17 November 2023
SafeWork NSW will be hosting a free 'Chat and Create’ event in Tamworth for women in the agricultural industry, giving women a chance to network with likeminded agricultural businesses and workers and share their experiences about what it means to be safe on farms.
Farmers and workers in agricultural workplaces continue to be seriously injured and killed at higher rates than other industry sectors, with farming accounting for one in five worker deaths across the state.
These confronting statistics are why SafeWork continues to prioritise proactive education in the agricultural sector.
SafeWork’s ‘Chat and Create’ event will bring together women in the agricultural industry for an exciting day of creating art, and enjoying a light lunch, while SafeWork representatives chat about safety issues specific to farming and agricultural businesses.
Staying safe at work also includes being aware of your, and your workers, mental health. Sadly, suicide and depression are more common among farmers than the general population due to a unique set of working pressures, including increased financial pressures and isolation.
Members of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will be attendance providing mental health education and linking attendees with services if required. SafeWork provides free coaching for employers to help make their workplace a safe and healthy environment. These are available on the NSW Government website.
The NSW Rural Women's Network will also be attending the event, sharing resources and initiatives as well as linking individuals to services.
To further aid women in the regions, the NSW Government recently launched the Rural Women’s Resource hub, which aims to provide support in areas such as cost of living, employment, training and career support, health and wellbeing, recreational and social connections.
‘Chat and Create’ will be held at Pinot and Picasso in Tamworth on Tuesday 21 November and is an alcohol-free event.
Those interested can register for this free event online.
Quotes to be attributed to Director WHS Services Regional Tony Williams:
“Women are more involved in the success of the agricultural industry than ever. ‘Chat and Create’ aims at further empowering these women to take a leading role in creating a safe working environment.
“This is a great opportunity for women in agriculture in the Tamworth area to come together and share ideas and connect with each other, while building on their knowledge of work, health and safety to improve farm practices in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
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