Visionary country women pursuing personal goals and creating thriving families, businesses

Queensland's Burnett region stretches from Monto, west of Bundaberg, through to Nanango, west of Caloundra, with about 40,000 people living in an area known for its agricultural production. 

It has faced the pressures of a country community dealing with disastrous weather, shrinking and ageing populations, isolation and a lack of services and resources.

Ainsley Shepherd coordinates the group, which meets every three months in a different town. It was born out of a desire from the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) to provide a program for rural women. 

And while it might be tempting to dismiss the project as a feel-good inspirational exercise, Ms Shepherd said it was founded on the idea that strong people make a strong economy.

"We wanted it to be from them … going out and actually speaking with women in the community, and finding out what they were seeking," she said.

"They were constantly coming back and saying we really want to be inspired by other women in the region.

"They also wanted to just have permission to stop and care for themselves and have some time out."

She said it was economic development, but not how you might expect it, with direct benefits for the local economy.

"We had some good feedback about being able to reset life and stop and think about not just what I want to build, but how do I want to live?" she said.