MBW Woman of the Year Amanda Carter, left, with MBW president STcey McKenna, and One to Watch award winner Lisa Lopez.

MEAT Business Women has announced the Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s people and culture program manager Amanda Carter as its Woman of the Year.

At its recent Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards evening in Melbourne, MBW also announced Harvest Road executive Lisa Lopez as the 2026 One to Watch Award winner.

More than 150 industry leaders gathered at the evening to explore the latest findings from the Australian Gender Representation Report before celebrating excellence across the industry.

MBW said the event highlighted the progress being made to improve gender representation while reinforcing the importance of continuing to build diverse, capable and future-focused workplaces.

The One to Watch Award is supported by HR Legal and recognises emerging leaders demonstrating exceptional potential, innovation and commitment to shaping the future of the industry.

Lisa Lopez is head of technical at major Australian food and agricultural business, Harvest Road. MBW said she was recognised for her outstanding leadership, technical expertise and passion for driving continuous improvement. Throughout her career, Lisa has successfully led projects that have delivered measurable environmental and operational outcomes while mentoring others and championing positive change within her organisation.

Ms Lopez said receiving this award is an incredible honour.

“It reflects the support I’ve received throughout my career and reinforces the opportunities our industry provides for people who are passionate about making a difference.

“I hope it encourages more women to back themselves and pursue leadership opportunities across the meat and food supply chain,” Ms Lopez said.

The Woman of the Year Award supported by Bott Insurance Group recognises women whose leadership, influence and long-term contribution are creating meaningful impact across Australia’s meat and food sector.

MBW said Amanda Carter was recognised for her unwavering commitment to developing people, strengthening workforce capability and creating pathways for the next generation of industry leaders. Her work has helped shape initiatives that improve attraction, retention, leadership development and workplace culture across the red meat processing sector, MBW said.

Ms Carter said the award recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects the collective efforts of so many people she has had the privilege to work alongside throughout her career.

“Building a stronger industry has always been about investing in people, creating opportunities and helping others succeed, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of an industry that values that work,” she said.

Meat Business Women Australia Chair Stacey McKenna said the calibre of nominations continued to demonstrate the depth of talent across Australia’s meat and food supply chain.

“Lisa and Amanda represent the leadership our industry needs for the future.

“They have each created meaningful impact in different ways, whether through innovation, developing people or leading positive change within their organisations,” she said.

“These awards recognise individual achievement, but they also shine a light on the incredible women helping strengthen our industry’s future every day.

“By celebrating their stories, we inspire others to see what is possible and encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities across the supply chain,” Ms McKenna said.

“The Gender Representation Report reminds us there is still work to do to improve representation at every level.

“Recognising leaders like Lisa and Amanda is one important way we continue building momentum for change,” she said.

MBW said the awards form part of Meat Business Women’s commitment to inspire, network and grow, celebrating women whose leadership is helping build a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable meat and food industry.