- Minister for Agriculture
Local Kyneton resident Claire Moore has taken out the prestigious 2019 Victorian AgriFuturesTM Rural Women’s Award, with a plan to boost the number and genetic diversity of queen bees.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today announced Ms Moore as the Victorian winner at a ceremony held at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne.
Ms Moore, who has been studying and keeping bees for the past 12 years, plans to breed a genetically diverse range of queen bees that are healthy and adaptable in a variety of climates to address declining bee colony numbers.
Ms Moore will receive a $10,000 Westpac bursary to help implement her project. She will also attend the Australian Institute of Directors’ Course in Canberra and have an opportunity to become the national award winner, who will be announced in September.
Ms Moore was one of three finalists alongside Carly Jordan and Odette Suitor. All 2019 finalists will join the AgriFuturesTM Rural Women’s Award alumni in recognition of their achievements.
The AgriFuturesTM Rural Women’s Award acknowledges the significant role women play in agriculture and rural communities. The award is supported in Victoria by the Andrews Labor Government and is sponsored nationally by AgriFuturesTM and Westpac.
In addition to the Victorian AgriFuturesTM Rural Women’s Award, the Labor Government is supporting Victorian women in agriculture with the revitalised Rural Women’s Network, working with rural women’s groups and individuals to encourage women to have a more active voice in government and community decision-making.
More information about the AgriFuturesTM Rural Women’s Award is available at: agriculture.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
“I want to congratulate Claire Moore and all the finalists for their dedication to supporting and developing Victoria’s rural and regional economies.”
“Being a country woman, a proud feminist and on the journey to raising a strong and independent daughter – I love meeting and hearing from the incredible women of all ages that are making significant contributions to our rural and regional communities.”
As stated by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This is fantastic recognition for Claire’s study into bees – which could have big implications for the world’s honey industry.”
“Claire has done the people of Kyneton proud and we wish her all the best in the national component of the award.”
