The Rural Regional Remote (RRR) Women’s Network receives a total investment of $950,000 from the WA State Government so it can increase RRR women outreach and support.
- The WA State Government already committed $250,000 to the RRR Network in the 2022-2024 financial years so it may continue to operate and deliver key learning outcomes to RRR women.
- An additional investment of $700,000 has just been announced over the next four financial years to 2027, to accelerate and strengthen the peak women’s body representing RRR women.
- Investment will ensure Western Australian RRR women continue to be supported and empowered so they may participate in all aspects of life.
The vision of the RRR Network is a diverse, strong, connected, and influential network of WA RRR women who strengthen and enrich the lives of each other. The RRR Network has a long history, reputation and trust with the WA State Government providing a diverse, innovative, and powerful resource for RRR women to date.
From 1996 until 2016 the RRR Network of WA existed as a Ministerial Reference Group. During its 20 years as a Ministerial Reference Group, the RRR Network was resourced with one full time Executive Officer, and funding to host the annual AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards in partnership with commercial sponsors. Funding was also allocated to produce and post the very popular RRR Network Magazine.
In 2016, the RRR Network transitioned out of Government to explore its potential as a Membership Association and to increase operational freedom so it may work with more communities of RRR women across Western Australia. During this time, the organisation established a constitution, built a website, voted in a board, provided membership, and tested various revenue options in search of its most viable operating model.
Unfortunately, the organisation’s journey was cut short by the 2020 pandemic placing significant pressure to generate an income and maintain a team. This event circumnavigated the organisation to a likely closure to occur by mid-2022.To mitigate closure, the RRR Network worked closely with its key corporate partners, consultants, and the state government to best position the organisation for future investment. This included, strengthening IT infrastructure, recreating the strategic plan, growing membership, delivering a clear and consistent voice to the market, and achieving partnership and grants aimed at RRR women.
The latter was made evident when the RRR Network partnered on two federally funded projects in 2022 to the value of $1M with a target to reach 300 RRR women over three years. The RRR Network was also listed as key stakeholder to the Stronger Together Action Plan Two with the Women’s Interests Office in Western Australia and membership has increased by more than 200% in the last 12 months.
Having demonstrated steady growth, a clear vision and purpose and a state-wide following in conjunction with their Business Case to Government, the RRR Network were worthy recipients of investment.
“The RRR Network is a dynamic organisation making a significant contribution to our regions by supporting women that help drive social and economic development in the country” said Regional Development Minister Don Punch.
“The RRR Network Board and I are overwhelmed with the news and are confident we can take the organisation to a new operating level that will ensure RRR women will be supported for years to come” said Kendall Galbraith, CEO of the RRR Network.
“An investment into RRR women, is also an investment into regional development and rural and regional communities. Our RRR Women remain a key driver to influence Western Australia’s workforce and fill gaps” said Sarah Lang, Chair of the RRR Network.
Key outcomes of the four-year funding are for the organisation to expand its team, grow its membership, be an active resource for RRR women, inspire leadership, improve economic and social outcomes for RRR women through education and other initiatives and work towards financial sustainability by 2027.