Western Rural
Connect events
JUST A FARMER SCREENING 2026
Join us for a special screening of Just a Farmer, a chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new ones, and unwind while sharing a story that truly reflects rural life.
BBQ Dinner available from 5 pm before the film kicks off at 6 pm, followed by inspiring guest speakers. Bring your family, friends, and neighbours! Let’s come together to support rural mental health, connect, and collaborate, one powerful story at a time.
Just a Farmer is more than a movie-it's a movement. Created by Sean and Leila McDougall, this film was made to shine a light on the sacrifices farmers make every day to feed the world and the mental toll this can take. Every 10 days, we lose a farmer to suicide. This film was created to start conversations, break down stigma, and bring communities together.
Sean and Leila have spent over 14 years working in the mental health space through their non-profit Live Rural and their event Mellow in the Yellow, both dedicated to supporting mental health in farming communities. Just a Farmer was their way of reaching a wider audience-giving a voice to those struggling and showing the hope that remains for those left behind after losing a loved one to suicide.
digital skills workshop 2025
Western Rural Connect proudly co-hosted Back-to-Back: Transform Your Socials, Transform Your Community, a practical and energising workshop designed to help regional people strengthen their digital presence and amplify community stories.
Hosted in partnership with Western Rural Connect, The Creative Collab, and THE Rural Woman Cooperative & Digital Solutions Program, the event brought together local leaders, creatives, small business owners and community members to explore simple, effective social media strategies and ways to use digital platforms to build visibility, connection and engagement across rural NSW.
Held on 27 November 2025 at The Creative Collab in Narromine, the session equipped attendees with tools to confidently share their work, celebrate local achievements and drive positive community impact online, reinforcing WRC’s commitment to empowering regional voices and supporting thriving, connected communities.
Photo: Brooke Watts
rural women's day 2025
Western Rural Connect was thrilled to partner with Rural Women’s Day to bring together over 100 incredible women from across the region for a day of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the resilience, leadership, and community spirit that define rural women, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and genuine connection.
The day featured an engaging line up of speakers, insightful conversations, and plenty of laughter and warmth. Western Rural Connect extends sincere thanks to event sponsors Squadron Energy and Energy Co, our vibrant MC Jen Browning, and guest speakers Martha Lindstad, Dione Carter, Courtney Tourle, and Laura Kiel for sharing their wisdom and stories. Gratitude also goes to Jackie from Rural Women’s Day and The Nyngan for hosting such a memorable event.
Thank you, Nyngan, for welcoming us and helping make this celebration of rural women truly special.
Photo: Rowie Hawley Photography
The yarn exchange 2025
Held in Narromine, the 2025 Yarn Exchange brought together a passionate group of people for open and honest conversations about mental health, communication, and connection in rural communities. Attendees gained valuable insights from leading voices in rural wellbeing, including guest speakers Phil Worrad from RAMHP and Malinda Guest, alongside an inspiring panel featuring Lee, Julieanne, Paris, and Dominique, facilitated by Brooke Watts. Together, they explored practical tools to strengthen conversations, relationships, and resilience, creating an empowering and supportive space for everyone involved.
The Yarn Exchange also proudly supported a fundraiser for TIACS, a free mental health service for blue-collar workers. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and local supporters who donated raffle prizes, the event raised funds to help keep this vital service running. A big thank you to Soul Food Depot & Pantry for the warm hospitality and catering, and to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) for supporting this initiative through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It’s always a privilege to bring meaningful, community-focused events like this to Western NSW.
Photo: Brooke Watts
rural women's day 2024
Western Rural Connect was proud to partner with Jackie from Rural Women’s Day to celebrate Rural Women’s Day 2024 in Dubbo.
Held at the beautiful Down the Lane, the event brought together an incredible group of women from across Western NSW for a day filled with connection, inspiration, and celebration. The room was alive with conversation, laughter, and a genuine sense of community, a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and leadership of rural women.
The day featured engaging speakers, meaningful discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded women passionate about making a difference in their communities. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, to Jackie for her ongoing collaboration and passion for celebrating rural women, and to Down the Lane for their warm hospitality. Events like this highlight the value of coming together, sharing stories, and supporting one another across rural and regional Australia. This project was supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian governments future drought fund.
Photo: Photography by Angie White
business plan ready workshop 2024
Western Rural Connect was pleased to collaborate with NSW Farmers to deliver the Business Plan Ready Workshop in Dubbo in 2024. This practical and interactive session equipped participants with the tools and confidence to develop a strong business plan tailored to their farming or agribusiness goals.
The workshop guided attendees through the essentials of business planning, from identifying strengths and opportunities to understanding risks, setting priorities, and building resilience for future growth. It was an invaluable opportunity for producers and small business owners to refine their strategies, connect with industry experts, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their enterprises.
A big thank you to NSW Farmers for leading this initiative and to everyone who joined us in Dubbo for an engaging and productive day of learning and collaboration. Western Rural Connect is proud to support events that help build capability, confidence, and connection across our rural communities.
Photo: Brooke Watts
western women doing business in the bush 2024
Western Rural Connect was proud to host Western Women: Doing Business in the Bush in 2024, a vibrant event celebrating the innovation, leadership, and resilience of women in regional business. Held at the beautiful Down the Lane in Dubbo, the event brought together women from across Western NSW to share stories, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights into running and growing successful rural enterprises.
The day featured inspiring guest speakers, open discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, all focused on supporting women who are driving change and creating impact within their communities. It was a celebration of the creativity, determination, and collaboration that define women doing business in the bush.
A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us and contributed to the energy and success of the event, your enthusiasm and support continue to strengthen the network of women shaping the future of rural Australia. Thanks once again to the FRRR for supporting this event through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Photo: By Eadie Photography
harvest cut out ball 2023
Western Rural Connect kicked off with a celebration to remember, the Harvest Cut Out Ball, held on New Year’s Eve 2023 at the Narromine Showgrounds.
As our official launch event, the night brought together locals from across the region to celebrate the end of harvest and welcome the new year in true country style. With live music, good food, and plenty of dancing, it was a night filled with connection, laughter, and community spirit.
The success of the evening was made possible thanks to the incredible support from the Narromine community and local businesses, who generously donated raffle prizes. We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm and backing we received, it set the perfect tone for the year ahead and reflected exactly what WRC stands for; bringing together those that live in, work in and love Western NSW.
Photo: By Eadie Photography