Australia:Wincott brings Moree Information Day

A small group of Women involved in the cotton industry took time out for an interesting and informative day at the Moree TAFE Agriculture Skills Centre. A number of topics were presented and a display of cotton products was available from “The Cotton Shop” in Moree.
“Wincott” stands for women’s industry network cotton. It is an organisation that aims to provide support, information and resources to encourage and empower women in the cotton industry to attain skills, confidence and to have an informed “voice” in the agricultural sector.
“The Moree information day is one of the ways Wincott extends information to women involved in the cotton industry” says Kate Schwager the outgoing publicity officer of Wincott.
Janelle Montgomery gave an overview on the improvements people can make to their irrigation; it can also help in the overall saving of water on a farm.
She also updated the women on systems that are now available to save and monitor water during irrigation and in storages. “It is amazing what you can learn on how to save water” said Kate Schwager
Anne Coote, Teacher in Charge of the TAFE Ag Centre gave us a detailed analysis on how you can be recognised for prior learning and how this can be of great benefit to those wishing to do further studies.
“You may not know it, but you may already have done half the modules to receiving a Diploma in Agriculture before you get into the classroom” Anne said. This is agreat way to further your education through TAFE to gain the recognition for what you have already achieved.
Wincott was very lucky to have Paul Merideth from Austsafe Super, who has just become a Gold Sponsor of Wincott, to explain a few things about Superannuation from and Employee and Employer perspective.
He was able to explain a number of packages that they have available as well as the basic government rulings when it comes to Superannuation.
The Border Rivers Gwydir CMA explained what Native Vegetation is and how the Act affects each farm and individual. “If you are informed and have a better understanding of the Act and what Native Vegetation is you can use this to benefit your farm and your community. Jane Humphries said.

During Lunch it was an opportunity for Helen Dugdale Vice Chair of Wincott to present Kate Schwager with a gift from the Wincott Committee for her 8 years of Service to the group.
Helen thanked Kate for her help in starting the group which now boasts 6 Gold Sponsors, a website, a quarterly Newsletter and network of over 280 women in the cotton industry and related industries. Kate was presented with an engraved glass tray. Kate will be now full time in her own website business Webteam Australia.
“I would not be where I am if it had not been for the skills that I have learnt by being a part of this fabulous network. I now have my own business with partner Ruth Quigley from Trangie whom I met through the Wincott group.
I have met some wonderful people and have had a great deal of supportfrom throughout the industry and I thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to do this. I wish the network the best of luck for the future and hope that many more of these informative days will be on the calendar. Kate said
After lunch Natalee Cook from Beauty Matters informed the group of the care one must take to fight the rays of the sun when outdoors. Natalee had a few examples of some of the product sold at her shop and the simple brush on make-up that is available, that can protect your skin from the sun.
John O’Connor gave the women a run down on the Digital Photography Course that he is running at TAFE. Which inspired a number of women to look into attending and John gave away a few tips on software available on the net for those who were inspired. “Something that you are never to old to learn about” John said.
Helen Dugdale one of the organisers of the day said “All of the speakers were terrific and covered a wide range of information. The people attending gave feedback, that the information day was very informative and worthwhile. More are planned for the future”.
The information day finished with a tour around the TAFE facility with some women learning a few more things about irrigating. The day was a good chance for women involved in the cotton industry to meet others and continue their learning opportunities.
Particular, thanks goes to the TAFE and Anne Coote for hosting the day, and to all the speakers who gave up their time to inform and educate us.
The New Publicity Officer/Secretary for Wincott is Meg Kummerow, from Dalby she will be taking the reins on the 1 June.