Strengthening the financial security of rural agribusiness women

Join us for a Farm Business Resilience Program masterclass covering key topics from the Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s (QFF) ‘Walking the Wire’ resource for rural agribusiness women. QFF CEO Jo Sheppard will open the session with an introduction to QFF and her story as a woman in agriculture and leadership. BMO presenters Michelle McVeigh and Helen Ruddy will then cover a range of agribusiness topics including finances and forecasting, strategy and planning, succession and superannuation. Finally, Nikki Morrison will present strategies women can use to achieve balance while managing their business.

The details

Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025

Time: 9:00am - 1:30pm.

Location: BMO Business Centre, 178 Drayton St, Dalby

Our Speakers

Jo Sheppard, QFF CEO

Originally from a sheep and cattle property near Cunnamulla in far south west Queensland, Jo has worked across a number of industries from agriculture, small business and local government to education, communications and the NFP sector developing skills in both public and private sectors. Jo previously operated her own business for 10 years delivering Vocational Education and Training to the agricultural industry partnering with RTO’s across Queensland and NSW. Formerly an elected councillor for 12 years including Mayor for 4 years with the Paroo Shire Council, Jo has a sound understanding of regional and remote Queensland and extensive experience in economic development and advocacy.

Michelle McVeigh (BMO Partner, BBus (Accounting), FCPA, CTA, Comm Dec)

Determination, high technical competence and empathy for clients are qualities that characterise Michelle McVeigh. After Michelle completed her Bachelor of Business (Accounting), she launched her career working in accounting and finance in the cotton industry. Raised on the family farm at Jimbour, Michelle has always had a connection with the land. With husband Andrew and their two sons, they operate a grain property near Condamine.

Helen Ruddy (BMO Associate, BComm, CPA)

Senior Accountant, Helen Ruddy joined the BMO team in April 2013 with a background in accounting and agribusiness-banking roles based at Miles and St George. In 2023, Helen become an associate at BMO, joining the management team. Having grown up at Drillham, Helen has a synergy with farming enterprises and enjoys helping them to achieve results for their business. Away from work Helen enjoys cooking, swimming, gardening and spending time with friends and her husband Steve and their three young active children.

Nikki Morrison, Wellness Coach

Nikki is a yoga teacher, meditation teacher, mentor, and coach. She is passionate about helping women shift limiting beliefs, break free from old identities, create emotional and mental freedom and embody non-negotiable self care practices. A former school teacher who navigated infertility, crippling self doubt, and an identity crisis, she reclaimed her power and a deep self trust. During this deeply emotional chapter in her life, Nikki found clarity and healing through movement, meditation and mindset. Nikki uses a holistic approach to empower women to trust themselves by taking bold action. She runs weekly yoga and meditation classes, as well as workshops and retreats.

This workshop is being delivered as part of the Farm Business Resilience Program which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.