The Empowering our Communities grants program offers support to people and communities struggling with drought. The grants fund wellbeing initiatives, upskill workers in the delivery of mental health services and provide information and training to community leaders and members. Over the coming weeks and months the Western NSW Primary Health Network (PHN) will bring you stories of perseverance and resilience from some of the communities the program is supporting.

Comedian Fiona O’Loughlin will headline a stellar cast of speakers at the Central West Farming Systems (CWFS) Women and Youth in Agriculture Conference.

Every three years, CWFS hosts women and young people from across Western NSW at its Condobolin headquarters.

“The aim of the conference is to increase confidence and upskill women and young people around decision-making processes on the farm, CWFS chief executive and event organiser Diana Fear said.

“We want to increase community and family wellbeing, as well as provide education and networking opportunities.

Ms Fear said the theme of the 2019 conference was Resilience and Renewal.

“We always try and get inspiring speakers from a rural background. We explore themes such as overcoming barriers and isolation, the lack of services and pulling together as communities.

She said guest speaker O’Loughlin was sure to provide a few laughs for those in attendance.

“She’s a funny lady and there are a lot of people doing it tough right now that need a laugh, Ms Fear said.

“The message that usually comes out of these conferences is that there is a lot of support out there.

“This is an opportunity to get together and have a nice day out. We promise good food and that you’ll be well looked after.

The 2019 Women and Youth in Agriculture Conference is on Wednesday, March 27.