Reflections on GTag - Nikki Thompson
For those who have read any of my previous columns, you may have realised I am a great fan of collaboration and the medium of storytelling. Both are embedded in our deep history as humans. Life is not a ‘Zero Sum Game’ but one of finding your passion, innovation and resilience and working together to adapt to an ever-changing world.
I am just back from a 2-day workshop in Mitchell called ‘Girls Talking Ag’. Having grey hair and being a grandmother, I must admit I get a kick out of being referred to as a girl, but that is just the icing on the cake! The seed for these workshops was deeply collaborative and consultative. It takes courage and open heartedness to work like this as outcomes are uncertain and it also allows for emergence and genuine creativity. You could feel that in the air as the days unfolded.
There are quite a few organisations involved and a couple of good acronyms and these need to be honoured as part of this story. Funding was from both State and Federal Government through the Future Drought Fund and the RECoE (Rural Economies Centre of Excellence) partnering with Catholic Care and SWIN (South West Indigenous Network). All those long titles and acronyms can sound impersonal but the women representing those organisations and sharing their wisdom were warm, funny and smart.
Rosie Bryant, Mungallala local, had been the first point of contact when I learned of this last year. Rosie has worn many community hats over time and her current one is with Catholic Care. Rosie could bring the local knowledge which is vital to the success of these projects. In Rosie’s capable hands the logistics flowed with ease, and we shared some of the great things that Mitchell has to offer.
The trio of Girls who travelled out were Dr Marlyn McInnerney, Lyndall Hill and Fynn de Daunton. Marlyn, who for many years lived outside Surat and worked as a Community Development Officer, and Fynn both work for RECoE and Lyndall is Festival Director of Wordfest Toowoomba. Each bought a different skillset and perspective which flowed together well.
My other companions were Ree Price, Shannon Crocker, Emily Ware, Sally Ferrier and Ros Ware. As I made the most of being with these great Girls, I will have some upcoming yarns to tell their stories in the future. We came together as a group with varying levels of knowing each other and over the 2 days forged a deeper connection that will only grow over the months ahead as we journey together as storytellers.
The aim of this program is about women telling our good news stories of agriculture and sustainable land management to people in the cities and to other people in the country. That began as we all shared our personal stories. It was humbling to hear each person’s stories as they slowly emerged. No bravado, but what everyone was doing playing a part in the health and well-being of the land and their families and communities.
Marlyn, Lyndall and Fynn explained the many platforms that enable writers to share their work and ideas with the world. From print media like Maranoa Today to podcasting, the various social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and others and YouTube. There are so many ways to share our stories.
Each of us had some knowledge and awareness of different aspects and the time we shared and the collaborative learning facilitated by Lyndall, Marlyn and Fynn added nuance and practicality. There was lots of cross pollination and laughter as stories emerged. We even had a real-life pollinator in our midst with Emily who was a bee keeper!
It truly feeds my soul to hear other people share their passions and their stories. Then as we each riffed off each other with thoughts and ideas, you could feel the energy and connection deepen and possibilities expand.
That collaborative energy feels to be at the heart of rural areas. As the old quote goes ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ and living in rural areas where you don’t have everything on tap as it can be in the cities, it is ideas and innovations shared that continually enliven. I believe that we have much to share with each other and our urban counterparts that is vital for our future flourishing.
I look forward to what lies ahead with the continuing journey with the other Girls Talking Ag. I know we will each learn and grow as individuals and am even more excited as to what may emerge from the collaborative ideas which have already started to emerge. Keep your eyes out for stories ahead about the other amazing Ag Girls.
Our rural regions have much to share with each other and with our urban neighbours. It is through story we create connections and can help break down some of the barriers that exist that are often simply the result of not really understanding the full story.
I am a firm believer that if something is pushing a button of yours, the best thing you can do is be curious and ask questions. As a wise friend once said to me ‘Assumptions are the mother of all F*** Ups’. In contrast, questions and deepening our understanding opens hearts and minds to new and greater connections and possibilities.