It’s an honour to be here among so many incredible leaders, and so many incredible women.
Tonight we honour the extraordinary achievements of rural Australia’s women leaders.
This is a night to recognise excellence – and to celebrate resilience.
A lot is asked of rural and regional communities like yours.
We ask you to grapple with geography in a way most Australians will never have to.
But in facing these challenges – the volatility of the weather, the tyranny of distance – you show us what you’re made of.
You show us how you work together.
How you look out for those around you.
And how you push for a better future for the places you live in and love.
One of the many privileges of this job is that it takes you to every part of our great country.
On many occasions, I’ve visited regional communities dealing with natural disasters and their aftermath.
In those, very worst of times you see the best of the Australian character.
The kindness and the courage that binds rural communities together.
And the same bravery and determination that reveals itself in adversity – can be seen in the success stories we celebrate tonight.
Tonight we honour your extraordinary achievements.
As producers, leaders, entrepreneurs, creators.
Your stories are as rich and diverse as the land you work on.
Whether you’re embracing sustainability and contributing to our drive towards net zero or seizing the possibilities of the digital economy or nurturing people and places to be healthy and strong.
Your courage and determination drives you to make your ideas a reality.
But it’s your creativity which sets you apart.
If you’re Belle Binder, you’re inspired by working on Australia’s farms and making sure a steady flow of workers get to experience it.
For Tanya Egerton, it’s about seeing the “opportunity” in op-shops, and helping First Nations communities participate in the circular economy.
For Kate Lamason, who on discovering 99% of tuna consumed in Australia came from overseas, co-founded a company using sustainable, Australian-caught seafood.
Rebecca Keeley’s driving force is ensuring rural Australians have easier access to healthcare.
Nikki Atkinson is turning our beautiful Merino wool into wedding dresses and formal wear.
Grace Larson is helping kids in the bush get better health outcomes and helping their parents learn CPR and first aid.
Mandy Walker with her work in engineering and heavy duty diesel repairs, is helping boost the economic resilience of her community.
Australia’s regions are full of stories like yours.
Of women rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.
Investing in the future of their communities.
And strengthening the future of our nation.
As for that future, I want Australia to be more self-reliant – to stand on our own two feet.
And I want to make sure every part of our country shares in the opportunities ahead.
That’s what my Government’s plan for A Future Made in Australia is all about.
Driving new investment in making things here.
Seizing the opportunities that come from the move to renewable energy.
Creating an economy that is more diversified and resilient.
And bringing a new wave of industry and opportunity to our regions and suburbs alike.
And I’m pleased there are so many here tonight who share that ambition.
We want every Australian – in every part of our country – to share in the opportunities ahead.
That means drawing on the talents of our whole population.
This is why we’ve put women at the centre of our economic plans.
That’s no accident – we’re the first government in Australian history to have a majority of female members.
Everywhere across our agenda – from lifting wages, to closing the gender pay gap, to paying super on paid parental leave – we’re looking to create a better deal for women and girls.
This work is being done right across government – not just by me or the Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, or our new Assistant Minister for Women, Kate Thwaites but every minister, every day.
And it’s also why I’m here tonight.
To our finalists and winners – congratulations!
You remind us how important rural and regional areas are to our economy and our identity and our Australian story.
Backing the people and places you live in and love takes hard work and determination. But the benefits are beyond measure.
Thank you for everything you do – and have a wonderful evening.
