Research conducted at Central Queensland University shows that women in Central Queensland and western New South Wales are an often under-recognised resource to both the family and community in times of crisis, like the drought.

The research identified how important the changing roles of women in the bush were to the overall capacity of the family and community to survive and enable resiliency.

In interviews conducted by CQU with women in their own homes, on their properties, women talked about family relationships, decision making in hard times, the impact of the drought on their children and on strategies they adopted to deal with a drought crisis.

In particular, women saw their role as ‘buffer’ between their men and the ‘outside’ world, particularly in relation to financial pressures. It was often women who had to deal with stock agents, accountants, bank managers and others, to protect their husbands and partners from additional stress. In drawing on their strength in hard times, women talked of the important place of their gardens and their personal spirituality.

This research and analysis, conducted over the last ten years by CQU Associate Professor Daniela Stehlik, has implications for our understanding of the current, severe drought. While there is an increased appreciation for what severe drought does to the environment and on the economy, the social implications still remain less well understood.