Summary

Calico carry bag given to each participant of the 1999 Warragul Women on Farms Gathering. This bag was given to participants during registration and contained information pamphlets showcasing the surrounding areas, along with an accompanying map from local industry, agri-business and government departments. A Gathering mug and sundry samples from local businesses and banks were also included in the bag.
Part of Museums Victoria's Invisible Farmer Project Collection. The Invisible Farmer Project was the largest ever study of Australian women on the land, uncovering the histories and stories of Australian women in agriculture. It began as a pilot project (2015-2016) and evolved into a three year (2017-2020) nation-wide partnership between rural communities, academic, government and cultural organisations, funded by the Australian Research Council.the absence of rural women in mainstream histories and museums.

Physical Description

A square calico bag with single shoulder strap. Dark green screen printed logo depicting a windmill, hills and clouds with lettering above and below the main feature.

Significance

A key feature that unites all Victorian Women on Farms Gatherings is the tradition of giving gifts and souvenirs to participants. These gifts are usually sourced from the region that the Gathering is held and include local foodstuffs, pamphlets and handcrafted goods. They are usually handed to participants at the beginning of the Gathering during registration, and are often contained within a bag, such as this 1999 Warragul Gathering bag. This tradition of gift-giving allows the local organising committee to showcase their region's produce, as well as to make their guests feel welcome from the outset of the Gathering weekend.

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