Rural women invited to Wellness Day

Published on 03 October 2025

Rural women across the region are invited to take part in Let it Breathe – Rural Women’s Wellness Day, a special event designed to promote relaxation, connection, and wellbeing.

The event will be on Sunday, 19 October at Barangaroo Boutique Wines, Lower Norton, and will feature a full program of activities where nature, wellness, and community flow together.

The day begins with an outdoor yoga session with Michelle from Fulham Yoga & Pilates, offering gentle movement to relax the body and calm the mind.

The event is being jointly organised by West Wimmera Shire Council, Wimmera CMA, and Landcare, as part of the Look Over the Farm Gate community grants initiative.

West Wimmera Shire Council Landcare Facilitator, and co-host of the event, Bindy Lees said the day was timed to honour Rural Women’s Day.

“The aim of this gathering is to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in agriculture, conservation and leadership across the region, while also helping them learn skills to practise self-care, particularly during stressful times such as prolonged drought,” she said.

Guests will then enjoy a shared lunch of grazing boards, canapés, and desserts prepared by Barangaroo Boutique Wines.

The afternoon session will feature guest speaker Dr Kathleen Bagot, environmental psychologist and Forest Therapy guide, who will explore how connecting with nature can restore wellbeing and joy.

Participants will then be guided through a nature journaling workshop, learning how to capture the beauty of the natural world in creative and mindful ways.

Previous Nature Journalling workshop participant Marney Durie said Dr Bagot’s workshops were truly engaging, inspiring and refreshing experience.

“I enjoyed greatly her presence, her teachings and her sense of humour, and experiencing the tranquillity of the mindfulness practice, as someone who does not consider myself artistic, was genuinely enthralling,” she said.

The day offers an opportunity for rural women to prioritise self-care while connecting with others.

Places are limited and bookings are essential by 13 October.

For bookings, contact West Wimmera Shire Council Landcare Facilitator Bindy Lees on 0427 886 308 or Yarrilinks Landcare Facilitator Marney Durie on 0455 166 445