Shine Awards 2020: Meet the 290 rural women nominated
The 290 rural women nomiated for the 2020 Shine Awards are a powerhouse group who all make a real difference to their communities. Find out who they are, where they’re from and what they do.
IN THIS fourth year of The Weekly Times Shine Awards, readers have been invited to nominate rural women whose stories deserve to be told and response has surpassed all expectations.
The Shine Awards celebrates the passion, spirit, courage, belief, dedication and grace of Australia’s rural and regional women.
Over 12 weeks, The Weekly Times in partnership with Harvey Norman has shared stories of strength, empathy, leadership and bravery, highlighting the work of women on farms and off them, in rural towns, sporting clubs, health services, businesses and schools whose achievements deserve to be recognised.
Judges have chosen 18 finalists of 2020.
However, the hundreds of women who have been nominated by readers all deserve recognition.
They hail from every state and the Northern Territory, and their names are listed here. Congratulations to you all.
2020 SHINE AWARDS NOMINEES
NSW
Belinda Allitt, Wagga Wagga
AgriFutures head of communications and brains behind evokeAG conference
Kate Aston, Lake Cathie
Revive Lake Cathie group volunteer, who works to revive the Lake Innes Estuarine System
Fiona Aveyard, Tullamore
Sheep farmer and founder of Outback Lamb brand
Hollie Bakerboljkovac, Braidwood
Holistic health practitioner
Maire Barron, Lismore
Stained glass artisan
Kristy Barton, Oura
Orchardist
Anna Barwick, Walcha
Founder of online pharmacist service
Kylie Bennett, Lismore
Nurse
Jennifer Blinkhorn, Moss Vale
President of CWA Wollondilly Group
Cressida Cains, Robertson
Sheep dairy farmer and founder of Dairy Cocoon
Barbera Cameron, Gundagai
Doctor who goes above and beyond for her patients
Emily Carson, Jindabyne
Brumby supporter
Jan Carter, Yerrinbool
Bus driver for disabled children
Sharon Charlton, Dubbo
Reliable community member
Judith Christopherson, Stroud
Early childhood educator
Kaila Coote, Evans Head
Director of an early childhood education centre
Rose Crisp, Coopernook
Oyster farming pioneer
Helen Dalton, Griffith
Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, representing Murray
Effie Derwin, Kenthurst
Former egg farmer and 95-year-old who puts family first
Kirsty Douglas, Bodalla
Farmer
Simone Dudley, Deniliquin
Occupational therapist and co-founder of Therapy Connect
Joelle Dulac, Bungendore
Truffle grower
Wanda Dunnet, Narrabri
Regional newspaper manager
Kerin Fielding, Wagga Wagga
Orthopaedic surgeon
Michelle Fleming, Kootingal
Racehorse trainer
Melissa Fletcher, Dubbo
Chief executive of Fletcher International, one of Australia’s largest sheep meat export companies
Georgia Foster Eyles, Nymboida
Bushfire recovery volunteer
Rachel Fox, Wagga Wagga
Farm worker
Kim Furini, Brogo
Wagyu cattle farmer
Margaret Grayson, Legume
State Vice President for Southern Region of the QCWA
Sally Halliday, Maitland
Primary schoolteacher, foster mother, local councillor and law student
Kirsty Hambrook, Kangaroo Valley
Local food champion who runs Terrewah Farm
Jennifer Hand, Wagga Wagga
General manager of Southern Cross Austereo’s two radio stations and devoted mother
Emma Harrison, Millthorpe
Early childhood educator and founder of Boss Mum Collective
Eleanor Haynes, Orange
Family support centre manager
Jess Hill, Warrawong
Dance and fitness studio owner
Sue Hood , Dubbo
Dubbo Show Society secretary
Jackie Jackson, Batemans Bay
Bushfire and COVID health support
Kylie Johnson, Bingara
Cancer survivor who inspires her community
Petrea King, Bundanoon
Quest for Life Foundation chief executive
Monique Lanham, Queanbeyan
Supporter of families with MND
Sammy Leonard, Forbes
Small business owner and panel beater
Maureen Manning, Batemans Bay
Rotary member and community champion
Cassandra McLaren, Merriwa
One Day Closer to Rain founder
Karen McLaren, Reefton
“Ray of sunshine” for her community
Anika Molesworth , Broken Hill
Deputy chair of Farmers for Climate Action
Dr Saba Nabi, Wagga Wagga
Health professional and member of the Regional Advisory Council
Jennifer Nestor, Coolamon
Artisan cheesemaker
Krystal Nikiforos, Batemans Bay
Remarkable mother
Tegan Nock, Orange
Farmer and entrepreneur
Jo Oldfield, Mitchells Island
Beef farmer and travel agent
Rozzie O’Reilly, Holbrook
Breeding manager for Lambpro
Sarah Parsons, Deniliquin
Creative producer at the Outback Theatre for Young People
Helen Patton, Goulburn
Volunteer who runs the Goulburn army cadets program
Rikki-Lee Petrie, Lennox Head
Founder of fitness business that encourages women to be their best physically and emotionally
Michelle Prestwidge, Orange
Community volunteer
Elizabeth-Ann Purtle, Cowra
Dedicated her life to making outback Australia liveable and worthwhile for herself and others
Caitlin Pyke-Nott, Casino
Director of early childhood education service
Liesl Pyke-Nott, Casino
Early childhood education
Anna Rankmore, Muswellbrook
Music composer
Heidi Rawson, Milton
Work safety advocate
Sarah Richards, Hawkesbury
Founder of #Shopsmall business support platform
Bree Roylance, Forbes
Machinery business owner and treasurer of Australian Formula Jet Sprint Association committee
Macy Ryan, Wallerawang
Salon owner
Salwa Salwa, Newcastle Hunter Region
International student advocate
Ruth Sandow, Milparinka
Station owner and brains behind the Sturts Steps touring route in far west NSW
Kate Small , Deniliquin
Furniture maker
Dimity Smith, Moree
Co-founder of Savvy Birds rural and regional women’s network and a rural events business
Janie Smith, Raleigh
Founder of Soul Station farm retreat for women
Fiona Soulsby, Albury
Founder of ProAgni antibiotic-free supplements and feeds for livestock
Michele Stansfield, Manildra
Agricultural scientist
Naomi Stuart, Wagga Wagga
Farmer, banker and founder of FARMpay
Fleur Stubbs, Warren
Works for Bernardos Australia helping families in crises
Lynette Sutton, Berrigan
Runs a Brumby sanctuary
Jane Thomson , Eltham
Founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society
Jane Tudor, Stanhope
Farmer, horse trainer and farrier
Kirsten Wall, Bukkulla
Midwife and community health champion
Lynne Waterford, Coonamble
Aged care nurse
Janelle White, Capertee
Olive grower
Dianna Wilkinson, Nambucca Heads
Bookkeeper and foundation member of the Nambucca Valley Women’s Business Network
Victoria Williams, Parkes
Captain of the Parkes Headquarters Rural Fire Service
Nea Worrell , Baradine
Drought pantry co-ordinator
Kate Wright, Orange
Haematology-oncology pharmacist
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Deborah Armstrong, Maningrida Community
Mediator and advocate for Indigenous communities
Elizabeth Dashwood, Alice Springs
Netball and basketball coach in Indigenous communities
Eilleen Olney, Lajamanu
Runs a community centre at Lajamanu
Nadine Tipping , Darwin
CareFlight nurse
QUEENSLAND
Belinda Adams, Advancetown
Horticulture industry leader
Patricia Allison, Bundaberg
Disability support volunteer with Spinal Life Australia
Rhonda Bain, Rockhampton
Dedicated to her region
Amy Ballinger, Jinghi Valley
Founder of Wattle and Twine, an online network to foster country communities
Carmel Beresford , Eulo
Grazier and author who has written the story of her son’s life and tragic death caused by an on-farm accident
Kristy Bethel, Georgetown
Community fitness instructor
Emma Black, Mission Beach
Beef industry innovator
Lauwana Blackley, Palm Island
Dialysis nurse
Kerri Brennan, Leyburn
Founder of Buy from the Bush QLD
Lauren Brisbane, Sunshine Coast
Camel dairy farmer
June Chetcuti, Mackay
Supporter of Mackay community
Sandra Corfield, Biloela
Rural health services
Lyn French, Etheridge shire
Volunteer who devotes time to rural children’s educational needs, Landcare and the beef industry
Danielle Green, Whitsundays
Web design and business support
Debbie Hawkins, Blackall
Farmer and nurse
Louise Hinman, Rockhampton
Community commitment
Loretta Johnson, Roma
Southwest ambulance leader
Tracey Keller, Noosa
Artist brightening her community through COVID
Meg Kummerow, Darling Downs
Grains industry and agricultural drone industry leader
Sally-Mae Marshall, Mudgeeraba
Retired farmer and community volunteer
Jo Martin, Boonah
Secretary of the Queensland Beekeeping Association
Renee McAllister, Townsville
Psychologist
Suzanne McMaster, Toowoomba
Artist
Tracy Muller, Biloela
Farmer and entrepreneur
Marie Murray, Surat
Cancer survivor and fundraiser
Bernadine Paesler, Goondiwindi
Plant business founder and swim teacher
Simone Parker, Emerald
Campaigner for farm health and safety, and rural businesses
Julie Payer, Benaraby
Community development champion
Lesa Pershouse, Mareeba
Runs a local Days for Girls project
Tarah Preston, Toowoomba
Nurse and cosmetic clinic entrepreneur
Donna Rasmussen, Dalby
Claas Harvey Centre Dalby office manager
Edwina Robertson, Toowoomba
Rural photographer and champion of the bush
Natasha Roebig, Jimboomba
Queensland honey industry ambassador
Vanessa Sanger, Lower Wonga
Musician and former police officer
Krystie Smith, Springsure
Rural merchandise business manager
Shannon Speight, Mareeba
Livestock vet and software developer
Leanne Thomas, Tolg a
Atherton and Eacham junior rugby leagues volunteer
Marcia Thorning, Mackay
Make-A-Wish Mackay branch volunteer
Marg Will, Brisbane
Organic industry leader
Jacqueline Woodfield, Ilfracombe
Inspirational western woman
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Suzi Evans, Mantang
Suicide awareness campaigner
Eloise Butcher, Mount Gambier
Entrepreneur
Meg Clothier, Lucindale
Farm caretaker
Helen Fesus, Marree
Teacher and principal
Frances Frahn, Holowiliena Station, Orroroo
Expanding her family’s historic station with tourism
Megan Haynes, Cross Roads
Disability employment and mental health services
Sally Henery, Blinman
Runs Alpana station
Lyndsey Jackson, Moonta
Digital technology champion
Katy Landt, Glenelg
Co-founder of Safe Ag Systems
Phillipa Lawson, Pinnaroo
Pulse grower and founder of The Pinnaroo Farmer
Alison Meaney, Clare
Tourism operator
Beverley Moyes, Tailem Bend
Lifelong volunteer
Heather Muirhead, Murray Bridge
Migrant resource centre leader
Alison Nunan, Bray
Mayor, farmer and active community member
Katherine Shaw, Lyndoch
Principal
Hayley Thiele, Port Augusta
Runs a networking group to empower rural mums
Alex Thomas, Adelaide Hills
Farm safety advocate
Lauren Tyson, Aldinga Beach
Aged care worker and resilient student
TASMANIA
Henrietta Damon, Kindred
Kindred Organics founder
Anita Long, Richmond
Founder and president of Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers
Sophie Murfitt, Hobart
Web designer
Patricia Patterson, Lilydale
Business owner and community supporter
Katrina Rowe, West Pine
Preschool music program founder
Tarrisha Simpson, Launceston
Mining electrician
Anna Terry, Delorraine
Tourism entrepreneur
Stephanie Trethewey, Dunorlan
Founder of Motherland Australia podcast
VICTORIA
Beatrice Schlabowsky, Woodend
Art teacher and Landcare supporter
Joanne Alderman, Raymond Island
CWA member and bushfire clothing drive organiser
Sue Aldridge OAM, Numurkah
Years of dedication to Numurkah
Susan Anderson, Bunyip
Blaze Aid and Landcare volunteer
Christine Austin, Benalla
Clinical Midwifery Coordinator at Benalla hospital
Courtney Baker, Warragul
Hearing loss awareness campaigner and earring designer
Kirsten Barley, Yea
Farmer and police officer
Bree Bartlett, Pakenham
Coach, mother and aspiring teacher
Bronwyn Beadle, Nagambie
Contributes to Nagambie Healthcare
Bridget Bentley, Bendigo
Bendigo Foodshare manager
Jess Berril, Bendigo
Drug and alcohol councillor
Katerina Blekic, Mildura
Founder of Sultana Sisters, passionate about helping Mildura growers
Debra Borg, Stuart Mill
Runs Redbank Alpacas Treks and Experiences, is an educational integration aide and a member of the CFA
Andrea Bortoli, Swan Hill
Speech pathology manager at Swan Hill Hospital
Felicity Brady, Stavely
Co-principal of Stavely Park Merinos
Elise Brown, Castlemaine
Runs Fair Dinkum Dogs
Lesley Cadzow
Rural and remote area GP
Julie Cameron, Meredith
Goat farmer
Rita Canning, Myamyn
Devoted mother, carer and supporter of youth in agriculture
Helen Champlin, Hansonville
Farmer
Bonnie Chignell, Ballarat
Nominated for her compassion
Joanne Collins, Ararat
Nurse
Veronika Colyer, Buckland Valley
Road accident survivor
Maryann Conduit, Warracknabeal
Animal rescue volunteer
Rebecca Coulson, Mount Egerton
Supports women in prison through engagement projects and society reconnection
Elizabeth Cox, Shepparton
Animal prosthetics specialist
Phyllis Cranwell, Hazlewood North
Former dairy farmer; farming and community champion
Jayne Cummins, Buchan
Buchan roadhouse manager
Kate Davis, Ballarat
Food event organiser
Bridget Doyle, Benalla
Landscape architect and aspiring farmer
Jackie Elliott, South West
International Day of Rural Women event organiser
M. Fisher, Meredith
Farm manager
Susan Flordeliz, Epping
Registered nurse
Janice Fung, Bentleigh East
Teacher
Kimberley Furness, Bendigo
Founder of OAK Magazine
Larissa Gardiner, Tyrendarra
Dairy farmer and industry advocate
Toni Gracia, Swan Hill
Fitness and health advocate
Sandi Grieve, Walwa
Chief executive of the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre
Caitlin Grigsby, Trafalgar
Founding member of the Gippsland Pride Gala Ball
Shiona Hagart, Alvie
Forest Fire Management worker and farmer
Tegan Hand, Wahgunyah
Community champion
Kath Heagney, Bendigo
Athlete and leader by example
Joy Heenan, Warragul
Spinal injury survivor and disability support volunteer
Peta Heyne, Daylesford
Compassionate community member
Catherine Hicks, Maffra Upper West
Runs a vineyard, bistro and cellar door
Emily Hicks, Gellibrand
Works for equitable Indigenous education
Sam Hicks, Alexandra
Marketing officer
Amanda Hocking, Shepparton
Local role model
Shannon Holt, Korumburra
Co-founder of Wazka Support Services, a business supporting people living with a disability or mental illness
Marlee Horobin, Beechworth
Works in equine welfare and back health
Rebecca Humphreys, Tallygaroopna
Stepping up to run her family’s Brahman and Brangus operation
Louise, Donna, Melanie and Denise Jackson, Boho
Sheep farmers who run a produce store at Violet Town
Trenia Jackson, Drouin
Runs a medical imaging service
Lois Jephcott, Corryong
Community volunteer and cattle farmer
Jomole John, Cranbourne North
Nurse
Sallie Jones, Lakes Entrance
Gippsland Dairy founder
Christy Jordan-Phan, Sale
Youth mentor
Kristy Kemp, Myers Flat
Founder of an animal-assisted therapy service called Flash Farm
Wendy Killeen, Rutherglen
Viticulturist
Sarah Lieber, Mansfield
Nurse
Maya Linnell, Narrawong
Author
Jessica Liston, Eddington
Rehomes Waler war horses and gives them new purpose as therapy horses
Marilyn Mackie, Meeniyan
School bus driver, CWA member and community volunteer
Sandra Maloney, Bethanga
Duck farmer, accommodation provider and community champion
Sharon Maloney, Nhill
Brain cancer survivor and CERT team volunteer
Kathryn Maroney, Eildon
Nominated for her community support
Ann Martin, Maffra
Cancer fighter
Jessica Martin, Warragul
General manager of one-hat restaurant Hogget Kitchen
Catherine Martindale, Churchill
Equestrian trainer
Rebecca McErvale, Lexton
Wool grower and woollen brand founder
Gillian McKinley, Ballarat
Farmer and Gill of all trades
Carrie McLean
Nominated for her personal courage
Grace McLeod, Nhill
Works to empower rural women
Deepika Monga, Ballarat
Obstetrician and gynaecologist
Elle Moro, Eppalock
Trains and rehomes ex-harness racing horses
Rowena Morris, Kyabram
Teacher
Georgie Morrison, Hamilton
Designer
Jennifer Morrow, Bambra
Landcare member and environment advocate
Sarah Mostyn, Cohuna
Goat farmer and market founder
Elle Moyle, Hamilton
District vet and farmer
Jayne Newgreen, Bannockburn
Provenir co-founder
Janette O’Keefe, Winslow
Landcare champion
Cathy Palmer, Numurkah
Dairy farmer and founder of How Now Dairy
Rosemary Pamic, Dunolly
Saffron grower and chef
Susan Patterson, Dunnstown
Historian and former teacher
Paula Pearce, Healesville
School counsellor
Ashley Polachek, Broadford
Homeless support agency worker and devoted mother
Monica Pound, Yanakie
Carer and Mecwacare home and community services manager
Carolyn Prentice, Clonbinane
Veterinarian
Sarah Prime, Mirboo North
Sport club volunteer and entrepreneur
Lana Purcell, Ocean Grove
Belly Bowls and Feed Me Bellarine founder
Katrina Redcliffe, Wodonga
Disability support co-ordinator and caring mother
Simone Reeves, Mansfield
Mansfield Autism Statewide Service director
Nora Reynen, Yarrawonga
Distributes free turbans to women going through chemotherapy as part of Turban Angels
Barbara Richards, Branxholme
Disability support carer and farmer
Kathryn Robertson, Hensley Park
Farmer, vet and Sheepvention president
Lisa Rundell, Kyneton
Lost Trades Fair founder
Linda Ryder, Yarroweyah
Need for Feed co-ordinator
Karen Saunders, Lismore
E-commerce entrepreneur
Heather Seipel, Healesville
Cancer survivor, mother and carer
Lois Sharam, Beaufort
Horse stud co-principal and school bus driver
Kate Sharkey, Balliang
Farmer and agriculture education program founder
Kumi Slade, Willow Grove
Free-range egg farmer
Emily Small, Goongerah
Wombat rescue volunteer
Margaret Stephens, Camperdown
Sporting and community volunteer
Lyn Stephenson, Lauriston
Industrial hemp farmer
Jane Szepe, King Lake
Co-owner of Kinross Farms
Kayla Taylor, Balliang
Determined agriculture student
Amy Treacy, Cohuna
Works to skill and educate rural businesses in digital technology
Jina Tripodi, Lake Boga
Farmer, wife and business manager
Haley Tudor-Harrop, Mansfield
Representative for regional Victoria and Tasmania on the Bendigo Bank Community Bank National Council
Kirsten Van Diggele, Paynesville
East Gippsland Shire councillor
Bree Wadey, Bairnsdale
Chiropractor and bushfire support volunteer
Shelley Walker, Korumburra
South Gippsland Dairy co-founder
Sarah Walkerden, Berringa
Founder of The Rural Copywriter
Megan Williams, Kyabram
Camel dairy co-founder
Jade Willis, Barnawartha
Trainer of ex-racehorses
Karin Wilson, Coimadai
Bacchus Marsh CWA member
Lee Woodgate, Buchanan
Agriculture champion
Rachael Woods, Shepparton
Carer and mother
Kim Wren, Launching Place
Equine therapist
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Bronwyn Blake, Busselton
Industrial hemp industry leader
Moncia Field, Esperence
Agronomist
Elyssa Giedraitis, Wongan Hills
Rural business supporter
Adele Given, Australind
Nominated for her contributions to local sport, community and education
Dianne Haggerty, Wyalkatchem
Regenerative farmer
Georgia Kerr, Kalgoorlie
Mining engineering student hugely involved in her community
Skye-Maree King, Merredin
Fire and rescue volunteer
Ros Macfarlane, Gabbin
Grain and sheep farmer
Paula McKennay, Manjimup
Avocado and truffle farmer
Suzannah Moss-Wright, Lancelin
Innovative lamb producer
Karla Paget, Bridgetown
Teacher
Tracey Paul, Kalgoorlie
Aged care worker
Astrid Peirce, Moodiarrup
Rural photographer
Jessica Spithoven, Banjup
Student and animal rescue volunteer
Kate Tarrant, Cowaramup
Founded Share the Love Facebook campaign, helping Margaret River backpackers and travellers displaced by COVID-19
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