Western Rural Connect founder Keiley Noble harnessing power of rural women

A new group, led by western NSW women, is determined to foster social connections in isolated communities.

The power of women united by a common goal is an untapped resource, according to Narromine local Keiley Noble.

The 27-year-old is harnessing the collective efforts of women across a range of industries and regions to agitate for change in the community, with the formation of a new organisation.

The fledgling group, the Western Rural Connect, is a cohort of 15 women from various sectors including agriculture, health, and education. Hailing from regions such as Dubbo, Trance, Tottenham, Narromine, Tullamore and Nyngan, the women are working to foster social connections in regional Australia.

Ms Noble – who splits her time between her work as a Department of Regional NSW drought and economy strategy officer and her family’s hay contracting business – was motivated to start the group after completing the RM Williams Royal Achiever Award leadership program in April.

Keiley Noble of Western Rural Connect.

She wanted to tap into the existing connections she had made in a group chat of fellow regional women, with the view to harness their collective skills through a formal organisation to both socialise and to advocate for change.

“In my mind, regional people know what the issues are in their community and industries, and more often than not they have the solutions,” Ms Noble said.

“But they struggle with the advocacy part, with getting traction higher up, and by forming this organisation we’re developing those skills and networks.”

The first project in the group’s sights is an end-of-harvest event, slated for the end of the year.

“Harvest is a big deal, and everyone should celebrate it, it’s a huge employer and contributor financially to our region,” Ms Noble said.

“It’s also a socially isolating time too, you’re sitting alone in headers and trucks, under pressure, doing huge hours, and it’s really important to bring people together.”

The Western Rural Connect is applying for funding for its first event through the Essential Energy’s Community Choices program.