Cultivating Connection and Community for over a decade: GLENRAC’s Annual Rural Women’s Event.
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Over 70 people gathered last night, Wednesday 15 October 2025, at the Glen Innes Services Club to celebrate International Rural Women’s Day at GLENRAC’s annual Rural Women’s Evening.
The event, held each year since 2014, on this important global day of recognition, shone a spotlight on the strength, resilience, and contribution of women across rural and regional communities.
Attendees were treated to an inspiring lineup of speakers, beginning with Pauline Sazdanoff from North & North-West Community Legal Service. Pauline shared insights from her extensive experience in both the Community Legal Centre sector and private practice. Pauline is passionate about helping those in the community who need it most, particularly the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Next, Brianna Short from Pysigro – Paediatric and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy spoke about her work as a local physiotherapist recently returned to the region. Brianna shared her enthusiasm for supporting women’s pelvic health and providing physiotherapy services for all ages - an area of growing importance in rural healthcare.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Carmen Quade, Director of AgriFocused, captivated the audience with her professional and personal journey through farming, business, and family life. As a specialist agribusiness trainer, university lecturer, and mixed-farming partner from Tallimba, NSW, Carmen founded AgriFocused in 2019 to address the gap in practical farm business training — particularly for those balancing the demands of farm, family, and finances. Her talk offered valuable lessons, humour, and encouragement for women managing multiple roles in rural life.
Local service providers Brenda Stace (Salvos), Megan Pedlow (Glen Innes Health Hub), Fiona Sproule (Carers NSW), and Bianca Hill (Centacare) also shared updates on their organisations’ ongoing work supporting the Glen Innes community, along with a variety of materials and thoughtful gifts for attendees to take home. The Salvos gift bags were especially appreciated, featuring vouchers for local cafés to extend the spirit of generosity and connection beyond the evening.
The event was beautifully captured by Bianca Hill of Honey Bee Photography, with delicious catering provided by The Stones Restaurant and individually presented cupcakes lovingly made by Janie Kent of Rhubarb & Rosie. Together, these local businesses helped to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrated community connection and collaboration.
“Thank you for nourishing me with food and a fellowship & great ♀️company.” and “I have absolutely LOVED tonight – such wonderful speakers & beautiful food & gifts. Thank you again. Fond wishes (JL)” are just two of the many wonderfully positive feedback comments received.
GLENRAC CEO and MC for the evening, Kylie Falconer, said the annual event continues to grow in attendance and impact:
“This evening is about more than celebration — it’s about connection, empowerment, and recognising the incredible contribution that rural women make every day to our region and beyond.”
“This year’s event, she continued, “was a true testament to the inspiring women, local organisations, and businesses that together create the dynamic and resilient fabric of our rural community.”
The 2025 Rural Women’s Evening was made possible through support from the Future Drought Fund’s Regional Drought Resilience Plan, in association with the Glen Innes Severn Council and Tenterfield Council.