Five of rural NSW’s most innovative and inspiring women have been celebrated in Parliament House in Canberra at a ceremony for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Nationals Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor has congratulated national winner Stephanie Tretheway from Tasmania, who founded Motherland Australia – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to eliminate the crippling isolation many rural mums face – and NSW winner, Josie Clarke from Bellimbopinni, who founded Ability Agriculture in 2021 with the aim of increasing awareness, opportunity and inclusivity for those in agriculture with a disability.
Mrs Taylor said these awards recognise the incredible impact of women in regional and rural Australia.
“These women deserve to be recognised each and every day for the incredible contributions they make in their industries and communities,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This year we saw some amazing women selected as state and territory winners, vying for the national title in what was an incredibly talented field of rural women.”
Nationals Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said he was particularly proud of the state finalists and their work to enhance the prosperity of rural and regional NSW.
“I want to especially congratulate Josie Clarke for her work with Ability Agriculture, which raises awareness and provides opportunities for people with a disability in the agriculture sector,” Mr Saunders said.
“Ms Clarke has shown the type of courageous leadership that will ensure that her inspiring work will continue to change lives and positively reshape regional communities into the future.
“Regional NSW is a fantastic place to live and work, and it’s exciting to see so many inspiring women being recognised for their work to smash down the barriers that can often be seen as deterrents for people considering a move to the bush.”
Minister Taylor and Minister Saunders congratulated all of the NSW finalists:
• Anna Barwick of PharmOnline, Walcha
• Mea Campbell of Connected Au, Dubbo
• Rechelle Leahy of IDecide, Armidale
• Erin Williams of Livestock Guardian Dogs of Australia
Applications for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award open today and will close on October 19. Now is your chance to nominate an inspiring, rural warrior who is making a difference and creating a positive impact.
For more, visit https://www.agrifutures.com.au
The NSW Government is committed to supporting women from regional, rural and remote NSW. The Rural Women’s Network now sits within Women NSW in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
