Beyond The Gate Celebrates Women At The Heart Of Rural Communities

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is preparing to shine a light on the remarkable women who help keep rural communities strong with the launch of Beyond the Gate: Celebrating the Women at the Heart of Rural Communities.

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More than just a luncheon, Beyond the Gate will bring women from across the Burdekin and surrounding regions together to connect, share experiences and celebrate the many roles they play in shaping rural Queensland.

From women working on the land and running local businesses to those leading community organisations, supporting families and contributing behind the scenes, the event recognises that the strength of rural communities is built on people who are willing to get involved and make a difference.

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The event coincides with the International Day of Rural Women, celebrated globally on October 15, recognising the important contribution women make to rural communities, agriculture and regional economies.

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Branch Manager Sally Smith said Beyond the Gate was an opportunity to acknowledge that contribution while also giving local women an opportunity to come together.

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“Rural women contribute so much to the strength and character of communities like ours, often balancing businesses, properties, families and community commitments,” Sally said.

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“Beyond the Gate is about recognising those women, giving them an opportunity to connect and celebrate what they achieve, and reminding them just how important their contribution is.”

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A highlight of the luncheon will be guest speaker Angie Nisbet, co-founder of Queensland business FarmHER Hands.

Based near Hughenden in North West Queensland, Angie and fellow founder Shona Larkin understand rural life firsthand. Their idea for FarmHER Hands began after a morning working in the paddock and a conversation about the need for stylish and practical hand protection for women.

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That simple conversation developed into FarmHER Hands and a range of UPF50+ sun protection gloves designed specifically with hardworking rural women in mind.

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Angie's story of identifying a need, backing an idea and building a business from rural Queensland reflects the resilience, ingenuity and determination that Beyond the Gate aims to celebrate.

Guests can also look forward to an “On the Couch” panel session, where a range of guests will share their experiences and perspectives, along with networking, a delicious lunch and drinks.

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For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, the event is also an extension of its commitment to supporting the people who make the Burdekin and surrounding rural communities such special places to live and work.

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“When rural communities are strong, Queensland is strong,” Sally said.

“We see every day the contribution local people make through agriculture, small business, volunteering and community organisations. As a Community Bank, we want to do more than provide banking services—we want to support the people and communities that make our region thrive.”

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Beyond the Gate is intended to become an annual opportunity to celebrate rural women, build connections and recognise the leadership, resilience and heart they bring to their communities.

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Because sometimes it is worth stepping Beyond the Gate to recognise the extraordinary people who are helping rural Queensland move forward.

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Supplied by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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