big. While Earle May put the spotlight on financial questions which most people prefer to put off, providing strategies and solutions to how women can overcome the challenges of wage equality, financial security 18 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2019
Elisha Parker was a guest speaker at the Ladies of the Land luncheon.
and the breaks or reduced hours of employment which can often occur when raising a family. The goal was to facilitate an event where women from all associations of agriculture could come together to connect and share their unique experiences and skills so that we can grow together. The ‘Ladies of the Land Luncheon’ was an excuse for women to leave the paperwork at the desk, the dirty boots at the property gate and a note that they would be home late. The luncheon saw women travel as far as 200 kilometres from every direction in the Central Highlands to celebrate the beauty of being a woman and the exciting opportunities we have in agriculture. The connections and
Alexandria Galea and Liz Alexander at the Ladies of the Land luncheon.
