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Gemma McCaw confirmed as keynote for Dairy Women’s Network conferences

Women around the country are invited to one of three Allflex and Dairy Women’s Network conferences in April. Held in Taupo, Ashburton and Queenstown, each event will be packed with plenty of opportunities for growth under the theme of Step Up Together.

Joining them at each event is former Black Stick and three-time Olympian Gemma McCaw who has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.

“We’re excited to have Gemma share her journey with us as a well-known ambassador for women’s health and wellness,” says Renee Fa’atui, Conference Chair.

“Through her career she has gained knowledge into teamwork and resilience, and as a mum she’s learnt how to balance work, home and family – something many of our attendees are going through as well. We think Gemma’s story will resonate with a lot of dairy women.”

As well as Gemma’s keynote sessions, each conference will feature workshops on the Freshwater Policy and Investment and Diversification. An additional interactive session is also planned, with topics based on the needs of the region.

“Our Regional Conference Chairs are working hard to lock in presenters who align with their regions and make sure each programme is personalised,” says Fa’atui. “Farmers will hear from other farmers, but women will also hear from other women about their challenges and personal wins outside the farming journey.”

The new format also sees the announcement of the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and the DWN Regional Leader of the Year awards move to a gala dinner on the evening of the Taupo event. Regional finalists will be recognised with drinks and canapes in Ashburton and Queenstown.

“Our priority is really making sure that each region has a chance to celebrate their dairy women.”

The decision was made to reinvent the traditional conference following the success of DWN2020 Conference Online, which showcased the resilience and the dedication to connection and learning within the farming community.

“While we know our members appreciate the chance to get together, some women may struggle to get off the farm for a few days to travel to a national location. We see this new format as a great chance to try something else new, while meeting our members halfway and recognising that their needs may have changed in the past year.”

Photo: Supplied; Gemma McCaw will hit the road with Dairy Women’s Network in April as the keynote speaker for three regional conferences.

Taupo: 8^th April 2021