Making life easier for women in agribusiness

Finding a work-life balance while balancing the books and working on the farm is a common challenge faced by women working in agribusiness. To help shed some light on how women can get the right balance the peak industry body for Queensland fruit and vegetable growers, Growcom, is holding a free half-day workshop on Wednesday 6 May in Gatton.

“We are encouraging women to take time out of their busy lives to focus on what they can do to better manage their time and wellbeing to achieve a happier, more balanced and productive life,” said Michelle Templin, Growcom Women in Horticulture Coordinator.

Many women who help run their family agribusiness are responsible for managing the finances, human resources and administration. Trying to juggle this on top of being a mother, a wife and a volunteer at school and community events can be very stressful and there is little work-life balance. Not only is this unhealthy for the person but it is also unhealthy for their business.

Recognising the need to address this Growcom has engaged two expert speakers who will show women how they can simplify their lives, improve their wellbeing and reduce their stress levels.

The program includes Deborah Kennedy, SuperFriend Program Development Manager on behalf of AustSafe Super. A highly experienced and insightful adviser, she will be discussing how to better manage the impact of running a business on mental health.

Her presentation will focus on:

The pros and cons of running a small business (as it affects your mental health)
Business benefits for being mentally healthy
Five ways to wellbeing (how to increase your personal resilience)
Strategies to separate yourself from your business
Setting self management goals
Recognising signs of anxiety and depression
Sources of information and assistance.

Also presenting will be Coralie Kemp, Principal at T3 Partners, who will share everyday practical time saving hints and tips including the use of cloud based accounting technology, which is revolutionising the way small to medium sized enterprises, their accountants and advisors are accessing data and doing business.

Coralie acknowledges that moving into the cloud can be an extremely daunting experience but is confident that by the end of the workshop participants will have a much better understanding.

This workshop is part of the 2015 Women in Horticulture program organised by Growcom and is open to all women working in agribusiness, Growcom members and non-members.

The free half-day workshop is being generously sponsored by AustSafe Super, T3 Partners, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Rabobank and Growcom. It will be held at Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and will be followed by a complimentary lunch and networking.

To register to attend, go online or call 07 3620 3844 by no later than Friday 1 May 2015.

For more information:
Michelle Templin
Growcom
Tel: +61 07 3620 3844
or +61 0400 231 949