The Country Web Number 59 Spring 2013

If you're in need of a little inspiration this spring then look no further. Our Number 59 issue of The Country Web has the theme 'Women of Influence'. We hope you find lots of inspiration and ideas from the women featured.

In this issue we celebrate the many roles women play both on a personal level and within our rural and regional communities. It celebrates daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers - women who inspire us through their own lives and who encourage us to live our lives to the full and to take an active role within our own 'circles'.

You'll find stories on high profile women such as Alison Page, Jessica Brown and Rebecca Sullivan as well as other inspirational women like Mary Slater from Walhallow and CWA State President Tanya Cameron.

There is a special 4-page pull-out on the 2013 NSW Rural Women's Gathering to be held at Scone from 25-27 October. It includes the program, workshop and tour descriptions and a registration form. This year you can also complete your registration online.

Our regular Parenting column features an article by Catherine Gerhardt of Kidproof. In her article she talks about some of the challenges of raising a daughter and says the choices our daughters make now will help build the foundation for the woman they are going to become.

Our Women Leaders showcase includes a follow-up article by Mariette Rups-Donnelly titled "How to be heard". In this final instalment Mariette provides tips and ideas to ensure your opinions are heard at your next board or committee meeting. 

Here's a preview of just some of our stories. To read the full version click on the link below to download this issue:

• Alison Page is a well-known artist, teacher and award winning designer. She is also the Executive Officer of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance - a group which supports elders to pass on cultural knowledge to young people. Alison has worked hard to get to where she is and is passionate about sharing her learning and knowledge with others.
• Jessica Brown is the Founder and Chief Executive of Life Changing Experiences Foundation and its SISTER2Sister mentoring program, which has changed the lives of hundreds of young women across NSW. Through her work she is positively changing the lives of future generations by turning walls into bridges. Jessica was named the 2013 People's Choice Community Hero Woman of the Year.
• Rebecca Sullivan - a self-taught cook who has worked with some of the world’s best producers, environmental academics, activists, chefs and restaurants. As an eco-agronomist, activist, sustainable food writer, urban farmer and entrepreneur Rebecca has worked on many a project any food lover would envy. One of Rebecca's latest projects Dirty Girl Kitchen is all about safeguarding 'granny skills'.
• Tanya Cameron is the new State President of The Country Women's Association of New South Wales. She says she plans to approach future challenges with creative thinking, an open mind and frank discussion, maintaining the association's heritage, value and reputation.