Women Who Venture 2025: Empowering Female Hunters, Fishers, and Outdoor Adventurers in Australia

The inaugural Women Who Venture event in Brisbane brought together more than 100 women in October 2025 to celebrate hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor adventure. With films, panel talks, and skill‑building sessions, the event highlighted the growing role of women in Australia’s outdoor culture. 🌟 A Night of Empowerment and Connection In October 2025, the Venture Hunting & Outdoors megastore in Brisbane transformed into a vibrant hub of community, storytelling, and celebration. More than 100 women gathered for the first‑ever Women Who Venture event, hosted by Kahlee Andrews of Devote Digital and Catherine Sayce from New Zealand. The evening combined film screenings, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, creating an inclusive space where women could share their experiences in hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor adventure. 🎬 Film Premiere: Stories from the Wild The event opened with the premiere of a short film featuring Melanie Kirley, a Melbourne‑born, Townsville‑based alpine hunter. The film followed her pursuit of fallow bucks during the Tasmanian rut, highlighting the solitude, challenge, and spiritual reward of hunting in remote landscapes. Kirley’s story emphasised respect for animals, patience, and the power of silence, resonating deeply with the audience and setting the tone for the evening. 🗣️ Inspiring Panel of Outdoor Women The highlight of the night was a panel discussion featuring four extraordinary women, each bringing unique perspectives on life in the wild: - Melanie Kirley – spoke about ethical hunting, patience, and humility in the bush. - Rachel Lynch – co‑founder of Dog & Gun Coffee, who shared her journey into compound bowhunting, overcoming doubts through mentorship and community. - Alex Edwards – New Zealand‑born spear fisher and silver medallist at the 2023 Spearfishing World Championships, who stressed sustainable harvesting and the parallels between ocean and land hunting. - Karla Pound – expedition leader for National Geographic, former ranger, and survivalist featured on Alone Australia, who spoke about resilience, bushcraft, and connecting with nature. Each panellist had turned her passion into a career in the outdoors, inspiring attendees to pursue their own paths. 🛠️ Skill‑Building and Practical Learning Beyond storytelling, the event offered interactive sessions where attendees could ask questions in small groups. Topics included fieldcraft, gear selection, bush navigation, and survival skills. This hands‑on approach ensured that both newcomers and experienced hunters left with practical knowledge to apply in their outdoor pursuits. 🌿 Building a National Community Perhaps the most powerful outcome of the night was the sense of community. More than 50 attendees joined an Instagram group chat after the event, creating a digital space for ongoing support and connection. Organisers plan to expand Women Who Venture into a national initiative, with specialised events designed to support women who hunt, fish, forage, and explore the wild. The long‑term goal is to protect and shape the culture of hunting in Australia by ensuring women’s voices are heard and celebrated. 🔑 Conclusion: Women Leading the Future of Outdoor Culture The Women Who Venture 2025 event was more than a gathering — it was a movement. By combining film, education, and authentic storytelling, it showcased the growing role of women in hunting, conservation, and outdoor adventure. With plans to expand nationally, the initiative promises to empower more women, strengthen community ties, and redefine the future of Australia’s outdoor culture.