Burnett rural women will be encouraged and championed at a lovely lunch next week.
On Tuesday, 15 October in honour of International Rural Women’s Day, BIEDO is hosting a lunch at Mulanah Gardens.
BIEDO General Manager Mistrel Badesso said the lunch would be a chance to celebrate the strength of Burnett rural women who are the backbone of our communities.
“They’re resilient, resourceful, and have a deep connection to the land and their families,” she said.
“What’s special about them is their ability to wear many hats—whether it’s managing agribusinesses, volunteering, or caring for loved ones—they do it all with incredible strength and grace. “On the day, we’ll be celebrating these women for their unwavering determination and their ability to overcome challenges while still uplifting others.”
Guests will enjoy hearing from guest speakers Delvene Woltmann from Kewpie Stockfeeds, Stephanie Whitaker from Last Pastoral Co and mother and daughter-duo Tracy and Jacinta Rockemer from Booubyjan.
“I’d encourage women to attend because this is a chance to celebrate their strength and resilience, connect with like-minded women, and hear real stories of success from our local community,” Ms Badesso said.
“It’s not just a lunch—it’s a supportive space to be inspired, learn from each other, and feel empowered to continue making a difference in their lives, businesses, and communities. Whether you’re running a farm, raising a family, or contributing to your community in any way, this event is for you.”
Ms Badesso reminded Burnett women this was more than just an event.
“It’s a chance to build lasting connections and celebrate the unique contributions rural women make to our region,” she said.
“We’re excited to hear from some truly inspiring women who will share their stories, and we want every woman in the Burnett to know that they are valued and essential to our community’s future.
“I hope women will take time out of their busy schedules to join us for a lovely celebration.”
Book a $30 ticket for the lunch online: www.biedo.org.au/event-details/international-rural-womens-day
Here’s a bit about the guest speakers:
Stephanie Whitaker
Stephanie is a cattle producer in the Burnett and, together with husband Lance, is the former owner of Burnett Livestock and Realty and the Burnett Livestock Exchange, Biggenden. She has been the recipient of marketing and business leadership awards and was the first woman to win the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Marketing Award. Stephanie sat on various industry boards and advisory groups and in this capacity worked to champion the red meat industry and rural communities. After selling their business in 2022 Stephanie worked as the Executive Officer for the Australian Livestock Markets Association and now focuses on cattle and writing.
Delvene Woltmann
Delvene Woltmann was born into agribusiness, with the family business involved in beef cattle and timber in the Maryborough area. She became immersed in horse sporting events from a young age, a pursuit she’s maintained throughout her life and one that gives her a focus outside current work-life demands.
She and husband Paul and their two daughters lived at Barambah Station at Goomeri for a decade, managing the beef enterprise and property for several years before taking on its lease.
In 2009 the family relocated to the outskirts of Kingaroy where they expanded their business of beef cattle and launched a new venture supplying trucks and other services into the gas fields.
In December 2021, following a lengthy and difficult succession planning process, Delvene and Paul became the sole owners of the Kewpie Group of companies, a regional institution in agribusiness with cattle, pork, stockfeed mill and steel fabrication among the group’s business arms that employ around 60 people in the local area.
Tracy and Jacinta Rockemer
Tracy Rockemer and her daughters, Madeline and Jacinta, are a mother-daughter trio who embody the strength and resilience that defines rural women.
Tracy, with her husband Dean purchased their first property in July 1994 at Booubyjan. Their business consists of backgrounding cattle, growing and irrigating of cattle feed, as well as making hay. Their children, Madeline, Lachlan, and Jacinta have grown up with a deep love for the land, animals and the agricultural industry. They’ve developed an appreciation for the resilience and dedication required to thrive in rural areas. Together as a family, they have experienced major floods, droughts and several health challenges.
Tracy and Jacinta are both community minded individuals and this can be seen through their passion for their community groups and involvement in local programs. The stories they will share highlights the importance of community support and being grateful for the things that truly matter; family, friends, health.
