REGISTRATIONS are now open for the annual Rural Women’s Gathering on Saturday, 25 October 2025 in Lismore.

Organised by Lismore Council with support from the Rural Women’s Network, the theme for this year’s program is Connect to the Heart and encourages women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales to get together, connect and learn.

Held at the Lismore Quadrangle, the Rural Women’s Gathering will showcase a diverse program that includes inspirational talks, entertainment, writing and AI workshops, music, arts, local businesses and catering and community vendors.

Keynote and guest speakers include Shanna Whann, founder and CEO of Sober in the Country and 2022 Australia’s Local Hero and guest speaker Madeleine West, partner of Safe on Social, Logie-nominated actor, bestselling author and co-creator of the podcast, Predatory.

Master of ceremonies and speaker is Lissie Turner, CEO of The Prana Project, therapist, and advocate for change.

Tickets are $85 for the program, including lunch at one of a selection of incredible Lismore eateries.

A full weekend of activities has been planned from Friday October 24 to Sunday, October 26 so that attendees can stay and enjoy Lismore for the whole weekend.

The event will help boost the local tourism economy on the North Coast which has been affected by the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and recent floods.

The Rural Women’s Gathering has been held annually around different regional and rural towns in NSW for more than 30 years.

It’s an opportunity for the host town to showcase the strength of its community, region, culture, talent and attractions to women who attend from all corners of the state.

Register for the Lismore Gathering now at: www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rural-womens-gathering.

Minister for Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty, congratulated Lismore on hosting such an exciting event.

“The committee has done a great job putting together this program of festivities and I really encourage people to get out there and visit the Northern Rivers region,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Women in our regional communities are doing extraordinary things and the Rural Women’s Gathering provides a great opportunity to share their experiences, and in turn help other women to better support their communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the Rural Women’s Gathering has a great history and is a staple of the Rural Women’s Network calendar.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for women from regional, rural and remote New South Wales to make friends, find new connections, and learn from each other as well as expert guest speakers,” Ms Harrison said.

“Each year brings something different, and I am excited to meet talented and exceptional women from across the state, embodying the essence of each of their country towns.

“I encourage women from regional, rural and remote areas in New South Wales to show your support for regional women and the community in Lismore and come along to what is going to be an exciting event.”

Lismore mayor, Steve Krieg looks forward to welcoming the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering to Lismore.

“This event plays an important role in regional communities,” Mr Kreig said.

“It is a privilege to host the Gathering and I am sure they will enjoy their time here. This is a wonderful opportunity for local women to network with like-minded women from other regional areas and share their experiences and skills.”