Regional women celebrated in 12th annual Storm in a Teacup at Boyup Brook’s Rylington Park

The resourcefulness, resilience and creativity of rural women was celebrated in style at the 12th annual Storm in a Teacup event at Boyup Brook. Held at Rylington Park on March 24, more than 200 women from around WA attended the event, many dressing up in the day’s theme of Let’s get Physical which was chosen as a tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John. Organised by Rylington Park farmers Erlanda and Marc Deas and the Boyup Brook Co-Op, the day brought together regional women from a variety of backgrounds to share ideas and experiences. “The biggest thanks to all for attending, thanks to sponsors and thanks to the volunteer helpers,” Mrs Deas said, outlining the Boyup Brook Co-Op had come to the table as the main sponsor again, as it had since the first Storm event 12 years ago. “It’s great to still have a full shed for 12 years in a row.” Inspirational actress and filmmaker Bec Bignell was one of the guest speakers at the event, sharing with the crowd stories from her life from growing up in Kojonup to moving to Sydney and back to WA again. Ms Bignell spoke about her work in the film industry, including her latest screen project Homespun, and how the women in regional Australia were resourceful and creative. She said connecting creative minds in the country could lead to better outcomes for the nation’s creative industries as a whole. Filmed in locations across the Great Southern, including Ms Bignell’s hometown of Kojonup, the mini-series was aimed at challenging stereotypical views of life in country towns while celebrating the beauty of the bush. “I wanted to involve the community of Kojonup and make sure we create something that was really fun and really vibrant,” she said. “I don’t necessarily want people to love it, I just want them to see something that’s not what they always see.” Other guest speakers at the event were 2022 Rural Woman of the Year Louise O’Neil and owner of Liqidsong clothing brand Charissa Wright. The event included an art auction, market stalls and a live performance by local musician Anne Deas.