Endless fields of green and gold are framed by blue hues and speckled with patches of white wool. The wide-open country of the Wheatbelt is lush with life this time of year, creating a tranquil space to simply be and enjoy an existence apart from the chaos of a crowded city. There is something in the air that is different here, and that current throughout the country is what Enrika Grogan, the RRR Network Ambassador for the Wheatbelt, fell in love with when she first visited the regions of WA as a backpacker.
Growing up in Ireland on a farm and used to country living, relocating to the Wheatbelt from Ireland after marrying a man from regional WA was a natural fit and an easy adjustment to make. While enamoured by the fairytale scenery in winter, Enrika is acutely aware of the stark seasonal contrasts when the crops have been turned and the greens fade to dry browns; but – from the vast dead environments come the fields teaming with life once again. A region of contrasts and the ability to flourish from very little is one of the unique qualities of the Wheatbelt region.
Like the land, the communities of the Wheatbelt “take the bad with the good” as Enrika notes that while certain services may be under resourced, the innovation and diversity in the people help community overcome the obstacles. The creativity and resilience allow for reinvention in the region, an experience that Enrika is familiar with. She arrived as a qualified engineer working with large industry and is now self-employed with a business built on helping other small businesses and in particular women of the regions navigate the realm of small business. Admitting that engineering “wasn’t the right career path for me,” Enrika stumbled and diversified her skillsets, happening upon her passion almost accidentally. She now strives to help others be more strategic in their career paths.
Women in the regions often identify a need in their community and instead of waiting for someone else to solve a problem, they think I can do it – this is how so many small businesses are born. It may not necessarily be what they had initially dreamt about doing in their life, but it becomes the right fit. The innovation in this space is as astounding as the stories of the small business owners. Small business is all about lifestyle and connection as these businesses often become a meeting place for community and really serve the community, so it is not surprising that Enrika has developed a love of small business.
For the small businesses and the communities that they support and create to thrive, women need to have the opportunity and skills to step up as leaders in the region. Professional development opportunities must flow into the regions so women can find their confidence again, back themselves, and surround themselves with supportive organisations. Technical or book learning can usually be done remotely and individually, but the transferrable soft skills of communication, leadership, and dealing with people need to be face-to-face opportunities. Only when groups of people meet in person can they start to establish those authentic trust points and begin to build their networks.
The bravery to put down roots in the region and confidently take up space within the community is admirable. Enrika encourages women to create the communities that they want to live in and not to settle with “it is what it is” but rather to ask the right questions and step into things gradually. We can all do our bit and use our individual, diverse skills to ensure that everyone has a voice, everyone has someone to talk to, and everyone has an avenue to follow when they need help and support.
Women are wonderful at making it work across different roles with limited resources, but Enrika believes that this journey is better travelled with a strong network. “Joining the RRR Network was the best decision I’ve made for my networking.” Trying to navigate on your own in the regions can feel a bit isolating, but a supportive network where women can share stories and learn from each other is crucial. She recalls how the RRR Network event of Career Ready in the Regions was “so nourishing and fulfilling” not only because of the carefully curated content, but also mainly due to the face-to-face delivery and strong cohort of peers along for the journey.
Enrika hopes that every woman is able to achieve her potential in the regions; that they do not feel held back by their choice to live regionally. There will always be differences between the cities and the regions, but the differences can be the joy of the journey rather than the burden.
It’s a great time; there is an electricity in the air not just in the regions but across the world with women – and it’s a great time to be a part of the movement. If you want to be part of the rising tide that lifts all boats, connect with Enrika Grogan, the RRR Network Ambassador for the Wheatbelt!
Story written by: Lynn Whyatt RRR Network Storyteller.