Women in Agriculture and Business (WAB)
Women in Agriculture and Business of SA Inc. is a state-wide support and communication network for rural women, especially those interested or involved in primary industries. WAB, as it is often known, has 31 branches and more than 500 members across the settled areas of the State. Branches usually meet monthly to work for local community projects, to discuss wider issues or perhaps to conduct or attend workshops of an educational or cultural nature. Friendship is a big part of WAB meetings.
WAB was formed at Riverton in 1917 to meet the needs of women who were isolated, and who were working with their families to establish farms and homes in rural districts. From those early days, WAB has had close links with the Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) and with the Agricultural Bureau. The WAB Head Office is located in Rural Affairs, PIRSA.
Today, WAB has a formal affiliation with the Agricultural Bureau and is represented on the Advisory Board of Agriculture, thus maintaining close links with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. WAB is also affiliated with Associated Country Women of the World which has links with the United Nations. It is also affiliated with National Council of Women.
WAB has representatives on the following: SA Cervix Screening Program and Advisory Board of Agriculture.
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 the 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.
Regions, Branches and Membership
WAB is divided into six regions: Central, Eyre Peninsula, Lower North, Mid and Upper North, Murraylands and South East. There are branches across South Australia plus one On-Line Branch, with a total membership of over 500 rural women including Associate Members.
The WAB map of South Australia show the WAB branches across the State.
A WAB branch list, with the name and location of the WAB branch and the name of the branch President and Secretary can be downloaded.
Further contact details are available from WAB Head Office.
WAB Council
WAB is administered through WAB Council which is made up of the State President and a Regional Councillor representing each region.
| WAB Council Positions 2007/08 | Councillor |
| State President | Helen Colliver |
| Treasurer | Lois Sampson |
| Central Regional Councillor | vacant |
| Eyre Peninsula Regional Councillor | Lois Sampson |
| Lower North Regional Councillor | Helen Colliver (acting) |
| Mid & Upper North Regional Councillor | Dulcie Barker |
| Murraylands Regional Councillor | Adair Dunsford (acting) |
| South East Regional Councillor | Jannette Boord |
| Ex-officio Positions | Member |
| Awards Officer | Janet Cummings |
| Historian | Eileen Matthews |
| Merchandise Officer | Glenice Bourne |
Community Issues
WAB considers issues such as health, education, women, young rural people, awards and boards & committees that impact rural people. It develops, coordinates and promotes seminars, schools and TAFE courses on topics including farm book-keeping, computing, farm chemical awareness, availability and access for country people to Centrelink services and caring for the environment. Health issues have included breast and cervix cancer screening, heart disease, diabetes, rural suicide and female genital mutilation. WAB members and branches support their local schools and kindergartens, and help to equip local hospitals, sporting facilities and district amenities.
WAB brings many issues of vital importance to country people to the attention of relevant government Ministers, Politicians and key community members for action.
WAB offers women of all generations, information, assistance in business, education, friendship and other activities depending on their needs.
Regional Meetings
WAB branches are served by Regional Councillors who represent regions on WAB Council. A Regional Meeting is held each year and hosted by a WAB Branch.
| Region | Date | Host Branch | Location |
| Central | 12/3/08 | Longwood | Longwood |
| Eyre Peninsula | 15/4/08 | Mangalo | Cleve |
| Lower North | 23/4/08 | Riverton | Riverton |
| Mid & Upper North | 18/3/08 | Napperby | Napperby |
| Murraylands | 3/4/08 | Paringa | Paringa |
| South East | 30/4/08 | Wirrega | Wirrega |
State Conference
An annual State Conference is held in a different region each year and coordinated by WAB Council. The State Conference for 2009 will be held in Adelaide on 7 & 8 August 2009. More information will be available late in the year. For more information contact WAB Head Office on 08 8226 0250.
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Last Year |
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In 2007/08 the WAB State Conference was held at Hawker 31 July and 1 August 2008. Over one hundred women attended from across South Australia.
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Theme
Every year WAB chooses a theme. In 2008/09 the theme is "Encouraging and Supporting Rural Business Women". Branches are encouraged to promote the theme through activities and events.
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In 2007/08 the theme is "Being Fit for Life". Branches are encouraged to promote the theme through activities and events. Information is distributed to members to encourage them to be fit for life.
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Country of Study
Each year WAB chooses a country of study. This is used in planning the speakers and activities for the year. Regional meetings and State Conference also promote the country of study.
The Country of Study for 2008/09 is Spain. Branches are encouraged to learn about the history, culture, environment and the people of Spain.
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In 2007/08 the WAB Country of Study was South Africa and Branches learnt about the history, culture and the environment of the South African people.
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Project
WAB chooses an organisation from within Australia or overseas to support annually. Branches learn about the organisation throughout the year and the work it does. WAB Branches raise funds to donate at the State Conference.
Mind is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of mental health services to people living in the community and seeking to rebuild their lives. In addition to supporting the recovery of people with a mental illness we also assist people to break the cycle of homelessness and find safe and secure accommodation. Mind provides services for people experiencing serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, severe depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders as well as other serious mental health conditions.
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The WAB Project for 2007/08 is Operation Flinders Foundation, which provides young men and women (14 - 18 yrs) who have either breached the law or who are at risk, with demanding outdoor challenges and support. The Foundation helps them develop their personal attitudes and values of self esteem, motivation, team work and responsibility so they may grow as valued members of the community. |
Publications
- WAB News
WAB News is published quarterly and distributed by mail to all financial members or emailed to WAB On-Line members.
- Annual Report
The WAB Annual Report is available at State Conference each year.
- WAB Book
Hats Off to WAB – a book to celebrate 90 years
In 2007, Women in Agriculture and Business SA celebrated its 90th birthday, making it the oldest rural women’s organisation in Australia. A book of WAB history and achievements along with the personal stories of former State Presidents, Regional Councillors and members, was prepared by Keith author and WAB member, Adair Dunsford. Its title, Hats Off to WAB acknowledges the contribution of WAB to South Australian rural life.
168 pages, 47 photographs $25 posted. Orders with cheque to WAB Merchandise Officer, Glenice Bourne, PO Box 865, Naracoorte SA 5271
- WAB Regional Councillor Handbook (available from WAB Head Office)
- WAB Branch Handbook (available from WAB Head Office)
Forms
WAB Branch Forms
The WAB Branch and Council Forms can be downloaded from the Member Only Area or are available from WAB Head Office.
WAB On-Line
WAB has an email branch called WAB On-Line. It is a modern response to the busy lives of rural women who frequently juggle careers with the demands of family, community and farm businesses.
WAB On-Line members receive all information by email including WAB News, information on rural events, scholarships and programs. They are full members of WAB and can attend regional and state conferences and represent WAB.
WAB On-Line meets on the first weekend of the month. Topics for discussion are emailed on the Saturday and members can email their opinions, information and messages over the weekend and early the following week. Summaries of these emails become the branch meeting minutes.
Membership is $20 annually.
Groups WAB Belongs to
Associated Country Women of the World
WAB member are also members of the worldwide rural women's organisation, Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). WAB has been a member society of ACWW since 1948.
ACWW is the largest international organisation for rural women with nine million members in 70 countries. It works in partnership with its member societies to provide support, friendship and practical help to rural women and their families in developing countries.
Annually WAB branches donate to the Coins for Friendship fund which backs ACWW projects and management, hold World Rural Women's Day celebrations and have opportunities to represent WAB at ACWW events and conferences in the South Pacific region and at world level.
WAB Representation on
National Council of Women (NCW)
Advisory Board of Agriculture (ABA)
SA Cervix Screening Program
WAB News
WAB News is published four times a year. The current issue is available on line to view.
Past Issues
Notice Board
WAB Council Meetings
- 18 - 19 August 2008 (Adelaide)
- 21 - 22 October 2008 (Loxton)
- 30 July 2008 - AGM (Hawker)
WAB State Conference
- 31 July 2008 (Hawker)
Bursary available for the 2008 South Australian Rural Leadership Program
16 - 19 September 2008 and 16 - 17 October 2008
Women in Agriculture and Business Of SA Inc. (WAB) are offering a bursary to attend the 2008 South Australian Rural Leadership Program.
1 BURSARY OF $250 CRITERIA:
Open to all Women in Agriculture and Business of SA Inc members and prospective members. Applicant must be Category A (Primary Producer or Land Manager) or be prepared to pay additional fees for Category B & C.
SUBMIT:
Four (4) page applicatoin form, including personal details and community involvement. (see attached application form)
Write in 100 words or less why they would like to attend the SA Rural Leadership Program, and how the applicant would take the information back to their community.
By submitting application form and written composition does not guarantee acceptance into the SA Rural Leadership Program 2008.
Contact
Meg Partridge
Adminstration Officer
WAB Head Office
Ph: (08) 8226-0250
Email: pirsa.wab@saugov.sa.gov.au
- Page URL: http://outernode.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/communities/wab
- Page Last Modified: August 11, 2008