Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Four passionate Queenslanders in the running for prestigious award
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin has today announced the four Queensland finalists vying for the prestigious 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.
DPI&F coordinates this award in Queensland as part of its commitment to supporting and promoting the work of innovators in agriculture.
The finalists are sheep and cattle producer Wendy Agar from Charleville; cattle producer and photographer Carly Burnham from Monto; Smithfield Feedlot co-owner Barb Madden; and sugar grower and Isis Canegrowers’ rural water-use efficiency extension officer Sandra Webb.
"I would like to congratulate these passionate rural women for their commitment to the sustainable development of their industries and their communities," Mr Mulherin said.
“The winner of the Queensland RIRDC Rural Women's Award will receive a $10,000 bursary designed to assist them in developing their skills and leadership potential in primary industries.”
Last year’s Queensland and Australian winner, Ros Smerdon – an avocado and custard-apple grower from the Glasshouse Mountains – used her bursary to undertake a study tour to South Africa where she researched new value-adding opportunities for avocado growers.
Mr Mulherin said previous winners, such as Ros, were great examples of passionate women driving change and innovation in the rural sector.
“This year’s finalists, like all past winners, show a commitment to improving the farming practices and skills of Queensland primary producers,” he said.
“They also share a united vision in supporting other women to help grow the sector in the future,” he said.
The Queensland winner will be announced at a gala award ceremony at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane on 3 March, 2009. They will then compete with other state and territory winners for the honour of being named Australian Rural Woman of the Year.
For more information about the award finalists and for photographs, contact Women in Rural Industries, DPI&F, on (07) 3239 3254 or email wiriu@dpi.qld.gov.au
DPI&F media contact: Kaye Nunan (07) 3239 3254
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120
DPI&F coordinates this award in Queensland as part of its commitment to supporting and promoting the work of innovators in agriculture.
The finalists are sheep and cattle producer Wendy Agar from Charleville; cattle producer and photographer Carly Burnham from Monto; Smithfield Feedlot co-owner Barb Madden; and sugar grower and Isis Canegrowers’ rural water-use efficiency extension officer Sandra Webb.
"I would like to congratulate these passionate rural women for their commitment to the sustainable development of their industries and their communities," Mr Mulherin said.
“The winner of the Queensland RIRDC Rural Women's Award will receive a $10,000 bursary designed to assist them in developing their skills and leadership potential in primary industries.”
Last year’s Queensland and Australian winner, Ros Smerdon – an avocado and custard-apple grower from the Glasshouse Mountains – used her bursary to undertake a study tour to South Africa where she researched new value-adding opportunities for avocado growers.
Mr Mulherin said previous winners, such as Ros, were great examples of passionate women driving change and innovation in the rural sector.
“This year’s finalists, like all past winners, show a commitment to improving the farming practices and skills of Queensland primary producers,” he said.
“They also share a united vision in supporting other women to help grow the sector in the future,” he said.
The Queensland winner will be announced at a gala award ceremony at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane on 3 March, 2009. They will then compete with other state and territory winners for the honour of being named Australian Rural Woman of the Year.
For more information about the award finalists and for photographs, contact Women in Rural Industries, DPI&F, on (07) 3239 3254 or email wiriu@dpi.qld.gov.au
DPI&F media contact: Kaye Nunan (07) 3239 3254
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120