The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has returned in 2022 with four Queensland women with a common passion for rural and regional communities vying for the prestigious award.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award acknowledged and supported the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities.
“The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities,” Mr Furner said.
“Our four finalists join a 300-strong alumni that collaboratively works to shape the perception of women in regional and rural Australia and provides a network to support their future endeavours.
“This year’s winner will receive a $15,000 bursary and represent Queensland at the national awards in October where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 bursary.”
The finalists are:
- Chinchilla child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw who is delivering online and in person child health support for rural communities;
- Dalby businesswoman Jilly Tyler who is developing an innovative range of ‘quick cook’ retail-ready family meals with a beef focus;
- Innisfail AgTech entrepreneur Jennifer McKee who has developed Grower Support, an all-in-one compliance management software platform for the horticultural industry; and
- Townsville photographer and AgTech champion Fiona Lake who is developing a project to inspire women to adopt AgTech.
Westpac Regional General Manager Queensland Peta Ward said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award was an outstanding platform that encouraged others to continue to pave the way for diversity across industries and for women to further develop their personal business journey.
“Women are driving innovation in our regions and Westpac is proud to continue to support the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, to further raise awareness and publicly recognise the achievements and leadership of women in our communities,” Ms Ward said.
Chair of the Queensland Rural Women’s Award Alumni Committee Ann Ross said every woman had a personal journey, with no two the same.
“My vision for the Rural Women’s Award is that rural women identify themselves as a movement of leaders who are proud of the role they play in developing and supporting Australia’s rural industries,” Ms Ross said.
“I am committed to supporting more innovation around the development of highly nutritional food sources and my aspiration for the rural industry is conservation of the food chain.”
Mr Furner said the winner would be announced on 10 March 2022, during Queensland Women’s Week.
“Queensland’s 2022 Rural Women’s Award winner will follow in the footsteps of 2020 winner Elisha Parker,” Mr Furner said.
“Elisha used her bursary for website development for her co-founded Cattlesales.com.au marketing and advertising platform to offer new online services to the Australian stud stock industry to benefit and boost the Australian cattle industry nationwide.
“Being nominated as a finalist is a great achievement and I congratulate all of this year’s finalists and wish them well for the future.”
