SafeWork NSW is delivering agricultural safety Women in Agriculture: Leading Safer Futures workshops to more than 80 women across regional NSW.
The workshops highlight the critical role women play in shaping safer farming practices, while also showcasing how innovation and technology are driving sustainable improvements across the sector.
Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in NSW with 11 workplace fatalities on farms in 2025.
The workshops, facilitated by Bralca, provided practical, hands-on education aimed at managing high risk hazards in agricultural workplaces, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and using innovation and technology to improve safety on farms.
“You can’t put a value on a life. Through these workshops we were able to showcase the return on investment using ag tech can provide,” said Bralca Operations Manager, Brooke Watts.
“Quite often, women are the decision makers on farms and the feedback from the women who attended these workshops was that they felt more empowered to be able to make decisions on farm safety.”
The workshops also demonstrated how innovation and technology are transforming farm safety and productivity with the use of drones to assist in tasks often carried on quad bikes, with Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis and SafeWork NSW Commissioner, Janet Schorer, given a drone demonstration on a farm near Wagga.
“Women in agriculture are powerful drivers of safety and change on farms,” said Commissioner Schorer.
“The Women in Agriculture: Leading Safer Futures series has reinforced the critical role women play in shaping safer, more innovative and more productive agricultural workplaces, while building a strong foundation for continued progress across regional NSW.
“These workshops were a valuable opportunity for women to come together, share experiences and explore how innovation and technology can improve safety, support productivity and create safer working environments on farms.”
Drones can help to reduce exposure to high-risk tasks such as checking water points, inspecting and spraying crops, mustering livestock and monitoring fences. By minimising reliance on vehicles and manual labour, they help improve efficiency while reducing physical strain and mental workload.
In August last year, the NSW Government added drones to the SafeWork Small Business Rebate which offer $1,000 towards to purchase of a drone. More than 20 applications for drones have been received.
“Since the Minns Labor Government expanded the Small Business Rebate to include drones, we’ve seen more than 20 applications for drones to be used in safer farming practices,” said Minister Cotsis.
“The NSW Government is encouraging farmers to take up the rebate to achieve safer farming practices and ensure their workers come home safe at the end of the day.”
SafeWork NSW and Bralca, supported by RAHMP and the Country Women’s Association (CWA), hosted six workshops in Parkes, Gunnedah, Dubbo, West Wyalong, Hay and Cobar.
CWA State President, Tanya Jolly said women are central to the safety culture of agriculture.
“Across rural NSW, women are often the people making sure safety conversations happen, risks are identified, and practical systems are in place to help keep families, workers and communities safe,” she said.
