Queensland’s Rural Women’s Award finalists named

The positive contributions to rural and regional communities of four Queensland women have been recognised with their nominations for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the four finalists were now in the running for the prestigious AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has a rich heritage of promoting the wonderful contribution Australian women make to rural industries, businesses and communities, and inspiring them to further develop their skills,” Mr Furner said.

“This year’s finalists join a 300-strong alumni dedicated to advancing the work of

women in regional and rural Australia and providing a supportive network for future endeavours.

“This year’s winner will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant and represent Queensland at the national announcement in September where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 Westpac grant.”

The finalists, who receive a $2,000 grant from state sponsor, the University of Queensland, if they are not named the state winner, are:

• Emma Black, from Kingaroy, whose real-time analysis and insights software for livestock producers is generating certainty across the supply chain.
• Emma-Louise Gibbons, from the Sunshine Coast, who is using Australian-farmed insect protein to sustainably produce a line of dog food and treats.
• Kate Lamason, from Cairns, whose vertically-integrated production model has brought tuna canning to Australian markets.
• Louise Noble, from Toowoomba, who is creating industry partnerships that upskill and connect disadvantaged job seekers to agricultural employment.

Mr Furner said another Queenslander, Leanne Kruss from Mareeba, had been named as one of seven national recipients of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.

“Leanne has been awarded a $7,000 learning and development bursary for her innovative work to develop a sustainable, value-add paddock to podium Australian fibre apparel rental concept,” Mr Furner said.

“The grant is a sister program to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and aims to foster the professional growth of women in rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.”  

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey said it was fantastic to see the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state finalists already making such a positive influence in their industries and communities with their initiatives.

“We’re excited to provide these women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Harvey said.

Mr Furner said the winner would be announced on Thursday 2 March 2023.

“Queensland’s 2023 Rural Women’s Award winner will follow in the footsteps of 2022 winner child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw,” Mr Furner said.

“Rebecca used her Westpac grant to further her truly inspirational work to deliver online child health support for rural communities.

“Being nominated as a finalist represents due recognition for initiative and dedication, and I congratulate all of this year’s finalists and wish them well for the future.”

For more information, visit agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920