Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Networking Women Across Australia

Coinciding with World Rural Women’s Day, two unique and innovative information resources linking women’s organisations and community groups throughout Australia have been launched in Melbourne.

The Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially launched a new magazine and website which aim to improve the lives of Australian women.

“The idea for Networking Women grew from the numerous requests for an information source specifically designed for rural and regional Australian women across a broad range of industries,” Senator Patterson said.

“Network Magazine is a magazine intended for rural women with a strong focus on networking women of all ages in rural and regional areas of Australia and New Zealand.

“The magazine, sold in Australia and New Zealand by subscription only, will be published bi-monthly and will concentrate on women in business, on the land, in the community, in professions and in government.

“The Networking Women website, (www.networkingwomen.com.au), links women’s organisations and community groups throughout Australia providing important networking opportunities between women in rural and regional Australia along with women in metropolitan areas,” Senator Patterson said.

Network Magazine and Networking Women website will give women a means of networking and improve awareness and understanding of issues they face such as:

  • health and safety;
  • balance of work, family and lifestyle;
  • capacity to achieve economic security;
  • participation in leadership and decision making;
  • involvement in the community;
  • mentoring; and
  • confidence and self esteem.

“These two new products will revolutionise the way information is shared between women in rural, regional and metropolitan areas, increasing the opportunities for women no matter where they live,” Senator Patterson said.

The concept for the magazine and Internet portal was launched in March 2005 on International Womens Day after nearly twelve months of market research and planning.