Dairy industry advocate wins 2020 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall congratulated Ms Cains and awarded her with a $10,000 Westpac bursary, which will be used to develop her project Dairy Cocoon.

“Cressida is an outstanding winner and is passionate about supporting small scale farmers to adapt and grow their businesses.

“She will use her bursary to create an online platform and support hub that will assist dairy farmers to develop and produce their own unique branded products.

“I can’t wait to see Cressida go on to contest the National Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award later this year and I’m certain she will do NSW proud,” said Mr Marshall.

Ms Cains said work would now begin to get Dairy Cocoon up and running, which will enable farmers to create industry and product specific business plans.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing award and have the opportunity to turbocharge my project.

“It will include a range of business tools, information and education, as well as an online community to facilitate connections and support that meets the needs of the dairy industry,” said Ms Cains.

Mr Marshall also congratulated runner-up Tammy Galvin from Narrandera, who along with Ms Cains was selected from an exceptional field of nominees.

“I have no doubt we will see many great things from both these women in the years to come,” said Mr Marshall.

As a finalist, Ms Galvin will also receive a $1,000 NSW Government Leadership Skills and Development Bursary.

Minister for Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the awards were a great way of acknowledging the essential role women play in regional NSW.

“It is fantastic to see women leading positive changes in industry in rural and regional communities through their unwavering courage, resilience and innovation,” said Ms Taylor.

The NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is supported by Platinum Partner Westpac and state sponsors, Country Women’s Association of NSW and the NSW Government.

Westpac Agribusiness Regional General Manager for Southern NSW Sam Gaston said Westpac has been a long-term supporter of the Award as it provides a platform for women to leverage their talents and passion, for the benefit of their industries.

“It’s imperative our support stays strong, so that more dynamic women have the opportunity to become industry advocates and have an influential platform to talk about the issues that matter most in our communities,” said Mr Gaston.

For more information, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa