Victorian rural health campaigner, Grace Larson, announced as national runner-up in the award.

Ms Egerton, founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, has officially been named the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner for her work in empowering the entrepreneurial aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across remote Australia.

Victorian resident and paediatric critical care nurse, Grace Larson, was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work in addressing the health disadvantages faced by rural children through The Sisterhood Project.

Tanya and Grace, along with their fellow national finalists, were honoured for their exceptional contributions to rural communities and industries during Tuesday’s ceremony. The 2024 cohort includes:

Tanya Egerton, Founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project (Katherine, NT)
Grace Larson, Co-founder of The Sisterhood Project (Mia Mia, Victoria)
Rebecca Keeley, Allied-health professional and founder of Yarn (Canberra, ACT)
Kate Lamason, Co-founder of Little Tuna (Cairns, QLD)
Belle Binder, Founder of Farm Work Loop – Left Field (Devonport, TAS)
Mandy Walker, Co-owner of Walkers Diesel Services (Wongan Hills, WA)
Nikki Atkinson, Founder of Horrocks Vale Collections (Flinders Ranges, SA)

The announcement was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, during a black-tie gala dinner at Canberra’s Parliament House on Tuesday evening.

The event was attended by over 500 guests, including Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese , industry representatives, government officials, members of the award’s alumni, other state finalists, and their families.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s premier award, recognising and supporting the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. With the continued support of Platinum Sponsors, Westpac Agribusiness, the program offers opportunities to showcase and inspire female leaders across Australia.

In addition to the $15,000 Westpac grant already awarded to the seven state and territory winners, Tanya and Grace will receive an additional $20,000 and $15,000 respectively to further develop their successful projects.

“This is a significant honour, and I am deeply appreciative of AgriFutures and Westpac for their belief in my mission to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Award is a game changer for us and will significantly enhance what we can achieve in the next 12 months,” said Ms. Egerton.

Tanya Egerton, founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote Opshop Project, is dedicated to creating responsive, place-based opportunities that enable self-determined economic participation while maximising social, environmental, and cultural impact. With extensive experience in developing sustainable, ethical, and culturally-focused Indigenous enterprises, Tanya has spearheaded the Remote Opshop Project, which supports the establishment of a network of opshops in remote First Nations communities.

“With the additional $20,000 Westpac grant, we can develop a First Nations Leadership Council and establish a robust governance framework for the Remote Opshop Project. Our goal is to ensure high-quality, affordable essential goods are redirected from landfills and redistributed to remote communities, fostering empowerment and self-determination,” she said.

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey praised Tanya for her outstanding contributions to Indigenous communities in remote Australia.

“Tanya Egerton’s exceptional work has brought about significant positive changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her innovative approach and dedication to transforming remote areas resonates deeply with the core values of the Award,” he stated.

Mr Harvey also congratulated 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Runner Up, Grace Larson, who received an additional $15,000 Westpac grant.

The Award’s Platinum Sponsor, Westpac Agribusiness commended Tanya and Grace on taking out the National Winner and National Runner Up titles.

“Congratulations to Tanya and Grace on being crowned the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner and Runner Up respectively. Tanya and Grace are extraordinary women and their commitment to driving positive change in their communities is an inspiration,” said Peta Ward, Westpac National General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness.
Westpac is proud to be a long-term platinum sponsor of the Award and champion women who are making an impact in rural Australia. It is an honour to support these women who are helping to build a better future for our regions, and we wish them every success.”

Source: Agrifutures. Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award open on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, directly following the national announcement and will close on Wednesday, 9 October 2024 (Friday, 24 January 2025 for NT Applicants).