2019 Shine Awards finalists are inspiring crop of rural women
We reveal our 18 Shine Awards finalists from a field of outstanding rural women who make a real difference to their communities, families and industries.
MEET the finalists in the 2019 Shine Awards.
Now in its third year, the Shine Awards celebrates the achievements and contribution of women across rural and regional Australia.
Nominees’ stories have appeared in The Weekly Times, Rural Weekly and Tasmanian Country throughout 2019, with a dedicated campaign that put rural women in the spotlight for the past 12 weeks.
All of the nominees do outstanding work on farms and off them, in rural towns across Australia, in community groups and sporting clubs, in businesses, schools and homes.
Three finalists have been chosen in each of six categories — Belief, Courage, Dedication, Grace, Passion and Spirit.
The winner of each category will receive a $2500 voucher from Harvey Norman.
From these six, one will be chosen as the overall winner and receive an additional $5000 from Harvey Norman.
The winners will be revealed in a special Shine Awards magazine, featuring the inspirational stories of all 18 finalists. Don’t miss it, free in The Weekly Times on Wednesday, November 20.
2019 SHINE AWARDS FINALISTS
BELIEF
These women have a vision to change or enhance the world around them for the benefit of others.
Bridget Murphy, equestrian
Healesville, Victoria
Karin Luttmer, exporter
Sisters Creek, Tasmania
Kate Sharkey, educational farm tour founder
Balliang East, Victoria
COURAGE
In the face of adversity, these women have spoken out, refused to give up, and found success against the odds, whether in their own business or community, providing inspiration to others.
Georgina Gubbins, sheep and cattle farmer
Heywood, Victoria
Margy Perkuhn, Fierce Female Farmers Founder
Inverell, NSW
Shanna Whan, Sober in the Country founder
Narrabri, NSW
DEDICATION
Women who have shown long-term commitment to their industry, project or community, who have worked tirelessly to contribute to broader society.
Jean Beamish, Budgeree Hall Committee president
Budgeree, Victoria
Tertia Butcher, editor
Hay, NSW
Ali Corke, refugee supporter
Apollo Bay, Victoria
GRACE
When poise and composure are the order of the day, these are the women who quietly get things done.
Maree Duncombe, cattle breeder
Conondale, Queensland
Sarah McLean, farmer and neuropsychologist
Hexham, Victoria
Robyn Neilson, farm safety advocate
Townsville, Queensland
PASSION
These women are starring in their field, armed with natural talents and determination, they have achieved much in their community or place of work.
Jade Lord, yoga instructor
Sutherland Station, Queensland
Ginny Stevens, Active Farmers founder
Mangoplah, NSW
Kylee Tindale-Smith, artist and mental health advocate
Morven, Queensland
SPIRIT
This award recognises women whose sheer power of personality shines through, helping them make a difference in their community or industry.
Amanda Griffiths, entrepreneur
Long Pocket, Queensland
Janine Midgley, shearer
Bullsbrook, Western Australia
Bessie Thomas, sheep farmer
Wilcannia, NSW
Courage after outback tragedy shines light for others
Eulo’s Carmel Beresford was consumed by grief after losing her son in an on-farm accident. She found new purpose by writing his life story, and has been named the 2020 Shine Awards Courage winner for her bravery. Read her story, and meet the 2020 Courage finalists, Joy Heenan and Courtney Baker.
Dialysis nurse is the lifeblood of her island
Bwgcolman woman and kidney disease specialist Lauwana Blackley is the deserving 2020 Shine Awards Dedication winner. Read her extraordinary story, and meet 2020 Dedication finalists Sarah Mostyn and Nadine Tipping.