Join the virtual AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Announcement

The seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title are:

• Amy Kirke, Northern Territory
• Cara Peek, Western Australia
• Cressida Cains, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory
• Elisha Parker, Queensland
• Karen Brock, Tasmania
• Kelly Barnes, Victoria
• Stephanie Schmidt, South Australia

The online festivities will be hosted by the 2019 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Jo Palmer. The National Winner and Runner Up announcement has moved to a day-time event to encourage Australia-wide online viewing and to cater for different time zones. The event is open to the public and it is free to register.

Each state and territory will host a small celebration concurrently to honour their state/ territory winner, with each event being attended by distinguished guests, family, friends and media. The National Announcement will feature live crosses to these smaller events to hear from the national finalists and guests.

“We may not be able to hold a dinner in Canberra in 2021 due to COVID-19, however we now have a unique opportunity to bring the celebrations to local communities, offices and households right across Australia. We are pulling out all-stops to make this a high impact national event”, said AgriFutures Australia, Managing Director, John Harvey.

The event will celebrate the inclusive and courageous leadership of rural women, now and into the future.

“This is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. The National Announcement is an important step in acknowledging the contribution of these outstanding and inspirational women.

The virtual event will be a celebration of their hard work and commitment, and we are looking forward to showcasing their achievements with viewers from across the nation,” said Mr Harvey.

The National Winner will receive a $10,000 bursary from Platinum sponsor Westpac, and the National Runner Up a $5,000 bursary.

Platinum sponsor Westpac’s Felicity Duffy, Director of Women’s Markets said AgriFutures Australia is at the forefront of sharing the stories of these remarkable Australians.

“Westpac has been a long-time sponsor of these Awards because we understand the crucial role women play in bringing about change in rural and regional communities. For over 200 years we’ve helped female customers succeed and by recognising Rural Women’s Award Winners and their sector leading work, we see opportunities flourish for them, their businesses, and their communities”, said Felicity Duffy.

In addition to the Westpac bursary provided, Ms Duffy said the Award provides an important network for women to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Australian agriculture. It also provides them with an extended network of advocates across Australia who want to tap into their talents and abilities to benefit other local industries and communities.

Free registrations to the virtual AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Announcement are now open.

Sponsors:

• Platinum sponsor – Westpac
• Media partners – ABC Rural, RM Williams OUTBACK Magazine and Australian Community Media – Agricultural Publishing & Events