Over half a dozen women from regional, rural and remote NSW swapped country landscapes for city skylines, gathering in Sydney to attend the 2024 Women in Media Conference.
Thanks to the generous support of Women NSW, championed by the Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the cohort received full sponsorship for their attendance, including travel, accommodation, and expenses.
“Such an incredible conference to attend. Connecting with empowering women representing diverse voices of women in our industry has been very inspiring.”
Leonie Kelly, First Nations Film Director and Producer with Farm Gate Productions
“Still buzzing from an incredible day of learning, inspiration, and networking. These opportunities to connect and grow are invaluable, and I thank Women NSW and Women in Media Australia for making it possible for rural women like me to participate and bring these learnings back to our communities, industries, and peers.”
Skye Ward, CourtyardPR, Bungendore
Meet the recipients
Amy Bradney George
Amy Bradney-George lives in Bellingen NSW and is a freelance writer, editor and creative consultant with recent work covering SEO, personal finance and the arts.
Della Golding
Della Golding is an Environmental Science documentary Producer/Director for Natural History Studios Australia and the Studio Manager of Tweed Valley Studios from the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Jessica Horner
Jessica Horner, is a disabled and Autistic woman from Wagga Wagga, NSW, who works as a disability communications consultant. She is also a 2022 ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship receipt and 2023 Walkley Foundation Award finalist.
Kait Britton
Based in the foothills of the Warrumbungles in regional NSW, Kait Britton is the editor of the Coonabarabran Times newspaper and wattle magazine.
Laura Fazzolari
Laura Fazzolari is a Disability and LGBTQIA+ Advocate who works as the Community Engagement Activations Manager at Special Broadcasting Service. She resides on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Lavinia Hutchison
Lavinia Hutchison, Managing Director of LIVMEDIA, fosters community-centred engagement for Hunter Valley businesses through collaborative communications, akin to a reimagined local newspaper.
Lee O'Conner
Lee O'Connor is current custodian (owner/editor) of the Coonamble Times print+digital newspaper (est.1885) and founder/editor of the Western Plains App (est.2021) for small remote towns.
Leonie Kelly
Leonie Kelly from Kamilaroi Country Tamworth NSW is the First Nations Film Director and Producer with Farm Gate Productions.
Lucie Peart
Starting as a rookie journalist in 2013, Lucie became the owner of Gilgandra Weekly and later expanded to include Nyngan Weekly, Narromine Star, and Warren Star. They now manage four weekly newspapers and two additional regional editions, while serving as President of Country Press NSW and a board member of Country Press Australia.
Sally Foy
Sally Foy is the acting group editor for the Southern Inlands at Australian Community Media and a regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. They are also a mother and advocate for children with disabilities and epilepsy.
Skye Ward
Skye Ward runs her rural media and communications business from her farm near Bungendore in southern NSW, bringing to life the stories of those that live and work the land.
Stephanie Gardiner
Stephanie Gardiner is Australian Associated Press's national regional reporter, who covers all things rural and regional from her home town of Orange, central west NSW.
Tahlia Sinclair
Tahlia Sinclair is a sports journalist for Australian Community Media's masthead The Daily Advertiser in Wagga, NSW. She specialises in women's and community sport.