Celebrating Women in Ag at “Harvesting Strength: Stories of Grit and Growth”

On Thursday 26 June, over 50 community members gathered at the Charters Towers Golf Club to celebrate the strength, resilience, and innovation of women in agriculture at the Harvesting Strength: Stories of Grit and Growth lunch event.
Delivered through the Charters Towers Agricultural Sector Development and Resilience Project (CTADRP) in partnership with The Cairns Institute, James Cook University (JCU) and the Charters Towers Regional Council, the event offered a relaxed and uplifting afternoon of storytelling, connection, and recognition for the critical contributions of rural women.

Opening the program, Mayor Liz Schmidt paid tribute to the pivotal role women play in the growth and resilience of the region’s agricultural sector. The program was emceed by Michelle Lyons and Tracy Moff, who guided guests through two panel discussions featuring six remarkable rural women:
• Kylie Stretton (Red Hill Station)
• Jenny Black (Pajingo Cattle Station)
• Fran Lyons (Basalt River Station)
• Mellissa Angus (Red Diamond Beef)
• Shona Larkin and Angie Nisbet (FarmHer Hands)

From grassroots advocacy and rural education to regenerative land practices, family businesses, and sun safety innovation, the speakers shared powerful personal stories that captured the complexity and courage of women working on and off the land.

“This is more than a lunch,” said JCU's project spokesperson Jen McHugh. “It’s a chance to pause and acknowledge the incredible grit and contributions of women who keep our rural communities strong, often while juggling multiple roles.”
Fran Lyons a qualified Pilot and Vet reminded the audience that ‘Women can have everything, but not just all at once.”

The event was part of a broader CTADRP workshop and training series focused on community resilience, including sessions on Psychological First Aid, Resilient Soils, Diversifying Farm Income and in partnership with NQ Dry Tropics NRM, Soil Health and Legumes for Grazing Properties. All workshops and events were supported through funding from the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF). 

As the region continues to face challenges and opportunities, events like Harvesting Strength highlight the value of coming together to share knowledge, celebrate success, and build stronger, more connected rural communities. There is a strong desire from attendees to see this lunch become an annual event. The CT Network a community-focused media and news platform based in Charters Towers covered the lunch and the story can be viewed HERE.

Image credits: J. McHugh & Sumpton Gold Rush Gazette.

JULY 2025