New faces for rural women’s network, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 20-April-2011
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has welcomed the appointment of three North-West women to the Rural, Remote and Regional (RRR) Women’s Network of Western Australia reference group.
Melva Stone OAM, of Broome, has been appointed chair of the reference group, which sets the strategic direction for the RRR Network, a State-wide communications network for women.
Lola Jones, of Broome, and Margaret Bertling, of Karratha, will also join the reference group.
“These three new appointees are passionate about the representation of rural women to Government and about promoting and building the important roles played by women in country WA,” Mr Redman said.
“Such passion will be vital for the continuing success of the RRR Network, which aims to recognise, promote and expand the contribution women make to their communities.”
Members of the RRR Network are spread throughout rural, regional and remote WA, and communicate via magazine, e-newsletter and most recently, Facebook.
Ms Stone has recently taken up the role of local manager for Kailis Pearls in Broome. She spent more than 20 years in the Pilbara region and grew up in Wyndham.
“Melva has already made an outstanding contribution to regional WA. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and is an ambassador for the service in WA,” the Minister said.
Ms Jones is originally from Yinggarda country in Carnarvon and her passion is the revival and maintenance of Aboriginal languages. For the past 16 years she has been working in schools as a teacher-linguist, trainer, team teacher and support person.
Ms Bertling is a freelance photographer and journalist, who serves on the boards of the Small Business Development Corporation West Pilbara and the Karratha Visitor Centre.
The appointments were made in consultation with Hon Brendon Grylls MLA.
More information about the RRR Network is available from their website www.rrr.wa.gov.au or by phoning 9368 3182.
