Cathy McGowan was born and raised in North East Victoria, Australia.  Cathy completed her undergraduate degree at Monash University in Victoria, where she majored in Economics and History.

She was awarded her Masters degree in Applied Science in Agriculture and Rural Development from the University of Western Sydney at Hawkesbury (NSW) where she studied the role and contribution of women to Australian Agriculture. Cathy is now employed (on a part time basis) by Hawkesbury supporting post graduate students.

However her main work is as a rural community consultant.  In this capacity Cathy has worked for 16 years in the fields of social, community and political research.  She has particular expertise in the area of participatory approaches to community consultations. Cathy has undertaken projects with a diverse range of agricultural organisations, including the dairy and wool industries.  She has researched and presented position papers for various community and government agencies on rural development issues both in Australia and overseas;  she is a skilled trainer and has developed training material for community and industry organisations.

Her research experience covers many topics including, social issues impacting on the dairy industry, the delivery of support services in rural areas, such as child care and palliative care for farm families,  rural health issues and leadership skills.

She is currently commissioned by the Horticulture Research and Development Corporation (HRDC) to develop leadership programs to enhance women’s contribution to the horticultural industries.  In this context she is working with farmers, manufactures and industry organisations.

Cathy is the national president of Australian Women in Agriculture, (AWiA) the peak organisation represented women with an interest in agriculture. She is also the chair of The (National) Regional Women’s Advisory Council.  This Council advises the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services on policy issues relevant to communities in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Cathy enjoys farming and gardening and actively participates in local community projects such as landcare.