The Inspiration Station…

Unless you have been hiding out from my blog and social media updates, you will be aware that I have been busy topping up my spirit levels at the QRRRWN (Qld Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network) conference over the weekend.

I have far too many photos of this amazing event (which I missed last year thanks to chemo – ah well, priorities!).  Here are some glimpses into the event which gathered well over 200 women from across Queensland (and beyond) and has unanimously been referred to as ‘awesome’ on all reports posted on social media yesterday…

This is Danielle – she’s a super organiser and just great chick.  We have the same taste in scarves and food.

She’s also the brains and energy behind ‘Baked Relief‘ and #LovetotheWest.  The kind of human you like to have on your team… love her!

This is me about to do an early morning interview (I was there by 6am) with ABC Capricornia radio’s Amy McCosker and fellow workshop presenter Dr Sandra Baxendell. I needed coffee REALLY badly… I cannot actually remember what I said. Amy reassured me that I made sense, so that’s a relief!

With author and beef producer Alice Greenup and GraziHer‘s Claire Dunne. Top chicks!

The QRRRWN team on stage… pulling together yet another amazing event!

Sherrill Stilvano giving a keynote address to warm us up – love this message!

 

Probably one of my favourite addresses from the conference – the resilient and beautiful Josie Thomson sharing her journey through a life of ‘bounce backs’. What a woman!

Talk about smiling through adversity…

If you ever get the chance, go see this woman in action.  You will walk out looking at life differently. Promise.

She also added her voice to a discussion on a session called ‘Women as change makers to Domestic Violence’.

Eye-opening.

I decided to take some of my images and cards to the conference, in a trade site. This is my friend Lisa with me…

Lisa is very clever, and has started her own Agribusiness business (I always trip over this term – is the second ‘business’ needed?).

She took a workshop to guide people through some of the hurdles of running a primary production business – it was great!

Lots and lots of paperwork involved these days and we all need a helping hand to get it all right!

My sister-in-law took a workshop called ‘Purpose Unearthed’ – lots of people took it, stretched their boundaries and enjoyed discovering and exploring their inner passions.

Had to include the effervescent Joy McClymont … outback fitness trainer and irresistible character.

A reminder from my previous post...

EVERYBODY was on their feet. About 250 of us.

 

Hilarious and FUN!

Some of you asked for evidence of my Dad participating. He’ll possibly kill me but here it is… third from right!

Finalists in Leadership awards.

A reluctant nominee at far left there 😉 Heh.

Queensland Country Life journo Sally Cripps is surprised with a special new award – Rural Storyteller.

She was a bit overwhelmed to be in front of the camera!

Australia Local Hero award winner Juliette Wright of Giveit.

Just a cracker of an idea which has taken on a life of it’s own…

Some of the colourful entertainment from the Gala Dinner…

Scrumptious ‘bush tucker’ provided by chef Dale Chapman.

A wonderful plenary session with some of our female politicians – Shannon Fentiman MP (Waterford, Labor), Deb Frecklington MP (Nanango, Liberal), Madeline Brewer (Youth Parliament) and Cr Maureen Chapman with QRRRWN President Alison Mobbs.

Fascinating bi-partisan discussion…

Shona Arniel shared her story (taking her from Banana shire to the world!) …

I actually shared a house for a little while with Shona many years ago.  Blast from the past!

Kylie Stretton – a friend made through QRRRWN and social media – encouraging women to learn to blog and use their voices.

My mate Danielle… sharing some of her Baked Relief story and putting up with me (stuffing up) her presentation…

I was supposed to get her media rolling on the projector but kept getting distracted with the content and failing to stop and start in the right spot.  Nicely referred to as a ‘tension breaker’…

This is another Amanda Jane!

She is the major sponsor of the event (and many QRRRWN events) with her Panda Pearls display.  Just divine!!!!

Final keynote address from Ali Grant of Two Flawed Girls. Hilarious and heartfelt.

Great messages for ALL from this address… we are fabulous BECAUSE of our flaws, not in spite of them!

Had to include this pic.  The finale where everyone let their hair down… a celebration of another conference spent refilling our mental and emotional ‘petrol tanks’.

Thanks to ALL the amazing women (and a couple of great blokes too) who put the mega-event together.  It was really wonderful as our ‘inspiration station’ yet again.

😀

Amanda

*Somewhere in there I had a workshop too… a separate post for that one!