Women On Farms - Hamilton 2026
Description
This will be the 36th annual Gathering – and 20 years since it was last held in Hamilton!
Join women from across rural Victoria for a relaxed and inspiring three-day gathering focused on connection, wellbeing and shared experience.
Enjoy welcoming dinners, live music, respected speakers, hands-on workshops, local experiences and practical wellbeing sessions designed to support women living and working on the land.
A highlight of the weekend will be keynote speaker Victoria Carey, Editor of Graziher Magazine, sharing powerful stories celebrating rural women and life on the land.
Ticket includes, Friday welcome canapes, Saturday lunch and evening two course meal, Sunday breakfast.
Guest Speakers
Victoria Carey
We’re beyond excited to share that Victoria Carey, award-winning journalist and Editorial Director of Graziher Magazine, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Women on Farms Gathering in Hamilton! From her time at Vogue Living to her role as former Editor-in-Chief of Country Style, Victoria is a passionate advocate for telling the stories of rural women and making sure the voice of the bush is heard around Australia.
Jessica Fishburn
Jessica is a Pelvic Health and Pain Physiotherapist who is fiercely passionate about education, equity and improving health outcomes for rural women. She leads her work with compassion and humility and is driven to challenge the way women experience healthcare in regional communities. Jessica is a Director of Gen Health Hamilton and Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton, combining clinical care, community leadership and business ownership in southwest Victoria. She is known for translating evidence into practical, real-world outcomes, using innovative tools, strong professional networks and a people-first approach. A strong advocate for women’s health literacy, Jessica loves presenting at conferences, forums, universities and community events. When she’s not working, Jess can be found wrangling kids, growing veggies, swimming in the ocean, hiking trails or upside down on an aerial hoop.
Meg Bell
Meg is a Livestock Consultant and the driving force behind Coleraine Livestock Consulting. Known for her friendly, approachable style and her ability to translate complex information into practical, actionable advice, Meg works closely with producers to improve animal health, lift productivity, and strengthen confidence in on-farm decision-making. With extensive experience across livestock production systems, carcase interpretation, animal health programs, and producer extension, Meg brings a balanced blend of technical expertise and hands-on, paddock-based insight to her work. Outside of consulting, Meg is in full mum mode—enjoying time with her family and friends and staying connected to the community she works alongside.
Tracey Kruger
Tracey Kruger is rarely found without a camera in her hand. She spends winter Saturdays covering netball and football games for Penshurst and the Mininera League and she is regularly seen at events around the district, covering them for community groups or freelancing for district papers. Tracey’s real love is the farm. She spent her childhood on sheep farms in the Nullawarre and Panmure area then married a farming husband at Penshurst. She is a strong advocate for the farming way of life, and especially passionate about encouraging women to embrace farm life. Her love of the farm has seen her branch out to produce a range of farming books for adults and children. In recent years Tracey has dealt with Triple negative breast cancer, and she has a strong focus on living fully following negative experiences.
Dani Grindlay
Dani Grindlay is a former ABC journalist and mother-of-four, completing a Master of Psychological Practice degree while working as an Engagement Coordinator for a regional health service. Dani moved to Hamilton, western Victoria, 15 years ago to work for the Hamilton Spectator as a newspaper reporter. With strong career aspirations in journalism, Dani did not factor in falling in love with a farmer. It meant commuting more than an hour to work, for the ABC, as a radio/TV/digital reporter. During her second pregnancy, Dani started studying psychology online while working part-time. That baby is now seven-years old and she is still studying! Set to start placement in a few months, as a provisional psychologist, Dani is excited to embark on her new career. A passionate advocate for rural Australia and her community, Dani has campaigned for improved childcare services and volunteers for a list of groups and committees in Edenhope. Dani is open about the challenges of feeling isolated and pivoting her identity, on the farm and in motherhood, along with the joy of embracing a new chapter with renewed purpose in her 40s.
Workshops, Tours & Activities
Fragrant teapot stand woven with herbs
WORKSHOP - $20 Learn basketmaking skills, using natural fibres locally sourced. Outcome – Fragrant Teapot stand or small bowl-shaped basket. Bring sprigs of herbs to incorporate into heat mat if wanted. e.g. Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram, Lemon Verbena etc
Flower Arrangement | Meadowbrook Flower Farm
WORKSHOP - $50 Join Brooke from Meadowbrooke Farm for a hands-on wreath-making experience inspired by the beauty of the Victorian countryside. What began as a love of sharing blooms from a cottage garden in Killarney has grown into Meadowbrooke Farm - a small, family-run flower farm nestled just outside Koroit on rich volcanic soil. Farming around one acre using regenerative practices and without harsh chemicals, Brooke and her family grow natural, seasonal flowers that reflect the landscape they come from. In this relaxed and creative session, Brooke will guide you through crafting your own wreath using thoughtfully grown blooms, sharing stories from the farm and tips along the way. A welcoming, nature-inspired experience - grown with care by Brooke and her family, for you to enjoy and take home.
Social Media Workshop
Tara Fry grew up on a beef and sheep farm in south-west Victoria, a background that continues to shape the way she works with rural and regional businesses today. With deep ties to the agricultural sector and a strong understanding of community-led enterprise, Tara brings a practical, no-fluff approach to digital marketing. This hands-on session is designed for business owners who want to stop feeling overwhelmed by social media and start getting the basics right. This practical workshop focuses on setting up and optimising your social media foundations, so your online presence actually supports your business, instead of adding another job to the list. - Attendees will be guided step-by-step through: - Understanding the role social media plays in your business - Setting up and optimising Facebook and Instagram profiles - Knowing what to post (and what not to stress about) - Creating consistency across platforms - Using social media confidently, without overcomplicating it This is a bring-your-device session. Participants are encouraged to bring their phone, tablet or laptop and work directly on their own accounts during the workshop, with guidance and support throughout. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to tighten things up, this session is about clarity, confidence and practical action, helping you leave with a stronger foundation and a clearer sense of direction for your socials.
Hamilton Treasurer Hunt
Explore the heart of Hamilton with a fun, self-guided map-based treasure hunt around town. Follow the clues, discover local highlights and you might be lucky enough to win some goodies from local businesses. Along the way, enjoy shopping at Hamilton's locally owned stores - a relaxed and interactive way to connect with the town and support local businesses.
Hamilton Botanical Gardens
Tour the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of Hamilton, are one of Victoria’s most intact 19th century Botanic Gardens, and are an important and long standing part of the Hamilton community. Designed by William Guilfoyle, one of Australia’s greatest garden designers, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens include an impressive display of 19th century trees, an ornamental lake and a caretakers cottage.
Hamilton Art Gallery
Step inside the Hamilton Gallery and its Vault on a guided walking tour through one of Victoria’s most inspiring regional cultural destinations. This engaging tour invites visitors to discover remarkable artworks, explore bold ideas, and gain insight into the Gallery’s renowned collection, including access to the Vault. Enjoy a welcoming and accessible space designed for reflection, creativity and connection, as you experience the cultural heart of Hamilton from a fresh perspective.
The Sweet Baker
Mel is a fourth-generation farmer who, together with her husband and three children, owns and runs a 600-cow dairy farm in southwest Victoria. Balancing the demands of farm life and raising a young family, Mel sought a creative outlet that would allow her to express her passion while accommodating her busy lifestyle. This search for creativity led her to establish her own business, ‘The Sweet Baker.’ What began as a way to channel her love for baking soon evolved into much more. Nearly 12 years later, Mel has become a highly regarded creator of bespoke celebration cakes and a dedicated educator. For those who have ever wondered how to achieve smooth icing and sharp-edged, professional-looking cakes, Mel will offer her expertise through this engaging demonstration showing the essential tips and tricks to professional looking cakes - ensuring that your day is as sweet as it is informative!
Market stalls, health checks and a place to chat
Lorna Bourke | Artist in Residence
Lorna really found her art groove in her thirties and has been adding to her vast reservoir of skills since then. If there is a theme that runs through most of Lorna's work - it would be a love of her natural environment and natural finds. Lorna will find a use for everything from beach finds of driftwood and shells, and you will find Lorna's pine needle and Cordyline pieces on display. Hand spinning, weaving and dyeing added with her embroidery and sewing skills are evident in her clothing pieces which are truly unique. She is a great recycler of all things and her wirework - from recycled electrical wire is also incredible. You will be inspired and amazed by her creations.
Tracey Kruger | Market Stall
Our favourite local photographer and children’s book author, Tracey Kruger, will be onsite post discussion with her much-loved market stall. A crowd favourite, Tracey’s collection celebrates life in the Western District and the stories of the land. Browse a beautiful range of Western District calendars, notebooks, photographic prints and cards, alongside her popular educational and farm-based children’s books. Thoughtful, authentic and locally inspired, Tracey’s products make perfect keepsakes and gifts for all ages.
EspressoAlchemy | Onsite Coffee Van
Fuel your day with a visit to EspressoAlchemy, with Kate serving up quality coffee and a range of mixed beverages from her mobile coffee van. Known for friendly service and consistently great coffee, EspressoAlchemy is a favourite at local events. Alongside expertly made drinks, enjoy an assortment of delicious homemade baked goods — perfect for morning tea or an afternoon treat.
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