Gather and Grow

Project lead: SW WA Hub
Project dates: July 2025 – May 2026

The SW WA Hub has partnered with Women in Farming to support regional women in agriculture to strengthen community connections and build resilience.

The Gather & Grow program offers $2,000–$3,000 per event (for around 8–10 events) to help Women in Farming branches host small, locally led gatherings that encourage connection, reflection and community building. Events can be new or already planned. The aim is to support and enhance the valuable work branches are already doing, not to create additional workload.

Program objectives

• Create local opportunities for women in agriculture to connect, reflect and share what support is needed for their own resilience initiatives.
• Provide flexible funding for grassroots ideas that respond to local needs, priorities, and context.
• Elevate women’s voices and stories in the broader conversation about resilience.
• Capture local insights to inform future program design and partnerships.

Why this program matters

When rural communities are socially connected and supported, they are better equipped to adapt and respond to challenges, from changing climate conditions to economic or personal pressures.

By investing in opportunities for women in agriculture to build networks, share knowledge, and strengthen wellbeing, Gather & Grow helps build the social foundations of drought and climate resilience.

Event focus and eligibility

Events must explore the theme of resilience, broadly defined to include practical, wellbeing, or social aspects of community and farm life.

Eligible activities could include (but are not limited to):

• Fire-Proof Gardening Workshop: A hands-on community workshop exploring low-fuel landscaping and home protection strategies.
• Farm Kitchen Conversations: A facilitated group session exploring the mental load and changing roles of women in farming, hosted around a shared meal.
• Local knowledge exchanges, wellness sessions, or practical on-farm demonstrations that build community connections and resilience awareness.

Funding may be used for guest speakers, venue hire, travel, accommodation, and catering, but not for alcohol or international travel.

Feedback requirements

Successful applicants will be asked to share brief reflections from their event, including:

• A short summary using a provided template (covering key themes, learnings, or identified gaps).

• Photos, quotes, or stories (if the branch agrees).

• A brief follow-up conversation if needed.

Register your interest

If you’re part of a Women in Farming branch and would like to host a resilience-focused gathering, complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form today!