The stories of our rural women

THE voices of 1000 rural women are being sought for a groundbreaking new documentary on Australia’s rural, regional and remote women. 

Rural Daughters, the feature-length documentary by award-winning CheekyMac Productions, will follow the personal journeys of some of Australia’s most inspiring rural women in their efforts to overcome barriers, effect change and live successful, purpose-driven lives in the regions. 

In addition to their stories, a nationwide 1000 Rural Women Survey has been developed to capture the experiences of rural women on a range of topics from natural disasters, health and domestic violence to societal attitudes, racial prejudice, Tall Poppy Syndrome, community life, leadership and female role models. 

The documentary and survey is the brainchild of producer, director and writer Danielle McAlpine Johnson, herself a rural woman from Gippsland, Victoria. 

Mrs McAlpine Johnson aims to garner more than 1000 responses to provide a snapshot of rural women. 

“Surveying 1000 rural women is a bold target, but we hope women take this opportunity to tell us about their lives and be a part of a collective voice in the Rural Daughters story,” she said. 

“These women are the backbone of rural Australia and we are putting our heart and soul into telling their stories - how they overcome adversity, find purpose, break limitations and lead in their communities in the most unique and innovative ways.” 

The survey has been developed by Federation University’s Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre, together with CheekyMac Productions - both led by rural women. Commissioned by the Community Enterprise Foundation, the survey is expected to be the largest and broadest of its kind. 

“Our involvement in this documentary is an opportunity to showcase that a regionally-based university can make a difference with regional communities and, in particular, advocate for rural women on issues that matter,” CERC Professor Joanne Porter said. 

The documentary and survey results are expected to be used to inform policy and develop educational resources in Australian schools. 

The survey is available August to September at https://www.cheekymac.com/rural-daughters

Picture: SODA CREATIONS