"Married to the Land" host, Angie Nisbet, engages in a candid conversation with Kirsten Diprose and Jackie Elliott from "Ducks on the Pod." Together, they explore the dynamics of community committees, shedding light on their functionality, popular trends in their respective regions, and the less glamorous aspects. From maintaining good committee etiquette to strategies for increasing community involvement, they delve into the nuances of fostering active participation. Discover what draws people to engage in committees and the challenges they face in sustaining community engagement. Kirsten Diprose co- host of Duck on the Pond Kirsten is the founder of Rural Podcasting Co, a coaching and agency service tailored for individuals in rural communities seeking to launch podcasts. With a background in media, marketing, and knowledge-brokering within agriculture, agtech, and agricultural science, she brings valuable expertise to the table. Kirsten has previously held positions at Deakin University and the agrifood venture capital firm, Tenacious Ventures. Additionally, she is the co-host of 'Ducks on the Pond,' a podcast created specifically for rural women, which she also co-founded. Jackie Elliot Co-Host of Ducks on the Pond  Jackie Elliott is the visionary behind Rural Women's Day (IG: @ruralwomensday), a non-profit endeavor aimed at fostering connections among rural and regional women. Founded in 2019 with its inaugural event, Rural Women's Day has evolved into a platform that supports and promotes events in regional communities across Australia, celebrating the strength and achievements of rural women. Based in Byaduk, Western District of Victoria, Jackie conceptualized Rural Women's Day to address the need for community, collaboration, and celebration among women in rural areas. The initiative exceeded expectations, drawing significant interest with its inaugural event in the Southern Grampians on October 15, 2019. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Rural Women's Day ventured into publishing a collaborative keepsake magazine, distributing 700 copies across Australia & New Zealand. The initiative's social media presence has flourished organically, amassing over 12,000 followers. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Jackie Elliott was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Rural Community Leader of the Year award at the Farmer of the Year awards. Her dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on rural communities, empowering and uplifting women across the country. Join us for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of community committees and the strategies for nurturing vibrant and inclusive country communities. Follow Ducks on the Pond on Instagram: @ducksonthepond.podcast Enjoyed the episode-  producing these podcast are a blast and take time, I would love it if you could show me some love and support,  by liking, rating and sharing this episode or you can do so by - Buying  me a coffee   Please make sure you leave a review or rate this episode.  @married_tothe_land ICPA is the educational voice for rural and remote families and their students. We are  committed to ensuring equitable access to education, opportunities, and support for every step of  a student’s learning  journey from early childhood through to tertiary, trade or training.  Membership is for everyone who have a connection to rural and remote education. Head to www.icpa.com.au to join and become a member.