Women across the Central West are being offered the chance to gain essential, potentially life-saving skills thanks to a new initiative rolling out across regional NSW — and it’s coming to Bathurst on 25–26 July and Lithgow on 7–8 November.
Delivered by St John Ambulance and supported by the NSW Government through the Rural Women’s Network, the Skills Roadshow will offer free accredited training in first aid, crisis response, and mental health support, with workshops tailored specifically for rural and regional women.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the program is all about accessibility and empowerment. “We’re making it easy for women across the state — including those in Bathurst and Lithgow — to access this life-saving training. It bridges an important gap for those who may have missed out in the past due to distance or cost.”
Participants will gain nationally recognised qualifications while learning how to respond to emergencies, support someone in a mental health crisis, and link people to the right help. The program will train up to 450 women across 15 regional locations between May and November.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty highlighted just how vital this training can be in rural settings. “Equipping women with these skills can literally be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a physical emergency or a mental health situation, being able to respond effectively makes all the difference.”
What makes this program especially valuable is the way it’s been designed to meet the realities of life in regional towns. With longer response times for emergency services and greater social isolation in many rural communities, having someone nearby who knows what to do in a crisis is not just helpful — it’s critical.
The workshops also offer a unique chance for women to connect with each other, share experiences, and build local networks of support. Whether you’re a parent, business owner, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to feel more prepared, this training is a powerful tool for personal and community resilience.
For Central West women, this is a practical opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen your community.
Keep an eye on the website for when registrations open:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2025
