Woolworths Bush Champions: How to nominate your local hero and celebrate their hard work
Many unsung Aussies are doing work that seldom gets noticed, but goes a long way to keeping their town spirit alive. Find out how you can nominate them for a national award.
Not all heroes where capes — especially in the nation’s heartlands.
In fact, many unsung Aussies are doing work that seldom gets noticed, but goes a long way to keeping their town spirit alive.
Like Mick Giddings — who has become the heartbeat of the Victorian Mallee town of Wycheproof, volunteering with the Country Fire Authority and Meals on Wheels, to playing and coaching footy and preserving the district’s pioneering history in the local museum.
To help recognise and celebrate more great Aussies in the community, Bush Champions, supported by Woolworths, is looking to recognise innovation, leadership and service across rural and regional Australia.
Submit a nomination for the one of the 2025 Bush Champion awards below
What are the Bush Champion Awards?
There are three categories you can nominate someone for — Community Champion, Agricultural Champion and Young Champion.
From there, the three champions will be judged by an expert panel, with one being named the overall Woolworths Bush Champion.
What do you win?
Category winners will receive $2000, with the overall Bush Champion awarded an additional $10,000.
Where are the awards?
Winners will be announced at August’s National Bush Summit in Ballarat, Victoria, which will be attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Who can be nominated?
You can nominate yourself, or anyone in your community for one of the three award categories. All we ask is that you share an example of why the nominee deserves to be selected as a Bush Champion.
Entry is open to Australian residents in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory.
What is the criteria for a Young Champion? (aged less than 30)
Emerging leadership: Demonstrated potential to lead, influence or inspire others within agriculture, regional industries or community initiatives — including evidence of initiative, resilience or peer mentorship.
Innovation and modern thinking: Use of new technologies, creative problem-solving or forward-thinking approaches.
Community contribution and sustainability: Active commitment to building stronger, more sustainable communities through advocacy, volunteering or driving initiatives that support long-term local wellbeing.
Learning and knowledge sharing: Strong appetite for growth through training, study or mentorship — and a willingness to share knowledge or contribute to broader industry development.
What is the criteria for a Ag Champion? (for excellence in farming and related industries)
Industry leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and influence others within the agricultural sector. This includes fostering collaboration, driving cultural or operational change, or mentoring future leaders.
Advocacy and community impact: Evidence of commitment to the broader agricultural community — actively promoting, protecting or enhancing the reputation and prosperity of the industry, not just their own enterprise.
Innovation and forward thinking: Application of innovative practices, technology, or research to improve productivity, sustainability, or efficiency — with potential for replication across the industry.
Commitment to learning and development: Ongoing pursuit of knowledge through formal or informal education, training or mentoring, and a willingness to share learnings with peers and the wider community.
Personal and business growth: Clear evidence of evolution in business operations, mindset, or personal development — whether through expansion, diversification, sustainability gains, or resilience through adversity.
What is the criteria for a Community Champion?
Community involvement and impact: Active participation in strengthening regional communities — whether through volunteering, disaster recovery, local leadership or community-building initiatives that foster resilience and connection.
Leadership and knowledge sharing: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and empower others. This includes fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, mentoring emerging leaders, and promoting a culture of care and innovation.
Personal and professional growth: Evidence of personal development or evolution in business or community life — through adaptability, innovation, or overcoming adversity to build stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
Commitment to thriving communities: A clear passion and dedication to ensuring rural and regional communities not only survive but thrive — with long-term thinking, inclusive practices, and an eye to future opportunities.
Nominate your Woolworths Bush Champion in your area here
Read about some of the other nominations below
Young gun helping farmers connect with ag workers
How 86yo has become the ‘heartbeat’ of Vic Mallee town
‘I knew when I was six”: Regional doctor a true Bush Champion
Originally published as Woolworths Bush Champions: How to nominate your local hero and celebrate their hard work
Young gun helping farmers connect with ag workers
Inspired by a cattle pregnancy test, a Young farmer is using technology to help the agricultural industry connect workers with ag jobs.
Donna was waiting for a miracle in the bush — then it flew into town
Donna Synnerdahl still remembers the moment she hit the mine shaft floor. It’s this sensation of falling and her memories of the jolting pain that has kept her up at night — for 14 years.