Innovative thinkers to represent Victoria as award finalists
6 February 2026
A fifth-generation sheep farmer, an occupational therapist, an agtech entrepreneur and a country vet are the 2026 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalists.
The award acknowledges and celebrates the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.
These are the Victorian finalists:
- Sherri Symons is a sheep farmer and founder of WoolGrow Australia. She transforms low-value crossbred wool into biodegradable gardening and soil health products that improve water retention and soil health. Her work adds value to Australian sheep farming while advancing circular agriculture and sustainable land management.
- Nadine Holgate, is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation. Through Neurolinks, she delivers education and mentoring to strengthen rural allied healthcare worker capabilities and improves access to specialised rehabilitation services in regional and rural Victoria.
- Sam Pritchard is the founder of People in Paddocks and creator of the award-winning PIPA platform, which simplifies farm safety and compliance across Australian agriculture. Through her national Safety Served Sweet project, Sam drives behaviour change through practical on-farm safety education.
- Dr Becky Dickinson is a veterinarian and founder of Veterinary Support Services, providing clinical supervision and livestock training for graduate vets and rural vet practices. Her programs strengthen skills, wellbeing and workforce retention, supporting a sustainable veterinary workforce for Australia’s livestock industries.
The Victorian winner will be announced at a ceremony on 4 March 2026 and receive $15,000 to implement their project. The national winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Canberra on 8 September 2026.
Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said each finalist has impressive achievements.
‘This talented group of finalists represent the ingenuity and leadership we need to drive the future of Victorian agriculture. They lead with innovation, vision and determination to turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities.
‘Agriculture Victoria is committed to supporting women in agriculture to build leadership skills, share knowledge and foster greater connections.’
In addition to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, the Victorian Government is supporting Victorian women in agriculture with the Rural Women’s Network’s flagship Leadership and Mentoring Program that aims to support more women into leadership and decision-making positions in agriculture.
AgriFutures General Manager Workforce, Communications and Adoption Jennifer Galloway said the Rural Women’s Award is an important recognition of the talent and knowledge in Victoria’s agricultural sector.
‘The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts. By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come.’
For more information about the award, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au
Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au