National women's alliance empowered by new appointments

These rural women will assist the board members in facilitating the direction and growth of the NRWC.

“We’re delighted to have these three rural women on our NRWC team,” said president Dr Pat Hamilton.

“In addition to the professional experience each brings, is their equally important rural connections from across three states in Australia.

“Our new operational team have already met with the president and treasurer, Alwyn Friedersdorff in Brisbane.

“Their enthusiasm and skills auger well for the organisation. 2016 will be an exciting year for the National Rural Women’s Coalition.”

The NRWC is one of five national women’s alliances funded by the Office for Women from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

A key objective of the NRWC is to ensure better social and economic outcomes for women living in regional, remote and rural Australia (RRR).

The NRWC seeks input from women regularly in a wide variety of ways (meetings, summits, conferences, personal contact, social media, mail and email) to determine advocacy actions.

The NRWC acts only on issues brought forward and agreed on, by rural women.

This occurs through member networks and regular consultation with rural women.

Over the years the NRWC has provided professional and personal development for thousands of rural, regional and remote women through its programs.

These NRWC initiatives provide ongoing support, training and mentoring for women to develop their professional skills which would otherwise be challenging due to their geographical location.  

New communications officer Melissa Boully has a marketing career background that includes television, international hotels and casinos, and retail.

“I’m excited that Melissa has joined the National Rural Women’s Coalition team” said president, Dr Pat Hamilton. “Melissa’s marketing experience will allow us to maximise the growth of the National Rural Women’s Coalition”.

Melissa said she was looking forward to using her previous experience and ideas to help enhance the National Rural Women’s Coalition brand further and to develop their communications and marketing strategy.

“This is an extremely exciting time to be joining such an important organisation. I can see how NRWC is held in very high regard by rural women.”

She said the NRWC had developed many individuals through its programs, and she will be promoting initiatives such as the E-leaders program and Webinar series.

These NRWC initiatives provide ongoing support, training and mentoring for young rural, remote and regional women to develop their professional skills which would otherwise be challenging due to their geographical location.