annual report - women in agriculture & business of sa inc · it was a good day. at the agm we...

Women in Agriculture and Business

of South Australia Incorporated

ANNUAL

REPORT For the year ended 30 June 2019

2018-19 Management Team

Back - Nadene Jericho (Mallee), Narelle Scott (Limestone Coast);

Front - Sally Packer (Eyre Peninsula), Sandra Young (State President),

Yvonne Correll (Central)

W O M E N I N A G R I C U L T U R E A N D B U S I N E S S O F S A I N C

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State President’s Report 2018/2019

2018 began with the WAB State Conference at Murray Bridge on 31st August followed by the AGM.

Mayor Brenton Lewis opened the event and Belinda Cay of Ag Communications spoke of strategies

for engaging students in agriculture. After a healthy lunch, Sandra Richards, Environment &

Habitat Advisor with NCWSA, spoke about plastic waste and recyclables. Jo Waldon, from Safe Ag

Systems, led us through digital safety systems for agribusiness and Kevin Booker gave us much

knowledge about the benefits of good sleep. We all had fun converting a sheet of newspaper into

a bin liner, a more environmentally friendly bag than plastic in landfill. It was a good day.

At the AGM we welcomed Yvonne Correll to the position of Central Region Coordinator and a

member of the Management Team and Joyce Chapman as Delegate and Representative of WAB. It

was agreed at the AGM to raise the fees to $45 per year for an ordinary member and $35 per year

for those over 80yrs. Associate Membership remains at $15 per year.

The position of President Elect was filled at the AGM by Nadene Jericho, but early in 2019 she

asked to be relieved of that position as her circumstances had changed. In April, 2019, Narelle

Scott agreed to fill the position, which was accepted wholeheartedly by the Management Team.

White Ribbon Events

As a result of winning a grant from Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast, we conducted 4 regional

events highlighting the destructive forces of domestic violence. We were honoured to have Ivan

Phillips, advocate for the White Ribbon cause, as the key

speaker at all 4 events as well as local support services. The

events were held at Kimba on 20th

October (breakfast &

dinner talks), Clare on 30th

October, Keith on 31st October

and Naracoorte on 1st November, 2018 in the evenings.

Overall, the events were most successful in bringing

awareness of Domestic Violence to our regional areas and

for educating our members and communities to help to

prevent it in the first place. WAB was truly being a good

neighbour (our theme for the year) and I thank the regional coordinators for organising these

events in their regions so well. There was a lot of positive feedback from the participants. We thank

Ivan Phillips for his huge generosity and commitment for the cause of Domestic Violence.

RIVERTON, Oct 28th 2017 WAB Centenary Celebrations


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Publicity of WAB

I attended 3 more Field Days as part of my mission to put WAB out onto the community more.

There was the Cleve Field Days on 14th

-17th

August 2018, Riverland Field

Days on 21st – 22

nd Sept 2018 and Lucindale Field Days on 15

th -16

th March

2019. I thank all the members who relieved me for lunch times and

shopping time at each venue. I really enjoyed talking about WAB to

prospective members, past members and relatives of past members. It was

also a good opportunity to find guest speakers for our conferences. I

found that the public was most impressed about our history and

encouraged us to keep going as a valuable organisation of regional SA.

WAB has improved their image in the towns or areas where they meet by replacing the old signs by

new ones at the entrances to the towns. Branches only pay $10 for each sign, which is half the cost.

The WAB website www.wabsa.com.au has had a facelift this year with our catch phrase of

“Enriching the lives of Rural Women” where membership forms are available and all information

about WAB including the latest WAB News. Jane Smith and Narelle Scott have been keeping it up

to date and I thank them for this.

The WAB Facebook page @WABSAInc is very active and dynamic, thanks to Sally Grundy. We can

share highlights of WAB’s activities as well as advertise our upcoming events. It is a great way to

keep in touch with our members and to inform our followers what we are doing.

80th

Birthday Banner

Throughout WAB’s history (her-story) there have been significant celebrations and milestones. In

1977, there was a tea-towel design competition and a massive tree-planting for the 60th

birthday,

in 1987, for the 70th

birthday, there was the launch of the book, “Pioneers of Progress 1917 -1987”

prepared by Marie Willis and Margaret Johnson, in 2007 the book, “Hats Off to WAB” compiled by

Adair Dunsford was launched for the 90th

birthday and in 2017 the rose, “Spirit of Rural Women”,

was launched, a decorative seat and interpretive sign were unveiled at a weekend of celebrations

for the 100th

anniversary. However, in 1997, for WAB’s 80th

birthday, Laurette Thomson unveiled a

beautiful banner, made up of creative motifs of 51 branches around SA. This work of art was

proudly hung at the back of stages,

halls and other venues numerous times

until this year. WAB Management Team

was able to secure a permanent home

for it at the office of the Hon Tim

Whetstone MP, Minister for Primary

Industries & Development at level 10, 1

King William St, Adelaide. Hon Vickie

Chapman MP, Deputy Premier,

Attorney-General and WAB Online

member, unveiled it on 17th

January

2019. PIRSA staff had the banner

professionally cleaned and stretched

onto a permanent white metal frame

and it looks fantastic. Every time I see it

I discover more detail than the time

http://www.wabsa.com.au/


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before and realise that the experience and emotions of those rural women were woven into the

fabric as they worked on it to give pleasure and thought to whoever sees it.

125yrs of Women Suffrage Event

WAB Management Team was planning an event to celebrate 125yrs of women’s suffrage in SA and

applied successfully for a grant from the Office of Women. We are thrilled to have received $5,000

to enhance our celebration of such a momentous occasion for our State Conference this year.

To receive 2 grants in 1 year is quite unusual, so I commend my colleagues on the Management

Team for all their work in preparing the grant applications and for organising these events. We

have certainly worked well as a team and have brought extra value to our members.

WAB branches

The WAB Online Branch has excelled this year with most interesting topics each month, and a high

participatory level. This has enriched the lives of each online member as they read and write from

their homes and offices. The annual get-together at Hahndorf in October, 2018, was most

successful with several husbands present. The Online branch has been expanding membership and

has now reached 29, which is fantastic, 10 of whom are members of other branches.

While we have had expansion in the digital style of participation, there have been 3 branches that

decided, over deep deliberation, to close this year – Stewarts Range in June, Pinkawillinie and

Strathalbyn in July, 2019. It was mainly due to an aging membership with no-one willing to

continue leadership. This must serve as a reminder to the active branches that we must factor in a

succession plan for our branches to survive – we must invite younger ladies or those with lots of

energy to be involved in our programs to create a more enjoyable experience for our members.

Always look to the WAB Aims and Objective to see why we are meeting and what we are here for.

2018/2019 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15

Regions 4 4 6 6 6

Branches 15 15 18 20 21

Members 198 213 267 259 299

Associate members 11 14 6 4 11

Supporters 4 4 5 4 5

Affiliate 0 0 0 0 0

Management Team/Council 5 5 5 5 5

Theme, Country of Study and Project

Our theme, Being a Good Neighbour, was embraced by our members and the Management Team,

who organised the White Ribbon awareness of domestic violence events. There are many ways we

can be a good neighbour including watching out for signs of domestic violence – we are all one

and should take responsibility for our actions in our communities and families. Respect for all!

Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, was the country of study this

year. We learnt that it was a major stepping stone for the Japanese during WW2 and is home to

many graves of US and Allied forces as well as Japanese. It also has the largest salt water lagoon

and the largest raised coral atoll in the world. The people love music but the status of women


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needs improving according to our standards. Several WAB members made little dresses and shorts

for the children of the Solomon Islands to be handed over at the ACWW Conference in Melbourne.

The WAB Project for the year has been Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA/NT and the branches have

put a lot of effort into raising funds this year.

Branch Amount Raised

Charlton $ 440.00

Coonalpyn $ 500.00

Cunliffe

Kalangadoo $ 300.00

Lochaber $ 400.00

Online $ 380.00

Padthaway $ 250.00

Paringa $ 300.00

Pinkawillinie $ 353.30

Rosedale/Sandy Creek $ 100.00

Stewarts Range $ 400.00

Strathalbyn $ 100.00

Wepowie-Booleroo Centre

Wirregga $ 600.00

Yurgo $ 100.00

TOTAL $ 4,223.30

Regional Conferences

I could only attend the Limestone Coast Regional Conference, on 3rd

April, 2019 at Naracoorte,

hosted by Stewarts Range Branch. We celebrated Stewart’s Range 48th

birthday with a rainbow

party theme and it was most enjoyable. The Eyre Peninsula Regional Conference was held at Port

Lincoln on 17th

May, hosted by Charlton Branch. Sally Packer was present on behalf of the

Management Team and she hosted Gail Commens, the ACWW South Pacific Area President, who

spoke about ACWW at the event. We were most privileged to be able to host Gail for 2 days as she

hadn’t been to that part of SA before. The Mallee Conference was on the day before, 16th

May and

was represented by Nadene Jericho. I left for a 6 week overseas trip on 6th

May.

Sponsorship and Supporters

We are proud to have had Bank SA as our Gold Sponsor and WAB would like to thank Peter Panas

and his team for being so generous. We had 4 supporters (Angela Dunsford, Hon. Fraser Ellis MP,

Hon. Peter Treloar MP & Hon. Dan Van Holst Pellekaan MP) and we thank them wholeheartedly for

their confidence in WAB.

WAB Administration

Throughout this year I have maintained the role of WAB Admin, doing secretarial and treasurer

duties and have found it to be a manageable task for a single person with plenty of time. I have

treated the position as a volunteer job and worked from Mon- Friday for most days. For the new

WAB year, the role of secretary will be passed to the new State President, and I have offered to

continue in the role of treasurer. I believe that now the State President’s role will be more

enjoyable and could be included in a household of other commitments. I really enjoy numbers and

figures and am happy to work with the collation of WAB membership data and finances.


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ACWW World Conference

I was thrilled to be delegate together with Yvonne Correll at the 29th

ACWW Triennial World

Conference at Melbourne Conference Centre on 4th

-10th

April 2019. It was spectacular and

inspiring, the coming together of hundreds of women from around the world for a common

purpose – to help to make the world a better place for our families and communities. It was agreed

by the WAB Management Team in June 2018 to second the resolution, Action on Climate Change.

At the Conference I was given 2 minutes to elaborate on the resolution and I was deeply honoured

to be able to do this. The resolution was passed by a majority.

The WAB Management Team

Throughout this final year of my Presidency and membership of the Management Team, I have felt

a real team spirit and I thank Nadene, Sally, Narelle & Yvonne for their time and commitment to

WAB and for helping to run events and go beyond their elected duties. I thank the Portfolio

Holders for their dedication and hope they are enjoying their valued roles in WAB.

The 2 WAB Handbooks have been updated and distributed – the WAB Management Team

Handbook (with roles of each member and the Portfolio Holders) and the WAB Branch Handbook.

We are all thrilled that we received the 2 grants in the past year from Adelaide White Ribbon and

The Office of Women. Throughout the year we have applied for a few other grants including for a

promotional video. Although unsuccessful, it has given the Management Team a great idea to

pursue in the future for WAB promotion on our Facebook page and the WAB web-site.

The WAB Management Team created a privacy policy since we have active Facebook and Website

communications with the wider public. We have asked that all members fill it out and these are

being filed and stored with the WAB Admin files and branch files.

We have created a new Promotions Officer portfolio to help relieve the State President’s role in this

area. The State President is the public face of WAB and attends official functions when they arise

but publicity of WAB should be an ongoing task, especially in the world of today with so many

choices. WAB still has a lot to offer the rural lady. Something I learnt from my attendance at the

Field Days is that WAB is relevant today but we must wave our banner more to be noticed.

In closing, I would like to say that I think WAB has a bright future if we continue to embrace the

digital world and recruit new members, branch by branch. All members should take responsibility

for the growth of WAB, not just the Management Team. We should always look to our Aims &

Objectives for inspiration and our Vision and Mission for guidance.

Sincerely,

Sandra Young

State President


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WAB Merchandise Officer’s Report

Over the last year there has been little activity in the Merchandise Department.

We still have Centenary glasses for sale and Lochaber Branch has notebooks that may be

purchased.

If there is interest shown in a particular item that you consider would be of interest to members or

as gifts for speakers let the Merchandise Officer know and it can be investigated.

Some branches use the glasses for gifts for speakers now and it is one way of spreading the name

of WAB around. I have considered tea towels, they are costly to purchase and most people have

dish washers now. There are several businesses who offer cheaper items than we can purchase

them for, hence the lack of Merchandise held.

Thank you for the support that has been given to purchasing Merchandise in the past as the profit

made can be used for general use in WAB.

MERCHANDISE ACCOUNT – WAB (AUDITED)

Opening Balance as of 01.07.2018 $924.36

Receipts

ACWW raffle 141.00

59 Glasses 472.00

18 WAB Signs 180.00

Bank Interest 0.89

Total Receipts $793.89

Expenses

Reimburse Kalangadoo –double payment 48.00

ACWW Raddle transferred to WAB 141.00

Telsigns (30 signs) 594.00

Total Expenses $783.00

Closing Balance as at 30th June, 2019 $935.25

STOCK ON HAND

19 WAB Centenary Glasses

7 WAB Signs

Glenice Bourne

Merchandise Officer

Lochaber Branch


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WAB International Officer’s Report

ACWW has been very privileged to have had Mrs Ruth Shanks, of Dubbo, N.S.W. as our own

Australian World President for the last 5 years. She has truly been a wonderful representative of

Australia and served ACWW so well, and we thank her for her considerable work on our behalf.

Now we have a new World President, Mrs Magdie de Kock from South Africa – while another

Australian, Miss Ruth Cargill, from Dubbo, N.S.W. is the new treasurer. We know they will work

well for ACWW worldwide.

Mrs Gail Commens continues as our South Pacific Area President. Members were pleased to meet

with Gail in Port Lincoln and at Clare when she visited SA in May, meeting members of WAB and

CWA. We thank Joyce Chapman and Sally Packer for hosting her in Adelaide and Port Lincoln.

Lochaber Branch decided to participate in Women Walk the World in 2018 to raise funds. Members

visited Robe and enjoyed a most interesting and informative walk raising $105 for WWW- Jan

Boord, President, was encouraged to forward a photo of the group to Headquarters in London and

was very excited to see their group pictured in the following “CountryWoman” magazine- Well

done, Lochaber.

On October 15th

, Wirrega Branch held a function for International Rural Women’s Day, with our

State President, Sandra, as Guest Speaker, talking about her experiences as a Forensic Scientist,

which everyone found most interesting.

In November, I forwarded 1kg of used stamps which came from members, to the ACWW

representative who collects them and organises them for sale. Well done, members.

During the Year Branches again donated to “Coins for Friendship” with a total of $1,364.13 being

raised. Tanunda donated their closing Balance to “Coins”, hence the 13cents!

As a result of a raffle of a beautiful quilt, donated by Nadene Jericho, WAB was able to donate

$700 towards bringing a South Pacific Island Lady to the ACWW Conference in Melbourne. Several

members also made pillow case dresses and shorts for children for the Solomon Islands , our

country of study. Unfortunately the only lady from the Solomons coming to the ACWW Conference

was unable to appear due to a family death, but we were able to pass them on to join other items

in a container bound for the Solomon Islands. We trust they

arrived safely.

In April, 2019, six members of WAB, Jan Boord , Mrs Barbara

Schaefer AM, Joyce Chapman, Yvonne Correll, Beth Gale and

President Sandra Young attended the 29th

Triennial World

Conference at Melbourne in the Conference Centre on the

Yarra. Held from 4th

to 10th

April, the celebrations included


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celebrating the 90th

Year. Much was learned and people from far and near met and company

enjoyed. A photo sent to me by Phone, because I was in Hospital at the time, showed how great

our members looked with their WAB blue scarves on.

WAB, a member Society, has 21 individual members of ACWW and 6 Branches, Cunliffe,

Kalangadoo, Lochaber, Stewarts Range (now closed) Wirrega, and Online Branch, who are Category

4A members. There are only 1,427 individual members worldwide, but 428 member societies,

representing over 9 million women. Category fees were set at the Triennial Conference, individual

membership is now £27 (about $50 AUD depending on the value of our Dollar) or £68 (about $130

AUD) for 3 years. I hope members will think about becoming individual members. The

CountryWoman magazine alone makes very interesting reading.

It has been my privilege to serve WAB as its International Officer for the last 6 years. I wish the new

Officer well as she works for this very worthwhile women’s society.

INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNT – WAB ( AUDITED)

Opening Balance as of 01.07.2018 $843.41

Receipts

Coins for Friendship 1,042.00

Memberships 1,184.00

Coins for friendship for 2019-20 265.00

Bank Interest 0.96

Total Receipts $2,491.96

Expenses

ACWW for CFF and Memberships 2,617.92

International Transfer Fees 32.00

Total Expenses $2,649.92

Closing Balance as at 30th June, 2019 $685.45

The bank balance has accumulated over the years due to exchange rates, etc. I suggest that $400

be added to the Coins for Friendship amount for 2018-2019.

Helen Colliver

WAB International Officer

Cunliffe Branch


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WAB Delegate Report

It has been my pleasure to represent WAB at several events this year. I went to see a

performance of Women’s Suffragettes held at Old Parliament House celebrating 125 years

of Women’s Suffrage in South Australia. Our Premier Steven Marshall was present and it

was interesting to meet him.

I was also lucky to attend the opening of our WAB Banner situated in the Office of the

Minister for Primary Industries & Development, opened by Hon Vicki Chapman MP.

Monthly I represent WAB at National Council of Women of SA which I thoroughly enjoy.

We have very interesting speakers and it is also an opportunity to meet new people.

Joyce Chapman

WAB Delegate

WAB Web-Site Report

The new website www.wabsa.com.au went live on 13 November 2018. It has been a

challenge and a huge learning curve to undertake this project for WAB and I thank Sandra

Young for putting her confidence in me to do so. I believe we can be proud of what we

now have. My thanks must go to the website company Argon who designed and added

the information from the previous site so that all we had to do was update and edit the

content.

The important challenge now is to keep the information up to date. Thanks to Narelle

Scott who has supported me and been able to edit and update the site when I have been

away.

I encourage all members to periodically visit the site as information is regularly updated.

Jane Smith

Webmaster

On-Line Branch

Enriching the Lives of Rural Women

http://www.wabsa.com.au/


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WAB Social Media Report

Facebook page: Women in Agriculture and Business SA Inc

This social media platform has been a valuable tool for sharing information about

upcoming WAB events and for providing details and photos of meetings, promotions and

events that have been held.

We currently have 118 “Followers” and are working towards increasing our numbers by

promoting our Facebook Page at every opportunity.

The Limestone Coast Regional Gathering 2019 utilised the Live Feed for their event. This

video has been viewed 65 times!

We have 150 photos in our “Timeline” which can be accessed at any time and provides a

magnificent archive of WAB events.

We have considered other social media platforms including Instagram and Twitter but

believe that currently Facebook is the best option for WAB.

Please ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ our page and submit photos and details of upcoming branch

events or past events.

Sally Grundy

Social Media Manager


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WAB Awards/ Membership Officer Report

2018/2019 MEMBERSHIP AWARDS

5 YEAR

Valerie Pope, Charlton, Eyre Peninsula Jan French, Stewarts Range, Limestone Coast Sandra Young, On-Line Janet Cummings, On-Line Dr. Patricia Hamilton, On-Line Joyce Chapman, On-Line Elizabeth Calvert, On-Line Vickie Chapman, On-Line Sally Grundy, On-Line Jane Terry, Lochaber, Limestone Coast Sue Angel, Lochaber, Limestone Coast

10 YEARS

Jenny Hocking, On-Line Ann Price, On-Line Adair Dunsford, On-Line Jillian Mill, On-Line Vickie Chapman, On-Line Mary Wilkinson, On-Line Jane Smith, On-Line Rosslyn Rowett, On-Line Phyllis Myers, Charlton, Eyre Peninsula Berth Ortlepp, Padthaway, Limestone Coast Janice Widdison, Kalangadoo, Limestone Coast Sandra Young, Kalangadoo, Limestone Coast Rosemary Miller, Lochaber, Limestone Coast

50 YEARS

Janette Boord, Lochaber, Limestone Coast

60 YEARS Diana Penniment, Wirrega, Mallee Rose Donaldson, Cunliffe, Central Wishing everyone good fellowship for the coming 2019/2020 year.

Janet Cummings

WAB Awards / Membership Officer


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WAB Finance Report 2018/2019

AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE & BUSINESS of SA Inc

BANK SA SOCIETY CHEQUE ACCOUNT

Opening Bank Balance as of 01.07.2018 $7,866.61

RECEIPTS

Membership Levy 6,450.00

Associate Members 105.00

Badges 120.00

State Conference Registrations 1,600.00

Office of Women Grant 5,000.00

White Ribbon Grant 2,500.00

Supporters 450.00

Royalties for sale of Roses 528.00

ACWW raffle 691.00

Donation 90.00

On-Line Project for 2017-2018 1,690.00

WAB State MS Project to 30.6.19 1,491.10

Bank Interest -625 from term Deposit 636.43

Miscellaneous –to other accounts 240.00

TOTAL RECEIPTS

$21,591.53

PAYMENTS

Management Expenses 6,250.00

State Conference Expenses 625.00

White Ribbon Events 2,098.40

Insurance 743.73

Badges 103.50

Postage, Printing & Stationary 618.91

Affiliate Fees – ACWW, NCWSA 270.00

Petty Cash 44.15

WAB On-Line Project 2017-2018 1,690.00

ACWW Project -Pacific Islander to Conference 700.00

Riding Free of DV Fund (per Ivan Phillips) 400.00

Publicity 450.00

WAB Web-site 1,331.00

Sundries -70 to re-activate Microsoft, 250 for banner embroidery, 40 ACWW book, 155.12 for Gail Commens Airfare 515.12

Miscellaneous – Padthaway CFF –ACWW Acc 200.00

TOTAL PAYMENTS

$16,039.81

Closing Bank Balance as of 30.06.2019

$13,418.33


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TERM DEPOSIT …..460

Opening Bank Balance as of 01.07.2019 $25,000.00

Bank Interest transferred to Cheque Acc 625.00

Closing Bank Balance as of 30.06.2019 $25,000.00

ACCOUNT BALANCES as at 30TH JUNE, 2018

Society Cheque Account $13,418.33

Term Deposit $25,000.00

NET BALANCE OF ALL FUNDS $38,418.33

HONORARIUMS State President $1,000 for 2017-2018 and $3,000 for 2018-2019;

EP Coordinator $750; Central, Mallee and Limestone Coast Coordinators $500 each

WAB Management Team and Portfolio Holders 2018/19

See Front Cover Photo -

Sandra Young WAB State President, Public Officer, National Council of Women Delegate,

Administration & Finance Officer– WAB Head Office

Yvonne Correll Central Region Coordinator,

Sally Packer Eyre Peninsula Region Coordinator

Narelle Scott Limestone Coast Region Coordinator, President Elect

Nadene Jericho Mallee Region Coordinator

Helen Colliver Glenice Bourne Lee Russell Thelma Newman

WAB International Officer WAB Merchandise Officer WAB News Officer WAB Historian

Janet Cummings Jane Smith Sally Grundy Joyce Chapman

WAB Awards / Membership Officer WAB Webmaster WAB Social Media Manager WAB Delegate


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Our Vision

Women in Agriculture and Business of SA Inc. (WAB) is a peak rural organisation creating confident skilled women recognised for their leadership and contribution to vibrant and sustainable communities.

Our Mission

To facilitate a range of activities through a state-wide network which supports, encourages and develops women with rural, agricultural and business interests, in their role as key decision makers and facilitators in rural communities and in primary industries.

Aims and Objectives

To encourage interest and participation in activities of rural people and

organisations, especially in primary industries.

To promote goodwill, friendship and understanding among members.

To provide effective leadership to link Women in Agriculture and Business and Agricultural Bureau activities through the membership network.

To generate opportunities for educational, cultural and technical advancement to members, combining with other rural organisations where appropriate.

To encourage and foster the ability of women to take a shared responsibility for the community in which we live – from local to world level.

To press for recognition of the needs and worth of rural people at all levels of government.

To promote and support the preservation of our environment and ecology and care for the land.

annual report - women in agriculture & business of sa inc · it was a good day. at the agm we...

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