MEDIA RELEASE
 
26 July 2018

Tamworth to host women in agriculture leadership events

Two key leadership events for rural Australians have been announced for Tamworth on 1 and 2 August 2018, with a strong focus on gender equality and culture.
Hosted by Achmea Australia to explore and promote the role of women in Australian agriculture, farmers and associates are invited to attend either or both events in Tamworth next week.   
Former Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tracey Hayes welcomes the “Leadership on the Land” lunch event on Wednesday, 1 August as a great opportunity for the local Tamworth community to get involved in and promote equality in Australia’s agricultural sectors.

With women today working as leaders and decision-makers in all areas of farming and agriculture, Ms Hayes will share her insights on their roles beyond the paddock.  
“Only through a grassroots cultural shift, beginning in homes and classrooms, can true equality become a reality, enabling women to rise to positions of leadership in agriculture just as much as in the other areas of society,” Ms Hayes said.

“Real leadership is about empowerment and respect, and it’s important we understand the barriers and break down the unconscious and, in some cases, conscious bias that exists as a roadblock for the leadership progression of women in Australian agriculture.”

The next event on 2 August, “Why culture eats strategy for breakfast” is targeted at exploring how culture contributes not only to a healthy farm workplace, but also to the growth of thriving and dynamic rural communities.

For Achmea Australia CEO Emma Thomas, the company’s support for these important issues reflects their continued passion for Australia’s rural communities.  “Women have a significant amount to offer in leadership roles and comprise nearly half of all agricultural workers globally. Increased representation in leadership and at a decision-making level is vital for the future success of the industry.”

“Tracey’s passion for the industry is compelling and she calls for a change of thinking to not only break down glass ceilings but for future generations to never experience it.”
“Achmea Australia is committed to protecting and enhancing rural communities, and it’s important we support and invest in the future of Australian agriculture at a grassroots level,” Mrs Thomas said.
 
Event details

Lunch event: Leadership on the Land - a symposium of Australia’s leading women in agribusiness
Featuring former Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) CEO Tracey Hayes and Achmea Australia CEO Emma Thomas.

Date:                1 August 2018
Time:               11.30am registration for a 12.00pm start (finish: 2.30pm).
Location:         Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station, 13304 New England Hwy, Timbumburi


Breakfast event: Why culture eats strategy for breakfast
Featuring former Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) CEO Tracey Hayes and Achmea Australia National HR Manager Elyse Haines. 

Date:                2 August 2018
Time:               7.00am registration for a 7.30am start
Location:         The Terrace, 73-75 Kable Avenue, Tamworth

Those interested in attending the Leadership on the Land and/or the Why culture eats strategy for breakfast event are invited to reserve their place by emailing Ms Desley Galvin at desley.galvin@achmea.com.au as soon as possible.
 
Please note spaces for this session are limited, so RSVP now to avoid disappointment.  Please include any dietary requirements with your RSVP.
 
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Media contact
Airlie Horton
C7EVEN Communications
T: 02 6766 4513 / 0412 037 908
E: airlie.horton@c7even.com.au
 
About Achmea Australia
Achmea Australia is a specialist rural insurance company that works in partnership with farmers to manage, mitigate and reduce their risks to keep them farming. Achmea was established more 200 years ago in the Netherlands, when 39 farmers put money into a glass jar, to be compensated in the event one of them had a haystack fire. With more than 13 million clients worldwide, Achmea is now one of the world’s largest insurance companies.
Achmea Australia has recently been announced as a finalist in the 15^th Australian Insurance Industry Awards in the category of Direct General Insurance Company of the Year.