The Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network
Through a series of articles, we sit down with various local initiatives in the aim of spreading awareness about community connection and forging meaningful relationships in a social setting.
This week, Mindful Margaret River sits down with Kendall Galbraith from The Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network to find out more about how the network helps women across WA.
Can you share the origins of the RRR Network?
The Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network of WA or the RRR Network, was formed in 1996 as a Ministerial Reference Group to respond to policies and provide feedback to the Ministers of Agriculture and Regional Development. In 2016 we became a not-for-profit and our purpose is to understand key issues affecting rural, regional and remote women, advocating to the government to improve regional liveability and advancing regional gender equality. We also provide connection that inspires regional women’s leadership, and support women to achieve their goals.
Historically, we were known for representing those women working in agriculture, but in recent years we’ve expanded this to represent all women regardless of industry.
What are the primary challenges faced by women in rural, regional, and remote areas of WA?
The biggest issue is access to jobs, education and essential services, such as childcare and health. Women find it much harder to secure quality and flexible work in the regions where there are predominately male dominated industries and small labour markets.
Finally, the tyranny of distance for all our regional people compounds these issues. When you must travel vast distances just to get your groceries, to work, to reduce social isolation and to receive essential services, we find that many go without.
This can lead to some relying on their male partners income or government benefits, not getting that health check-up, or not participating in the workforce. All of which reduces one’s social and economic independence.
Could you elaborate on the key findings of the What RRR Women Want survey?
There were several findings that are now shaping our conversations with key decision-makers, so I encourage people to read the report to understand them all. There were two findings that stood out to me.
First, 62 percent of women found that accessing a GP challenging. This is an alarming statistic and cause for concern. Second was the reduction in higher education attainment for RRR women. Research from 2021 had more women with higher education qualifications than in 2024.
How does the network facilitate connections and empower women to take on leadership roles?
The presence of our organisation is a reminder to all RRR women that they have potential, they are visible, and they should expect to have the same services and opportunities as any other woman living in this state.
We celebrate RRR women through storytelling, so we have an active communications channel that showcases RRR women’s achievements and careers right across the state. Women can connect to like-minded women, build networks, and be inspired by others. Much of our work is about fighting apathy.
We know that regional living has its challenges that many of us normalise, but that doesn’t mean it is limiting to your goals and aspirations. We want to inspire women to step into leadership roles in their communities and support them with education to lift their capability.
Can you discuss some of the educational partnerships and programs the network has established?
The RRR Network has an ongoing partnership with Curtin University. We are committed to lifting RRR women’s education participation and strengthening their economic outcomes. Over the years, the RRR Network and Curtin have delivered subsidised or free education to more than 300 women, travelling to places such as Broome, Carnarvon, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Northam, Bunbury, Narrogin and Albany.
Our most successful program is ‘Career Ready in the Regions’, which focuses on building career resilience for women.
In what ways can individuals and organisations collaborate with the RRR Network to further its mission and support RRR women?
The Network is seeking participation in its annual research entitled ‘What Western Australian RRR Women Want Survey‘. The more voices we have participating, the stronger our data is and the better our case is to government to improve regional liveability for women.
We invite women to become members of the Network for only $50. The fee goes towards important advocacy that prioritises WA regional women and their communities. Through membership, our network grows, and we become a much stronger voice for the regions.
What upcoming initiatives should the community be aware of, and how can they participate?
I encourage people to follow the Network to keep abreast of our activities – Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. You can also subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter that collates opportunities for women across the state. Also, visit our website to read our blogs, past research and learn more about who we are and what we do.
What are the RRR Network’s goals and priorities for the next few years?
The Network is prioritising membership growth and developing key relationships with our regional leaders. We are committed to improving access for women and strengthening their economic independence, and this means unlocking regional labour markets for women, so they can live where they work. All of which makes our regions much stronger and rewarding places to live.
For more info visit rrnetwork.com.au, contact Kendall Galbraith at admin@rrrnetwork.com.au or Danielle Hipwell at nc@rrrnetwork.com.au
Mindful Margaret River is funded by the Mental Health Commission. You can find out more at mindfulmargarteriver.org.au and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
