Call goes out for primary industries’ leading women
August 26, 2010
Women with ideas, enthusiasm and commitment have the chance to be recognised for their contribution to Queensland’s primary industries sector through the annual RIRDC Rural Women’s Award.
Applications for the annual Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation’s Rural Women’s Award are now open, and women from within the broad spectrum of rural industries are encouraged to apply.
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) award co-ordinator, Natalie Schultz, said that women who are passionate about making a difference to their particular sector of the industry or rural community should give this opportunity some serious consideration.
"The award process provides women with an important leadership and capacity building opportunity," she said.
There will be four finalists, from which the state winner will be chosen, and they will have the opportunity to participate in a range of skill-building workshops, and meet the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin, and senior DEEDI leaders.
The winner will receive a $10,000 bursary aimed at assisting them to develop their skills and contribute to profitable and sustainable primary industries in Queensland.
The bursary can be used for different purposes including international study tours, training and website development.
Past winners and finalists have been proactive in the feedlot industry, conservation, horticulture, sheep and cattle producing, wool growing, in sugar and the kangaroo industry.
This year’s winner, Sharyn Garrett, a partner in a macropod harvesting enterprise in south-west Queensland, is using her bursary to develop a business strategy for the Maranoa Kangaroo Harvesters and Growers Co-operative.
"Sharyn’s project will review current operations and provide recommendations to assist the co-operative to become an even more efficient and sustainable operation," Ms Shultz said.
"The success of the co-operative will enable more effective kangaroo management at a cross-property level, ensuring that production objectives are met and that total grazing pressure is alleviated."
The 2010 Queensland runner-up, Jane Milburn, said the award process was a useful way to refine how to present yourself and your ideas.
She said her project aimed to create a fresh image for agriculture through writing about sustainable food production in Australia and developing a web platform linking existing food and industry information.
"There’s a need to extend the customer interest supported by shows such as MasterChef, to knowing more about the master producers who grow the fresh, safe and sustainable food we all eat every day and tend to take for granted," Jane said.
"The award also comes with an Australian Institute of Company Directors training week in Canberra, which is a fabulous learning opportunity.
"I gained so much from networking at a national level with clever and generous women from many different regions and industries.
"A highlight of the week was seeing how others operate and interacting with active, positive high-achieving women in agriculture.
"I encourage women to enter the program this year because it is a wonderful way to develop yourself and your work."
Applications for the 2011 Rural Women’s Award, sponsored by DEEDI, close on 15 October 15, 2010, which is also World Rural Women’s Day.
For more information on the award contact Ms Schultz on 07 3239 3515, email wiriu@deedi.qld.gov.au or visit www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au