Narromine NSW - Rural Women's Day 2026 hosted by Western Rural Connect
Description
We are proud to be hosting our third annual Rural Women's Day collaboration lunch with Western Rural Connect in Narromine! We have booked the beautiful Soul Food Depot & Gallery to host a long lunch, good stories, great speakers on Saturday, September 26.
We are incredibly proud to announce our keynote speaker Jen McCutcheon, and guest speakers Xan MacAlpine from The Social Herd, Rachel Kerin and Katie O'Brien.
Meet our special guest keynote speaker, Jen:
Jennifer McCutcheon is a journalist based in Dubbo, NSW, living in Gilgandra. Born in Broken Hill and raised in Bathurst, she spent more than a decade as a national sports reporter covering major events including the NRL, Australian Open and Test cricket before moving from Bondi to the bush in 2018.
Since returning to regional Australia, Jen has experienced rural life firsthand. From drought, dust storms and mouse plagues to floods — while raising her two young daughters and learning to run a farm on her own following the sudden death of her husband, Andrew. She now navigates both motherhood and farm life in the wake of profound loss, while continuing to work as a journalist covering rural issues across western NSW.
Jen brings a grounded, lived perspective on resilience, succession, and the realities facing farming families, particularly the challenges of managing land, business and family after unexpected change.
Who should attend:
We all love a lunch we didn't cook ourselves, especially with good company! You can come on your own and we can help you meet others or bring your Mum, Daughter, Sister, Friends, Neighbours. This is the best opportunity to get the "catch up" out of the group chat. We welcome all ages, however those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday, September 26, doors open 11:45am, ends 4pm
What's included:
2-Course Lunch
Beverages at bar prices.
Dress code:
Smart Casual | Elevated Daytime Attire
Seating:
No reserved seating. Sit anywhere. We are all about connection and you just never know who you might get the opportunity to meet.
*Most dietary requirements can be accommodated when advised at booking, with a minimum lead of three weeks prior to event.
Photography will take place at all Rural Women's Day events for the purpose of promotion and social media use.
About Rural Women's Day:
RWD is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting rural and regional women through community, collaboration and celebration. Founded in 2019, what began as a single sold-out event in regional Victoria has grown into a recognised national brand hosting more than 40 events with 4000 attendees. Rural Women's Day creates spaces where women can come together to share stories, build friendships, support small business and celebrate the invaluable contributions they make in their community. Through events, publications, and an engaged online community, Rural Women's Day helps reduce isolation, inspire confidence, and remind all women that they belong.
About Western Rural Connect:
Western Rural Connect is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together the people who live in, work in, and love Western NSW. We exist to strengthen the sense of connection across our rural and regional communities by creating opportunities to share stories, build networks, and support one another. From small towns to remote properties, our mission is to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define life in the west. Through local events, collaborative projects, and online engagement, we help bridge distances, foster belonging, and empower those shaping the future of rural NSW. Whether you’re a farmer, business owner, volunteer, or simply passionate about the bush, Western Rural Connect is here to keep our communities connected and thriving.
Lineup
Jen McCutcheon
Jennifer McCutcheon is a journalist based in Dubbo, NSW, living in Gilgandra. Born in Broken Hill and raised in Bathurst, she spent more than a decade as a national sports reporter covering major events including the NRL, Australian Open and Test cricket before moving from Bondi to the bush in 2018. Since returning to regional Australia, Jen has experienced rural life firsthand. From drought, dust storms and mouse plagues to floods — while raising her two young daughters and learning to run a farm on her own following the sudden death of her husband, Andrew. She now navigates both motherhood and farm life in the wake of profound loss, while continuing to work as a journalist covering rural issues across western NSW. Jen brings a grounded, lived perspective on resilience, succession, and the realities facing farming families, particularly the challenges of managing land, business and family after unexpected change.
Xan MacAlpine
Alexandra MacAlpine (better known as Xan) is a photographer and writer based on a sheep grazing property with her husband Alex and their children in the Central West of NSW. Her business, The Social Herd is a creative studio which focuses on working with brands and businesses across rural and regional Australia to tell their stories through visual and written means including photography, film and storytelling. She has worked with a wide variety of small and large-scale businesses based within the agricultural, fashion and lifestyle and hospitality industries. Her love for photography and telling the stories of rural and regional Australians has seen her work featured in publications including Graziher Magazine and Bush Journal.
Rachel Kerin
Rachel Kerin is a Physiotherapist, business owner, Mum of 3 boys & a farmers wife, based in Yeoval. She is a passionate advocate for improving access to healthcare in rural Australia. As the founder and Director of Kerin Health, Rachel leads a multidisciplinary allied health team of 33 women; providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, exercise physiology and wellness services across rural New South Wales. With a strong belief that postcode should never determine access to quality healthcare, Rachel has spent the past decade building innovative services that support rural individuals, families and communities. Rachel is passionate about empowering people to live healthier, stronger and more connected lives, and is committed to creating lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Katie O’Brien
Katie O'Brien is a beef cattle farmer, rural advocate and founder of Check Your Mates, Open the Gates, a grassroots initiative encouraging connection and conversation in rural communities. Over more than 25 years in agriculture, Katie has experienced many of the challenges rural families know all too well, including drought, biosecurity shutdowns, business loss and the reality of having to start again from scratch. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to supporting others through difficult times. Drawing on lived experience, Katie speaks openly about mental health, identity, adversity and the strength found in community. Her honest and relatable approach resonates deeply with rural audiences, offering both encouragement and practical insight into navigating life's challenges.
FAQs
- Seating/Table Bookings
No reserved seating. Sit anywhere. We are all about connection and you just never know who you might get the opportunity to meet.
- Who should attend?
We all love a lunch we didn't cook ourselves, especially with good company! You can come on your own and we can help you meet others or bring your Mum, Daughter, Sister, Friends, Neighbours. This is the best opportunity to get the "catch up" out of the group chat. We welcome all ages, however those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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