AGRICULTURE Victoria is encouraging women in agriculture to apply for the 2018 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

The award can help women to secure funding for innovative ideas and projects, or open doors to professional development and alumni networks.

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Dr Kirsten Abernethy, the 2017 Victorian Rural Woman of the Year, represented Victoria at the national award ceremony in Canberra last week where Western Australia’s Tanya Dupagne was announced 2017 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year. Dr Abernethy is a Program Manager with Seafood Industries Victoria, who has worked in fishing communities for over a decade.

Johanna Christensen from Agriculture Victoria said that all Victorian rural women should consider applying for the 2018 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“Women set so many outstanding examples in communities across rural and regional Victoria. We need to consistently recognise the special type of leadership shown every day by country women.”

The Victorian finalists will be celebrated at a ceremony in March 2018, with the winner to receive a bursary of $10,000 to implement their project vision and participate in the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

The Victorian Government continues to support women in agriculture by backing initiatives such as Rural Women’s Network, the Invisible Farmer Project and measures to support greater female representation on Victorian Government boards.

“The Rural Women’s Network has been re-established after a four-year hiatus. The Rural Women’s Network was highlighted as part of Victoria’s Gender Equality Strategy and it is important to ensure rural female voices are heard by Government”, Ms Christensen said.

For more information on the 2018 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and how to apply, please visit www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa 

Agriculture Victoria staff are available to help prospective nominees through the application process (please contact Johanna Christensen on 03 8392 7117 or[email protected]).
Source: Agriculture Victoria.