Two weeks to go: 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award applications are now open

Women leaders in rural and regional Australia who want to make an impact, innovate and make a difference are encouraged to apply for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Women who have a project, company, or programme that is already up and running and has a good influence on rural communities, companies, and industries are encouraged to apply, according to AgriFutures Australia. Each State and Territory Winner receives a $15,000 award from Platinum Sponsor Westpac to help them expand their idea, company, or programme.

They also have access to national alumni networks and professional development opportunities. An additional $20,000 and $15,000 will be awarded to the National Winner and Runner Up, who will be chosen from the State and Territory Winners and revealed at a gala dinner.

Managing Director John Harvey said women who want to create impact, innovate and make a difference in rural and regional Australia should apply. “The Award provides a life-changing opportunity for women to use and develop their skills to make a difference in their industries and communities.

“Over the past two decades, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has provided over 300 women with the opportunity to create positive change for rural and regional Australia, as well as significant professional development opportunities,” said Mr Harvey.

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.

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 recognise the work of women responding to some of the biggest industry and community challenges being faced by many of us.”

Applications for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant are now open and close on Wednesday, 19 October 2022.

Apply now at www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa or www.agrifutures.com.au/acceleration-grant

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.

Note: Northern Territory applications close Friday, 27 January 2023.

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