From Ginning to Gala: The Riverina’s AgriWomen Connect Set to Transform Whitton

In Short

The Event: A two-day conference (March 5–6, 2026) at Whitton Malt House focusing on the journey of food and fibre from the paddock to the consumer.

The Highlights: Features an exclusive Southern Cotton gin tour, a "Farm to Fashion" runway show, and a keynote by 2025 AgriFutures runner-up Isabella Thrupp.

The Skills: Day two offers a deep dive into agribusiness management with Carmen Quade, designed to boost farm business confidence and financial literacy.

The Riverina is preparing to celebrate the role of women in the bush with the upcoming AgriWomen Connect: Food, Fibre and Farming Conference. Scheduled at the iconic Whitton Malt House, the two-day event on March 5–6, 2026, the program balances high-level industry expertise and commercial strategy with a showcase of the region's creativity.

Partnering with Women Together Learning (WoTL), Riverina Local Land Services has curated a program designed to bridge the gap between the primary producer and the end consumer.

From Ginning to Gala: Day One Highlights

The conference kicks off with a look at one of the region’s powerhouses - Southern Cotton. A guided tour of the ginning facility will offer attendees a front-row seat to how raw Riverina cotton is transformed into the fibre found in wardrobes worldwide.

Following the tour, the focus shifts to a dynamic panel discussion featuring local industry leaders:

Kate O'Callaghan: General Manager of Southern Cotton and Whitton Malt House.

Jenna Bell: Local cotton grower and dedicated Grower Services Manager.

Daisy Toscan: Representing the innovative Cavaso Farming.

The first day will conclude with a high-fashion twist - a Farm to Fashion Show showcasing garments crafted from regional fibres, before a three-course Paddock to Plate Dinner. The evening’s keynote will be delivered by Isabella Thrupp, the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Runner-Up, whose journey from Kimberley cattle stations to founding her own outback fashion brand has inspired many across the country.

Business and Balance: Day Two

Day two balances physical well-being with professional development:

Sunrise Yoga: Start the morning with a yoga session led by Saltbush Stretch’s Em Armstrong.

AgriBusiness Course: Carmen Quade from AgriFocused will lead an intensive full-day course focused on the practicalities of farm business, from financial management to boardroom confidence.

How to Join

Registration: Open now via the NSW Local Land Services events page or by scanning the official event QR code (below).

Tickets: Single-day tickets are available for $80, while the full two-day experience is priced at $120.

Contact: For more information, contact Jade Auldist, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, at 0473 055 466.

This initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust, highlighting the ongoing commitment to supporting climate-smart and sustainable agriculture in our region.