Ten Women, Hundreds of Ideas: Regional, Rural and Remote NSW Voices Meet Their Urban Peers
- Women in Media
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Ten women from across New South Wales brought their talent, tenacity and insight to the Women in Media National Conference, contributing regional perspectives to conversations about the future of Australia’s media industry.
Supported by the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Network, the initiative brought together women from across the state’s vast regions to share ideas, build connections and shape the future of Australian storytelling.
Now in its second year, the initiative continues to champion the vital role regional voices play in telling Australian stories and supporting Australia's media ecosystem.
For some attendees, the experience was nothing short of career-defining. Freelance Executive Producer from Coffs Harbour, Clare Bath, described leaving the conference “renewed, inspired and ready to take my career in new and stronger directions.”
Others, like Port Macquarie journalist Mardi Borg, found a renewed sense of possibility. “Being surrounded by so many inspiring women opened my eyes to both the challenges we face in media and the possibilities ahead,” she said. “I left feeling empowered, energised, and incredibly grateful for the chance to be part of it.”
The conference wasn’t just about professional growth, but also about connection. For many women working outside metropolitan centres, that sense of belonging can be hard to come by. Zoe Saunders, General Manager of Collective Media, a regional media company based in north-west NSW, said, “Working in a rural setting can often feel isolating. So being able to connect with like-minded women, hear from inspiring leaders, and engage in conversations about the future of our industry was both motivating and empowering.”
“The insights I gained from practical skills to big-picture strategies are ones I’ve already started applying to strengthen the way we tell local stories and support our communities.”
That sense of inclusion is exactly what Vicki Heath, writer and communications manager from the Northern Rivers, says initiatives like this make possible. “It helps us stay connected to national conversations while ensuring that regional voices and perspectives continue to be represented,” she said.
Because when regional, rural and remote women are given the chance to connect in person, the industry – and the stories we tell about Australia – grow stronger.
Meet the recipients:
Anna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, focusing on crime and court reporting. She grew up in north-west NSW, moved to Newcastle to study, and spent 2020 in Tamworth working at the local paper she had grown up reading, where she developed a passion for regional reporting. Anna now lives in Newcastle and enjoys the beachside lifestyle. She is dedicated to spotlighting local issues, telling people’s stories, and being embedded in the communities she covers.
Clare co-runs Bathtime Productions, a boutique video production company in Sawtell, NSW, with a focus on community-driven content and authentic storytelling. She produces and directs documentaries, short films, and commercial content, and serves as Executive Producer of Reality and shows like, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Clare has previously worked as Executive Producer on Back in Time for the Corner Shop, The Recording Studio for ABC, and produced programs including The Block, MythBusters, and Big Brother.
Eliza is the Media and Communications Manager for NSW Farmers, the state’s peak agricultural advocacy body. Based in Dubbo, she grew up on a property near Brewarrina and studied media and communications at the University of Sydney. With a background in corporate communications and public relations within the Australian agricultural sector, Eliza is passionate about elevating the stories and voices of rural, regional, and remote Australia.
Grace is a regional Australian writer, director, and producer, passionate about telling rural and regional stories authentically. Through Gallop Productions, she develops film, theatre, and creative projects that highlight people, landscapes, and experiences of the bush. Grace also runs JAG Broadcast & Media, providing livestreaming and media services for community and sporting events across NSW and Queensland. As Events and Communications Coordinator at the University of New England, she leads digital engagement, social media strategy, and events coordination, connecting regional voices to broader audiences.
Lucy grew up in Sydney before moving to regional NSW, now calling Tamworth home. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management) from the University of New England. With family ties to agriculture in Orange and Moree, Lucy brings a strong understanding of rural communities to her role as Events and Marketing Coordinator at GRO Events Group, supporting regional clients to celebrate and grow their businesses.
Mardi is a journalist with Australian Community Media, having worked across several regional mastheads including the Port Macquarie News, Macleay Argus, and Camden Haven Courier. She holds a Diploma of Communication and a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Journalism) from the University of Canberra. During her studies, she interned at ABC Canberra and collaborated with The Canberra Times. Mardi is passionate about storytelling, community affairs, and Australian history.
Sharon began her journalism career later in life, joining the Narromine Star in December 2021 without formal qualifications. She quickly excelled, earning the Country Press NSW Journalist of the Year award in 2022 and 2024. Sharon completed the Deakin University Community Journalism Program in 2024, winning the inaugural student prize in 2025, and is currently completing the Digital News Academy course through Google/Newscorp and Melbourne Business School.
Susan has had a long career as a feature writer and journalist in Sydney, London, New York, and Italy. She has worked as European correspondent for the Weekend Australian, contributed to The Times in London, and covered Cannes and Venice film festivals for ten years. In Australia, she has written for Good Weekend, winning the Voiceless Award, and her reporting on the rural debt crisis led to a Royal Commission. Susan currently contributes to The Guardian, The Australian Women’s Weekly, and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Vicki is a writer and part-time Communications Manager for Screenworks, a not-for-profit supporting regionally based screen practitioners across Australia. She was selected for Screenworks’ Writing for TV Intensive to develop a pilot script and is undertaking a Novel Writing Intensive at Byron Writers Festival. Vicki has a long history working in media across Melbourne, Sydney, and the Northern Rivers.
Zoe is General Manager of Collective Media, a regional media company in north-west NSW. With extensive experience in communications and marketing, she leads a team publishing four regional weekly mastheads: The Courier, Gunnedah Times, Wee Waa News, and North West Magazine. Zoe is passionate about amplifying regional voices, ensuring local stories are visible, valued, and celebrated.
