Applications closing soon for the 2017 Rural Women’s Award

JUST three weeks remain to submit applications for the 2017 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. This is one of Australia’s highest honours for rural women. It is a powerful program supporting women who aspire to lead positive change in rural industries and communities.

The Award has produced a networked alumnae of more than 200 rural women. It works to underpin and grow this dynamic and talented pool of rural leaders. Much more than just an award, it offers unique development opportunities, as well as access to a nation-wide network of business, community and industry professionals. 

All state and territory winners receive a bursary of $10,000 to bring to life an idea benefiting rural Australia. The bursary can be used for a broad range of project ideas, including overseas study tours and developing pilot programs and community initiatives. The national winner and runner-up, selected from the state winners, receive a further $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

John Harvey, RIRDC’s Managing Director, encourages industry and the community to get involved and nominate emerging rural leaders. “This Award is an important avenue to recognise exceptional rural women from diverse backgrounds who contribute in many different ways. They’re community volunteers, farmers, business leaders and industry representatives,” he said.

Sophie Hansen from Orange, New South Wales was recently announced as the national winner of the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. Sophie’s project ‘My Open Kitchen’ is a unique online learning course. Sophie is assisting food producers to embrace the power of social media to share their food stories and better connect with their consumers.

Sophie is thrilled to be part of this life-changing experience saying, “the Award celebrates inspiring women and the positive impact they have on rural industries, businesses and communities.”

The Award is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with the state and territory agencies responsible for agriculture, primary industries and resources. The Award is proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor, Westpac Agribusiness and media partners, RM Williams OUTBACK Magazine, ABC Radio and Fairfax Agricultural Media.

Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website: www.rirdc.gov.au/rwa

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