Talking Water - Tuesday 11 March 2025

Business News

Murray Irrigation Strategy Session and Board Meeting 

Murray Irrigation held its annual strategy session on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 February, followed by the first Board meeting of 2025 on Thursday 27 February.

A number of key topics were discussed over the course of the three days, which are outlined by Phil Snowden in his Chair Update below. 

International Women's Day - Director reflections 

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated each year on 8 March.

To mark this year's commemoration, Murray Irrigation's three female Directors, Gabrielle Coupland, Trisha Gorman and Leanne Small, reflect on the 2025 IWD theme 'Accelerate Action', and the steps we can all take to positively impact women's advancement, including sharing knowledge, working together and encouraging each other. 

In keeping with this theme of collaboration, Murray Irrigation encourages all shareholders to get involved in the various engagement activities the company has in the pipeline over the coming months, as highlighted in last week's Chair Update (also included above).

These events include:

• Participate in one of the shareholder meetings the Board will host in July this year. Join in discussions and provide feedback to Murray Irrigation on the next stage of the strategic planning and investigations.
• Come along to the information barbecues the Board will be hosting in Finley and Wakool after the May and June Board meetings.

Gabrielle Coupland

In the 10 years since I’ve returned home to the farm, I believe the perception of women in the agricultural industry has changed incredibly. 
 
Initially, many thought I ‘just did the books’ (and if you do the books these days, you’ll know it alone is a massive job!). However, in reality, I’ve parented, sprayed, contributed to the community, refuelled, harvested, lobbied, tilled, drenched and irrigated. Often all on the same day, as many women in our region do.

The role of the rural woman is as diverse as it is challenging and rewarding, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to grow food and fibre where we do.

I believe that meaningful cultural change to #AccelerateAction and create equality for women happens when we work together.

I celebrate the incredible women and men who recognise this partnership and, together, actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive future. By uniting our efforts, we can teach the next generation values of respect and equality, to see gender as a natural aspect of identity rather than a basis for judgement.

When we lead by example and encourage understanding, we create a world where everyone is treated with the dignity, opportunity, and respect they deserve.

Trisha Gorman

Seeing is believing.

When women see others achieve goals, and succeed, they believe they can too! As I continue to progress through my career and within my own business, it’s important to facilitate real action by putting in place meaningful, tangible changes that will focus on gender equality, resulting in measurable outcomes and long-term solutions. 

The tables are turning, and the more that we as women encourage and inspire other women, especially younger women, this will ensure more of us have a seat at the table. But we need to remain consistent in this space.

Leanne Small

I came across the saying many years ago: 'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity'. 

My career of over 40 years with TAFE NSW was a journey of skills development and growth through on-the-job training and formal education. I have personally experienced through my journey, and also seen firsthand, how access to education and skills development can change lives.

I encourage women to #AccelerateAction by thinking outside the box, getting involved in the industries and communities that you are interested in and can create value for, and by embracing the education/mentoring opportunities when the arise.

LWMP project funding EOI now open

Riverina Sustainable is welcoming expressions of interest for round one of project funding under the Land Water Management Plan (LWMP).

The project must relate to at least one of the three pillars of advocacy, education, research and development, and must support sustainable agricultural productivity, improved social structure or protection of the environment.
 

Expressions of interest can be found at lwmp.com.au or if you have any questions please email: office@lwmp.com.au

Telemetry Uplift Program

The Telemetry Uplift Program aims to assist eligible water users in the Murray-Darling Basin with compliance to the metering rules, to ensure water taken from inland regional water sources is extracted fairly, equitably and according to the rules.

By opting in to the program, eligible water users will be offered free telemetry devices, including a local intelligence device and data logger.

The $10.5 million Australian Government funded program will benefit over 2,500 eligible water users.

Register your interest by 31 March 2025 to receive further information and make sure you don’t miss out. 

Reminder - Upcoming RGA Landcare events

Stock Water Management Planning Workshops - this Wednesday & Thursday

Join RGA Landcare and experts Adrian Smith from AKS Advisory and Rebecca Stacey from Local Land Services to answer your questions and be supported to develop your own Stock Water Management Plan.
 
These free workshops will cover:

• Current S&D water storage capacity and water demand
• Water quality and the effect on production
• S&D water budgeting
• Stock water management planning
• How to get water to where you need it on your property
• Opportunities available to fund changes to your farm water infrastructure. 

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
 
Wednesday 12 March | 10:30am – 2:30pm | Finley Returned Soldiers Club 
Register here

Thursday 13 March | 10:30am – 2:30pm | Deniliquin Local Land Services 
Register here
 
For more information contact Janet Manzin on 0438 719 628.

'Wood Park' Wet and Wild Lands Tour - register this week

Join RGA Landcare for a guided tour of 'Wood Park' (20km north of Jerilderie on the Yanco Creek) to see and hear about the Huggins family's biodiversity conservation journey, and how it complements their farm business.
 
You will learn about native revegetation best practice, conservation opportunities with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, and the management realities of maintaining conservation areas.
 
This is a free event, with morning tea and lunch provided.
 
Subject to the number of registrations, a bus may be available from Deniliquin, Finley and/or Jerilderie.
 
Wednesday 26 March | 10:00am – 2:30pm | 'Wood Park', Jerilderie

Register here before 14 March to secure a spot.

101 Calving Essentials webinar

Are you new to calving? Wanting to learn more? Or maybe you just need a quick refresher!

Get ready for the calving season with a checklist covering everything you need to know, with this two-part free webinar on Tuesday 18 March and Wednesday 19 March.

Hosted by the Stock Sense team and Dr Rob Bonnano, these sessions cover 101 Essentials, methods for preventing calving problems - a whole system approach, and a Q&A Session to conclude.

These two webinars will take place at 6.00pm via Zoom. 

Community News

Hannah's Story - recognising coercive control seminar

Murray Hut CWA is collaborating with the Finley RSL Club to present 'Hannah's Story' on Thursday 1 May.

This event will feature Michael Jeh, who is an ambassador for domestic violence foundation Small Steps 4 Hannah.

His presentation will highlight the tragic events of February 2020, when Queensland mum Hannah Clarke and her three children were victims of a devastating act of domestic violence. The session aims to raise awareness about coercive control and its profound impact on individuals and families.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 1 May
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: Upstairs function room, Finley RSL Club (unfortunately there is no disabled access to this area).

This is a free ticketed event, limited to 200 attendees. To secure your spot, please register below by 24 April.