News

Headline speaker for Hopetoun Women on Farms Gathering

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 04:20:00

Respected former ABC journalist and Country Hour presenter Libby Price will be a keynote speaker at this month’s Women on Farms Gathering at Hopetoun (March 18-20).

Libby is passionate about farming and rural life and will be an entertaining and engaging guest speaker at Hopetoun, thanks to Mallee CMA’s sponsorship of the event.
“I think I’ve divided audiences a bit, but I think I’ve been tough but fair and some people probably found that a bit challenging,” Libby said.
“The Women on Farms gatherings are a fantastic initiative and I’m looking forward to catching up with some old friends and meeting some new faces at the Hopetoun weekend,” she said.
It was her love of rural life and interest in agriculture that got Libby started at “Auntie”. Having missed out on getting into her chosen university course of journalism, Libby went to Orange Agricultural College, then applied for an ABC Rural traineeship.
During 30 years at the organisation, Libby worked in almost every division, including television news and the 7.30 report, radio current affairs, local radio, radio national and, of course, 10 years with the Country Hour. 
However, in 2014 Libby made something of a “tree change”, moving to north east Victoria, where she is now editor of the Benalla Ensign.
“Working for the ABC was fantastic – so many opportunities and experiences and the chance to meet so many people and tell their stories,” Libby said.
“But moving on to something else just felt right.  The decision wasn’t difficult, but it was emotional, in a way, because I’ve been at the ABC more than half my life,” she said.
Libby’s great passion is animals, specifically horses, and she is enjoying the opportunity to live and breathe “horse country” and work on her chosen sport of eventing.
“I really should have been born a farmer, I think,” Libby said.  “But I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve really had the best of both worlds.”
Mallee CMA chair Sharyon Peart said the Mallee CMA was supporting the Hopetoun Women on Farms Gathering.
“It’s a great opportunity for women from across Victoria to get together to learn from each other, challenge themselves, and, most importantly, build their social networks,” Ms Peart said.
“It’s also a great chance for visitors from elsewhere to get to know and understand the Mallee a little better and I’m looking forward to being part of those opportunities,” she said.
Further details and bookings for the Hopetoun Women on Farms Gathering are at http://www.hopetounwofg2016.com.au or by contacting Helen Ballentine 0429 006 016 or hballentine@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au