Victoria’s 2022 rural women’s finalists announced

3 February 2022

Three inspiring Victorian women have been announced as the Victorian finalists for the 2022 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award, recognising their innovative ideas to support Australia’s rural communities.

The Award supports Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit industries and communities and play a part in Victoria’s $17.8 billion agriculture sector.

Kelly Barnes from Dunkeld, founder of Mates Dog School and 2020 Victorian winner, said the award offers an amazing opportunity for innovative and resourceful rural women to step out of their comfort zones and onto a statewide platform to showcase and develop their ideas.

“This year’s finalists are fantastic examples of the creativity and passion we have residing in rural communities. I commend each of them for putting themselves forward to receive the recognition they deserve for the contributions they are making in their communities,” she said.

This year’s finalists are:

The Victorian winner will be announced at an upcoming Award ceremony and will receive a bursary of $15,000 towards her project. The winner will also compete for the National Award and a further $20,000 for their project, which will be announced at a gala dinner in Canberra later in the year.

In addition to the Victorian AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award, the Victorian Government is supporting women in agriculture with the Rural Women’s Network, encouraging leadership, resilience and connection for women in rural Victoria, and recognising the significant contributions that women have made across the state.

For more information about the award visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Media contact: Tess Astle, 0427 059 834