The Country Web Number 58 Autumn 2013

Make yourself a cuppa and take some time to sit and relax on your verandah while you immerse yourself in this latest issue of The Country Web, themed Views from the Verandah.

This issue we asked readers to tell us a little about themselves - where they lived, what they do, and what they love. The result is a wonderful collection of stories about life in rural New South Wales.

A special feature of this edition are stories written by Sophie Hansen as part of the One Farm Day ... Stories from beyond the farm gate series. These stories give readers a unique view of life beyond the farm gate - from shearers to fruit pickers and beekeepers. From the highs to the lows, mud, dust and all, you'll read about men and women working in all kinds of jobs and share the story of their farming day. You'll read about Country Chef & Producer Anna Wong, Farm Manager Wendy Bowman, Egg Farmer Todd Ferguson and many more rural identities.

We showcase the 2013 NSW-ACT RIRDC Rural Women's Award finalists: Vivien Thomson - an author who has spent 25 years in the rural fire industry, and Isobel Knight - a businesswoman who has made a career out of helping farmers through succession planning complexities.

Our regular Parenting column includes a quick guide for parents on teenagers and alcohol.

Our Women Leaders showcase includes a great article by Mariette Rups-Donnelly titled "Step up, stand out and be heard!" In this article she shares her insights and strategies to encourage women to step up and stand out.

A new regular feature is the 'Communities in focus' column written by Natalie Bramble. In her column Natalie talks about the ongoing challenge that non-profit groups face attracting outside funding.