AgriFutures Rural Women's Award
The Rural Women's Network and Agriculture Victoria work in partnership with AgriFutures Australia to provide two opportunities to women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.
2025 Victorian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award Winner and finalists
Dr Mary Cole
Congratulations to Dr Mary Cole who is the winner of the Victorian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award. Dr Cole was presented with the award at a ceremony on 4 March 2025 by Michaela Settle MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria.
Dr Cole, from Garfield, is an internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology. She has dedicated her career to advocating for biological farming practices that regenerate soil health, reduce synthetic chemical use, and improve the long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture.
Dr Cole will now represent Victoria at the national awards held at Parliament House, Canberra on 10 September 2025.
Finalists
Sherry Symons – Ellerslie
Founder of WoolGrow Australia, creating sustainable gardening solutions using 100% wool products to support the environment and the crossbred wool industry while promoting eco-friendly gardening.
Den Lim – Churchill
Founder of Uplift Collective, a collaboration of over 20 organisations providing free, engaging activities for young people across Latrobe and Baw Baw, helping them connect with local services through entertainment, cultural events, sports, and the arts.
About the Acceleration Grant
Fostering the professional growth of rural women who are not quite ready to apply for the Award, the Acceleration Grant provides seven Australian women with a learning and development bursary to develop an initiative in its early stages.
Each year, 7 Australian women will be provided with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life. Find out more on the AgriFutures website.
Subscribe to the Rural Women’s Network newsletter for program updates or visit AgriFutures Australia for more information about the Award.