Four Queensland women have been nominated for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for their outstanding contributions to rural and regional areas.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner stated that this year’s finalists join a 300-strong alumni network committed to advancing women’s work in regional and rural Australia and offering a supportive network for future endeavours.
“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,” Minister Furner said.
Minister Furner added that the winner of the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will earn a $15,000 Westpac grant and will represent Queensland at the national announcement in September, where they will compete for a $20,000 Westpac grant.
The finalists who were not declared state winners who received a $2,000 grant from the state sponsor, the University of Queensland, are:
- Emma Black of Kingaroy, whose real-time analysis and analytics software for livestock producers is increasing supply chain confidence.
- Emma-Louise Gibbons of the Sunshine Coast is creating a range of dog food and treats utilising Australian-farmed insect protein.
- Kate Lamason of Cairns, whose vertically integrated manufacturing strategy, brought tuna canning to Australian markets.
- Toowoomba resident Louise Noble who’s developing industrial collaborations to upskill and link disadvantaged job seekers to agricultural work.
According to Minister Furner, another Queenslander, Leanne Kruss of Mareeba, was chosen 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,” Minister Furner said.
Minister Furner stated that the grant, which is a sister program to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, intends to encourage women’s professional development in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey said it was excellent to see the state finalists for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award already having a good impact on their sectors and communities through their efforts.
“We’re excited to provide these women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia,” Harvey stated.
Minister Furner added that the winner would be announced on 2 March 2023.
“Queensland’s 2023 Rural Women’s Award winner will follow in the footsteps of 2022 winner child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw,” Minister Furner said.
According to the Minister, Rebecca used her Westpac award to expand on her very remarkable job of providing online child health care to 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,” the Minister added.
