2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award applications now open

Applications are now open for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award was Australia’s leading award to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional women from rural industries and communities.

“The Palaszczuk Government proudly supports the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and encourages women working on a project or business that is positively contributing to rural industries and great lifestyles in regional communities to apply,” Mr Furner said.

“Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Westpac, the Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 grant.

“Our new State sponsor, the University of Queensland, is providing a $2000 grant to Queensland’s finalists.

“For women who feel they are not quite ready to apply for the Award, the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant provides a bursary of up to $7000 for professional development.

“Applications for the 2023 awards close at 10pm AEST Wednesday 19 October 2022 and I encourage emerging female leaders who want to innovate and make a difference to rural and regional Australia to apply for the Award.”

Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia John Harvey said the Award empowered and celebrated the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

“The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities, and can opens doors to professional development and Alumni networks,” Mr Harvey said.

Westpac Regional General Manager Queensland Peta Ward said the Award played a significant role in acknowledging the change makers in our rural industries and communities. 

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is an important platform to shine a light on innovative women like Queensland’s 2022 winner, pioneering child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw,” Ms Ward said.

“Rebecca truly exemplifies the rural and regional women whose leadership today is going to continue to make a difference to the lives and families in our rural communities for years to come.

“It truly is inspiring to be able to recognise the work of women who are responding to some of the biggest industry and community challenges being faced by many of us.”

More information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is available at www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award.

Information about the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is available at www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/acceleration-grant.

ENDS

 Media contact:          Fidelis Rego                0403 707 547