International Day of Rural Women, Celebrating Maria
Maria, a Commercial Angus Cattle Breeder from Adelong, NSW, took over her family farm after enduring immense personal loss. Between 2016 and 2020, she faced the sudden passing of her sister, her mother’s critical illness, and the devastation of her farm by the Dunn’s Road Bushfire
How long have you been in Rural Australia?
All my Life

Can you share a moment or experience that highlights the strength and resilience you’ve shown as a woman in rural Australia, and how it has shaped your role in your community or on your farm?
 2016-2020 facing family adversity- with the sudden loss of my sister Lisa then mum becoming critically unwell with a ruptured aorta set in motion a chain of events which lead me to taking over the family farm. 3 months later the entire farm except for a few front paddocks and the houses were decimated by the Dunn’s Road Bushfire. Along with my 13yr old son I had to rebuild the farm. I reflect on this period and am amazed how much I have grown and changed as a person. There were many dark moments where it was just one foot in front of the other and many sleepless nights. Finally, there is now far more bright days than dark days and the future is bright and exciting.
 It’s exciting to see more women owning managing and working in the rural industry and slowly being respected for what they are achieving. Being able to support other women and seeing their achievements is amazing.Â
Any other important messages you may want to convey?
“You are in control of what you achieve. Seeking support is not weakness”
As a female you can achieve those goals farming and always remember work smart not harder ( and have Farm Angels in your phone list because sometimes things do get to tough and a quick phone call can make all the difference to your day).