Shine Awards 2021: Last day to nominate a rural woman
If you know a woman whose passion, dedication, spirit, belief, grace or courage makes a real difference to her rural community or industry, nominate her now.
The Shine Awards is a campaign by The Weekly Times, supported by Harvey Norman, celebrating the passion, dedication, spirit, belief, grace and courage of women across rural and regional Australia.
Nominate a woman who deserves to be recognised in the form below, or send an email to online@theweeklytimes.com.au.
ABOUT THE SHINE AWARDS
This is the fifth year of the Shine Awards, and its most important year yet, as we put the spotlight on regional and rural women across Australia who are holding communities, businesses and industries together.
Over the next 14 weeks, The Weekly Times will highlight women on farms and off them, in rural towns, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and schools. Their stories will appear in The Weekly Times, at theweeklytimes.com.au and in our magazines.
From stories that have appeared throughout the year, finalists will be chosen in six categories: Passion, Belief, Grace, Spirit, Dedication and Courage.
On November 24, six winners will be announced.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Shine, we will also present a special Youth award this year, to a short-listed nominee who is under the age of 30 and shows great potential to become a leader in her rural community or industry.
Each category winner will be awarded a $2500 voucher from Harvey Norman. One of the 18 finalists will also be named the overall Shine winner and receive a further $5000.
Shine is a forum for readers to nominate women whose stories deserve to be told. I’m sure you know women like Jennifer, Frances and Rita, and we’d love to hear about them so we can share their stories.
SHINE’S MISSION IN 2021
Launched in 2017, Shine celebrates women who make a real difference to our nation. Through this partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman, we have shared stories of female achievement, entrepreneurship, dedication, leadership and triumph — as well as stories of hardship and heartache.
The winners and finalists over the past five years have all achieved great things individually while also inspiring others.
Last year, 290 incredible women were nominated from across Australia, and the 18 finalists were all powerhouse women.
Overall winner for 2020 Carmel Beresford was honoured for her courage in sharing her son’s tragic story with wider Australia.
“Winning the Shine Awards has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone and, although I must admit to being so nervous at times, it has been wonderful recognition,” Carmel said.
Penny Fowler, Herald and Weekly Times Chairman and News Corp Australia Community Ambassador said: “We are excited to be celebrating our fifth Shine Awards this year. Shining a light on incredible women in rural and regional communities is so important, particularly in these challenging times. By telling these stories Australians will hear and recognise the efforts of our rural and regional women and take inspiration from them.
“These awards are a source of pride for News Corp Australia and we are honoured to partner with Katie Page and Harvey Norman to recognise and share the stories of those who have overcome tough times to benefit others.
“We encourage people to nominate women in your community who are making a difference and changing life for the better.”
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page said: “Now more than ever we need the Shine Awards.
“Who would’ve thought five years ago, when the Shine Awards started, we would be living through extended lockdowns and restrictions? The women recognised by this year’s awards will take on a special significance – a chance to honour the women who will get our communities through this once in a lifetime crisis.
“We all have such a heightened appreciation for the fundamentals – access to healthcare, jobs, education, food and emotional support. We can show our appreciation to women who provide these services in their communities by nominating them for the Shine Awards 2021.”
This year, Shine will cast a bright light on rural women, starting with nominees Frances Frahn, Jennifer Nestor and Rita Canning.
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