We are proud to be hosting our third annual Rural Women's Day lunch in one of our favourite towns, Rockhampton! We have booked the beautiful Upper Level of Headricks Lane and invite you to join us for a delicious lunch, stories, inspiration and connection on Friday, August 21.

We are incredibly proud to welcome our guest speaker Jenny Jenner from Kalbar Sunflowers and Lauren Barlow, founder and CEO fo Dusty Wattle alongside our returning MC Helen Connick (who has recently relocated to north Queensland).

If you would like a little taste of what Jenny has got to share, listen to this two part episode of Beyond the Farm Gate

Jenny Jenner is the founder of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, a passionate farmer, community advocate and tourism leader based in the Scenic Rim, Queensland. Inspired by her late husband Russell's cancer journey, Jenny has continued running the festival with a vision of bringing people together while making a meaningful difference through #sunflowersforgood.

Since 2022, the festival has raised more than $600,000 for cancer and palliative care initiatives, funding life-changing equipment and supporting hospitals and charities. Over the past three years, these fundraising efforts have also enabled the donation of 10 cuddle beds to hospitals across South East Queensland, providing comfort and dignity for patients and their families during end-of-life care.

Jenny was honoured as the Scenic Rim Regional Council Australian of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the community. Under her leadership, the Kalbar Sunflower Festival received the 2025 Scenic Rim Regional Council Business Excellence Award for Tourism, recognising its significant contribution to tourism, community engagement and the regional economy.

Through innovation, collaboration and a passion for giving back, Jenny continues to demonstrate how agriculture, tourism and community spirit can come together to create lasting change.

Meet Lauren:“Hi I’m Lauren, 21 years old, and the founder and CEO of my own company... Dusty Wattle.I started the business when I was 14 years old with a big idea, absolutely no clue what I was doing, and a willingness to figure it out as I went. Fast forward seven years, and that little idea has grown into a nationally recognised brand that I run from my family’s cattle property west of Emerald, Queensland.Dusty Wattle is a colourful, size-inclusive clothing brand featuring exclusive hand-drawn designs that I illustrate myself. I never studied fashion or design I just learnt in real time, one collection (and plenty of mistakes) at a time.At the heart of everything I do is one simple goal: to create clothes that help women feel confident, comfortable and completely themselves. I can’t wait to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A story that hasn’t ever been told in full… you’re in for a behind the scenes journey on how Dusty Wattle grew into the brand it is today.”

Helen Connick is a proud Irish-born Australian who has spent the past 16 years immersing herself into Australian life.

As the QLD/NT State Manager for Equipment Finance at Bendigo Bank, she brings a wealth of experience connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across diverse industries.

Helen is also the voice behind Beyond the Farm Gate, a podcast celebrating the stories and resilience of rural Australians.

Beyond the Farm Gate - Spotify | Beyond the Farm Gate - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

With a passion for rural life, collaboration, and humour, she brings warmth and insight to every conversation — making people feel seen, heard, and inspired and She is delighted to return again this year to MC Rural Women’s Day 2026 in Rockhampton.

This event will be photographed by Julie-Anne Boto, “My name is Julie-Anne - mum, wife, business owner. I love my chaotic family, they are the very reason Julie-Anne Photography exists. Married 23 years to my best friend and parents to 5 energetic, hungry boys. My early life was amongst cattle and horses on my parents property and I now am a pineapple farmer’s wife on the coast near Yeppoon. You’ll find me with a cup of Bushell’s tea at most meal times and my guilty food pleasure is Old Gold Roast Almond Chocolate. My favourite thing to do in my own time is exercise - running, resistance training, pilates. Or quietly working on my next venture for my growing photography business.I would describe myself as someone who is energetic, enthusiastic and cares way too much about perfecting her job.”

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 11:00am - 3:00pm

What's included:

2-Course Lunch

OKtoSayNo - we have non-alcoholic ETCH Sparkling available to guests and all other Beverages at bar prices.

Who should attend:

Past attendees, new attendees and anyone one who loves a lunch we didn't cook ourselves, especially when we are dining at Headricks Lane! 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.

Seating:

No reserved seating. Sit anywhere. We are all about connection and you just never know who you might get the opportunity to meet.

Things to note;

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.

As we all know unexpected things can occur, our volunteers work incredibly hard to ensure all guests enjoy our events even if we need to make changes last minute.

Tickets are non-refundable however can be transferred and we asked you to let us know name changes by emailing ruralwomensday@gmail.com

Contact the host of Rockhampton QLD - Rural Women's Day 2026