2020 Shine Awards finalists are rural Australia’s bright stars
Meet the Shine Awards finalists of 2020; the 18 rural women who are the top crop of a remarkable field.
MEET the finalists in the 2020 Shine Awards.
Now in its fourth year, the Shine Awards celebrates the achievements and contribution of women across rural and regional Australia, in partnership with Harvey Norman.
Nominees’ stories have appeared in The Weekly Times during the past year, 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 18.
SHINE AWARDS 2020 FINALISTS
BELIEF
These women have a vision to change or enhance the world around them for the benefit of others.
Simone Dudley, occupational therapist
Deniliquin, NSW
Lisa Rundell, Lost Trades Fair founder
Kyneton, VIC
Shannon Speight, livestock vet and software developer
Mareeba, QLD
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.
Courtney Baker, disability awareness campaigner
Warragul, VIC
Carmel Beresford, grazier and author
Eulo, QLD
Joy Heenan, spinal injury support volunteer
Warragul, VIC
DEDICATION
Women who have shown long-term commitment to their industry, project or community, who have worked tirelessly to contribute to broader society.
Lauwana Blackley, dialysis nurse
Palm Island, QLD
Sarah Mostyn, goat farmer and market founder
Cohuna, VIC
Nadine Tipping, CareFlight nurse
Darwin, NT
GRACE
When poise and composure are the order of the day, these are the women who quietly get things done.
Bridget Bentley, Bendigo Foodshare manager
Bendigo, VIC
Georgia Foster Eyles, bushfire recovery volunteer
Nymboida, NSW
Nea Worrell, drought pantry co-ordinator
Baradine, NSW
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.
Alex Thomas, farm safety consultant
Adelaide Hills, SA
Kate Davis, food event organiser
Ballarat, VIC
Suzannah Moss-Wright, lamb producer
Lancelin, WA
SPIRIT
This award recognises women whose sheer power of personality shines through, helping them make a difference in their community or industry.
Meg Clothier, farm caretaker
Orroroo, SA
Phillipa Lawson, pulse grower
Pinnaroo, SA
Rebecca McErvale, woollen brand founder
Lexton, VIC
MORE SHINE
MEET THE WOMEN NOMINATED FOR THE SHINE AWARDS 2020
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.