Women in Rice

Building a stronger, more diverse Australian rice industry.

Through the Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry Project, the RGA has been able to continue its work with Women in Rice to help build a stronger, more diverse Australian rice industry.

Women in Rice Forum // Melbourne

The first event, delivered as part of the Building Capacity in the Rice Industry, was aligned with International Women’s Day and the Women’s Forum to help empower female leadership within our industry.

The event was held in Melbourne on 9-10 March 2023, bringing together a cohort of female rice growers, industry professionals, and current leaders to learn about leadership in the Australian rice industry and beyond.

The event included presentations from Women on Boards, SunRice Directors and executive staff from AgriFutures Australia and SunRice. The participants also had the opportunity to enjoy a sushi-making demonstration and a visit to PACT Group to gain an understanding of another industry.

Group of women wearing orange and white uniforms with hair nets, standing in a room with white walls and clothing racks with orange uniforms.

A woman speaking at a podium during a conference with a sign that reads 'Women in Rice' and a screen showing her name and title, with several papers, decorations, and attendees in the foreground.

Women in Rice Breakfast // 2025 Australian Rice Growers' Conference

The 2025 Women in Rice Breakfast was a highlight event on the Conference program. Guests heard from Samantha Beresford and Cathy McGowan.

Two women standing in front of a red banner at an indoor event, smiling for the camera.

Women in Rice Breakfast // 2023 Australian Rice Growers' Conference

The Women in Rice Breakfast formed part of the 2023 Australian Rice Growers' Conference program, with guest Speaker Cindy Cassidy, Director of the Southern NSW Drought Resilience and Innovation Hub.

Four women in sun hats and sunglasses standing in a green field on a sunny day, one holding a bunch of grass, another reading her phone, and one holding a baby.

Women in Rice // Coleambally Networking Event

The RGA partnered with the Murrumbidgee Council to host a Women in Rice networking event in Coleambally. The event included a tour of a local rice farm by RGA member Maddie Dunbar and a tour of the AGS Walsh storage facility. After the tour, the group enjoyed a networking lunch that included a Q&A session with a panel of women working across the ag industry.

Women in Rice at RiceX Field Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, a Women in Rice morning tea was held at the RiceX Industry Field Day at Old Coree.

Attendees enjoyed delicious food from Blacksmith Kitchen on the banks of Billabong Creek near the RRAPL Homestead while hearing from Dr Georgina Pengilley, CEO of Rice Breeding Australia, and Aina Davis from Trukai Industries in Papua New Guinea.

Three women sitting outdoors, engaged in a discussion with one woman speaking into a microphone. The background includes large green leaves and a tree trunk.