Shine Awards 2022: All the nominees
Readers sent in 120 nominations for this year’s Shine awards. Meet the inspiring rural women and read their stories.
The finalists for the 2022 Shine Awards have just been announced, see who they are by clicking here.
Now in its sixth year, the Shine Awards is a partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman, inviting readers nationwide to share stories of rural women whose belief, courage, dedication, grace, passion and spirit make a real difference to their communities and industries.
This year, 120 nominations poured in from readers, for rural women from across the nation, whose contributions and achievements deserve huge recognition.
From the below nominees, today 19 finalists have been named.
From those finalists, on November 23 six category winners and a special Youth Award winner will be revealed, as well as an overall Shine winner.
Meet all the nominees:
NEW SOUTH WALES
CHERIE THOMPSON, DUBBO NSW
Cherie is doing incredible work in the Indigenous space in regional NSW through her business called Native Secrets, which is using Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants to create a unique skincare and haircare range. On top of being a wife and a mother of two young children, she teaches three days a week and is about to complete her MBA.
DAYTONA PORTER, TATHRA NSW
Daytona, 17, is captain of her high school, an accredited rugby league referee, a mentor and inspiration to others and was awarded the “Young Change Maker Award” by the Australian Olympic Committee.
JESSICA GOUGH, WELLINGTON NSW
Jessica owns three businesses, Arthurview Cafe, Jespresso Coffee Co. and Jespresso Coffee Cart employing 12 staff across her businesses. She is involved in fundraising for the Domestic Violence Collective, is a member community groups and is always advocating for the town of Wellington, doing everything she can to make a difference.
RACHAEL PHILLIPS, WEST TAMWORTH NSW
Rachael is a director of an Aboriginal Early Childhood Education service and has dedicated her career and life to promoting the best outcomes for children and the Aboriginal community. She has had a significant impact on the local Gomeroi community and also advocates for children and Aboriginal people on a state and national level. She is a true inspiration to our service, our community and deserves recognition on a greater level.
KATELYN WALL, TAMWORTH NSW
Katelyn is excelling with her honey empire. From selling raw, unfiltered local honey, to making lip balms, beeswax wraps and raising her two beautiful children, Katelyn is a shining star.
SALLY POWER, CLARENCE VALLEY NSW
Sally helped co-ordinate logistics for flood recovery organisation Feed for Friends. The group has not only provided feed and helped organise hay runs and distribution but also advised farmers who to see for other assistance and gave them a shoulder to lean on.
NERISSA COOKSEY, WOODBURN NSW
Livestock vet Nerissa is the founder of Feed for Friends, a grassroots flood recovery organisation that has helped landowners and livestock across the Richmond Valley.
MELISSA CLANCY, GUNNING-BODALLA NSW
Melissa runs two successful, demanding rural enterprises as well as a contracting business employing eight people. “She is a stock woman, business woman, mother and wife – the perfect package, says the reader who nominated her.
LIBBY HOWARTH, ORANGE NSW
Libby had dedicated years as a non-uniformed officer with the police force. working her way up through levels of service to the top as a district area manager of Broken Hill.
TANIKA DAVIS, NEWCASTLE NSW
Tanika is working hard to bring her First Nations culture into the Autistic support network. She is making resources inclusive and has worked to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to benefit First Nations children, while raising her son, who has autism.
BELINDA JOHNS, GRIFFITH NSW
Belinda is a rural businesswoman who runs her own design and marketing agency supporting rural clients with professional marketing expertise. She has also founded the Griffith Women in Business organisation, and is often shining the spotlight on other inspiring rural women.
LINDA GOLDSPINK-LORD, ILLAWARRA NSW
Linda is an animal health entrepreneur who this year published a book, Crawling Through the Darkness, to share her story of finding life after losing a child to inspire others to live an intentional and meaningful life. Linda’s business Poseidon Animal Health has completely changed the landscape around animal gut health – with products for horses and dogs – she works tirelessly to educate horse and dog owners on the benefits of good gut health for animals.
PAM ELLERMAN, DENILIQUIN NSW
Pam is a member of the local Naponda Hospital Auxiliary committee, has volunteered for many years and has been the driving force behind the Naponda Farmers’ Market. She has also been instrumental in the opening of the Naponda Store, which contributes part proceeds to the local Hospital. Pam has created a place for locals to come together, restoring confidence, self-esteem, sanity and a sense of belonging to a community.
LEANNE BROCK, TAMWORTH NSW
Leanne is the founder and Managing Director of Australian Mining and Exploration Title Services. She founded the business 15 years ago next year. Starting with herself and one other employee, she now has 22 staff across every State and Territory in Australia and has clients in every State and Territory.
SHARNA KULHAVY, WAGGA WAGGA NSW
Sharna is a dedicated anaesthetic registrar currently working in the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. She has worked as a junior doctor for a number of years and once her specialist training is complete, she hopes to return to a regional town to continue her career. She is a passionate advocate for rural and regional health and is always seeking ways to greater her understanding of the difficulties in providing health care to rural and regional areas.
NIKITA AUSTIN, SALAMANDER BAY NSW
An artist, volunteer and entrepreneur, 25-year-old Nikita Austin is a driving force for positive change in the Hunter Region of NSW.
Nikita has launched her own speech pathology business, Eat Speak Repeat Allied Health, which employs four people and offers essential health services to her community. The proud Wonnarua woman also runs a volunteer cafe in a local church and when not working or volunteering, shares her artistic talents, recently creating a mural at the Tomaree Hospital.
Friend and colleague Tracey Slingsby said Nikita completed any project she took on “with excellence”.
“Her enthusiasm for life and bringing out the best in others is truly inspiring,” Tracey said.
ANNA BARWICK, WALCHA NSW
As a young mother, pharmacist Anna Barwick realised how nerve-racking it must be for isolated parents to find trustworthy information about medications for their children.
When the pandemic hit two years ago, making it even more difficult for people to access medical advice, she formed a plan to give households instant access to pharmacists through a telehealth service, founding PharmOnline in 2020.
“I thought of the seed of the idea when my daughter was first born,” said Anna, whose two children are now five and six years old.
“I was trying to figure out what a rash was on my daughter, and how to treat it … I realised there are probably lots of parents (worrying) like me, but who don’t have the background (pharmaceutical) knowledge that I do.”
PharmOnline has filled that gap, with seven pharmacists located across Australia offering telehealth consultations.
Anna grew up in a small rural town in Central West NSW, and is also passionate about engaging a younger generation of rural women in the community.
TANYA HOLMES, BATHURST NSW
As the mother of children with cerebral palsy, Tanya Holmes has always been a pillar of strength for her family.
The Bathurst entrepreneur has spent decades putting their needs first, so when she suffered a freak spinal cord injury in 2016 that left her suddenly paralysed – classed as a walking quadriplegic – it turned her world upside down.
“I had what they say was a spontaneous rupture of the C4-5 vertebrae of my cervical spine, where they literally shattered into pieces. And they don’t know why,” said Tanya, who went to bed one night to sleep off a migraine and woke up paralysed.
“It took a lot of time for me to accept that I now have a disability because I was so used to being the carer in my household.”
Tanya has nerve damage, chronic pain and paralysis, but she didn’t let that stop her from returning to her love of baking.
Pre-injury, Tanya often baked elaborate 3D cakes as “her therapy” to help deal with anxiety, triggered by years spending time in and out of hospitals with her children.
While creating those cakes was too labour intensive due to her injury, Tanya turned her hand to creating simpler cookies.
They were so well received by locals in Bathurst that she rolled the hobby into a business: launching Imperfectly Perfect Sugar Cookies.
She has built a huge following through word of mouth, recently fulfilling her biggest order yet – 1600 cookies for corporate client Newcrest Mining. Her range caters for all tastes, with vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, sugar-free and soy-free options. She also works hard to raise awareness about mental health support and inspire other people living with disabilities.
“In the first 12 months of having an injury I went to numerous job interviews, and was knocked back because of my disability,” she said.
“I guess that was also why I started the business; that part of me still wanting to prove I was capable. After a while it became more of a I want to show other people with a disability that we are capable.
“I’m actually proud of being a person with a disability and especially a woman in business with a disability because it is not something you see a lot of. And I really believe you can’t be something you don’t see.”
Tanya also uses her business to raise money for Veterans charities and has been made an affiliate member of her Bathurst RSL sub branch for her efforts.
Friend and customer Elise Smyth said Tanya was always the first to stick her hand up to help others in her community.
“She is so worthy of winning an award,” Elise said.
BIANCA TARRANT, BARYULGIL NSW
Originally a “beach girl” from Port Macquarie, Bianca Tarrant jumped into farming when she was just 23 years old, buying a farm in 2017 with her partner Dave.
It was literally a baptism of fire for the couple, who faced drought then bushfires in their first five years.
Bianca, now 29, found off-farm jobs, doing fencing and mowing lawns, to support her farm’s cattle during those tough times.
Like many producers in their region, Bianca and Dave struggled to feed their animals, then had to contend with the added stress of fluctuating prices and not knowing what they would eventually be paid for the cattle.
“I’ve not been part of the farming industry my whole life, so it was a bit of a culture shock to come into the livestock industry,” Bianca said.
“That was the way it was, you took your cattle to the market and were a price-taker.
“I had trouble comprehending we would work so long and so hard for an animal and we had no idea what we would get paid for it.”
That insecurity prompted Bianca to find a way to set her own price, and she started selling some of their own beef directly to consumers on social media.
It was the start of Our Cow, an online meat delivery subscription service Bianca launched in 2019.
The business has grown quickly, now supplied by about 100 farming families and offering beef, pork, lamb and chicken for delivery across Australia.
“Demand was so strong we were able to on-board other farmers really quickly,” she said.
“It is pretty amazing to think how much support we have actually had from people all across Australia. The growth has been unbelievable.”
Livestock are consigned to Our Cow in farmers’ paddocks, and are processed at abattoirs closest to producers, with the majority sent through Casino where Our Cow has a boning room employing 40 people.
“The majority of our product goes to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but we have a lot of regional customers as well,” Bianca said.
“(Our cattle) are a small drop in the ocean of Our Cow now.
“Still it is good to be able to guarantee us a price, and do the same for other farmers as well.”
SUSAN BAKER, ASHFORD NSW
Rural paramedic and Ashford Ambulance Station office Susan Baker has worked with Ambulance Services NSW for more than 35 years, with the first 13 years as a volunteer.
She’s also a member of the Ashford SES and pitches in to help anyone in need in her community.
Fellow Ashford paramedic Susan Hatton said her contributions were immense.
“During that 35 years she has delivered babies, rescued people, treated farm injuries, mental injuries, held hands of the dying, comforted the bereaved, trained and guided new paramedics, run a station, and put up with me for 17 years,” Susan said.
“She’s baked a bazillion scones, iced too many lamingtons to count, fed hordes of people with no notice; I swear her chest freezer has no bottom.”
CHARMAINE BUCKLEY, ORANGE NSW
A former business banker and talented rugby union player, Charmaine Buckley has sidelined her professional career to devote the past decade to caring for foster children.
Alongside currently raising three children under the age of 10, she finds time to take to the pitch for her local Orange Emus club while also devoting time to work with an in-home early learning program that aims to give local children the best start in education.
Her partner Alyssa Bennett said Charmaine put her career on hold to dedicate “100 per cent of her time to caring for vulnerable children as she would her own”.
LAURA DUNKLEY, DUBBO NSW
Dubbo artist Laura Dunkley opened a permanent gallery showcasing local artists works in September last year, after a hugely successful pop-up gallery that she spearheaded during Covid.
Organised by Laura and run by volunteers, the pop-up was a place to make art and collectables created by talented locals available to the local community.
The idea was so well received, Laura knew it deserved a permanent home in Dubbo.
Creative Fusion Gallery is home to more than 50 talented artists and makers, showcasing art, photography, jewellery, clutches, resin, candles, soaps, plants, food, toys, books by local authors, home decor, cards and prints.
ALEXANDRA BURKE, ORANGE NSW
Alexandra Burke runs a film production and distribution company in rural NSW.
She was nominated by Sarah Lewis, who said she “brings the glitz of Hollywood” to her local community by attracting major productions to Orange. “She is a true star in her own right,” Sarah said.
BELINDA COSGROVE, BIALA VIA GUNNING NSW
Farmer Belinda Cosgrove is a dedicated member of her region’s equine community as the horse steward for the local Gunning Show and secretary of the Canberra Polocrosse club.
She was nominated by Deborah Condon, who said “Belinda has given so much of herself in the true spirit of country care and community for many years”.
“She has made many a sacrifice to help many other clubs and the polocrosse community, Belinda does all of this and more … I cannot think of a more silent, hardworking rural woman.”
LEANNE LYNCH, WAGGA WAGGA NSW
Physiotherapist Leanne Lynch has overcome the tyranny of distance to achieve a long-held career goal and inspire her two teenage daughters.
After 23 years working in a local pharmacy, Leanne returned to university as a mature-age student to become qualified as a physiotherapist during the pandemic.
The Wagga Wagga local said she had put her personal ambition on the back burner after school, but had always dreamt of being a physio.
“I just thought I would work for a little while and earn money to put myself through university,” Leanne said, explaining day-to-day life took over, and supporting her young family and paying a mortgage came first.
Leanne is about to graduate from Charles Sturt University, having completed the course while managing a household, trying to be there for her teenage daughters and all the while making the 300km round trip to Albury Campus week after week, which often meant staying away from home.
“It was a big challenge,” she said. “I was very lucky that I have a super supportive husband to be able to take the reins while I was away.”
She nearly packed it all in, because she couldn’t also hold down a job while studying and travelling. The $200 a week in petrol wasn’t financially viable on a single wage, but Leanne received a scholarship part-way through her course that allowed her to finish.
She said her daughters were the ones who inspired her to pursue the dream.
“I was having a discussion with one of my teenage daughters with regards to job options and I did speak to her about how hard I had worked for minimum wage,” she said.
“I said I do believe you need to have a degree or qualification.
“Then I sat back and thought ‘who am I to talk if I haven’t done it myself’.
“I wanted to be a really good role model.”
Her eldest daughter is studying teaching at CSU and her youngest has plans to be a radiographer.
Her husband, Greg, nominated her for a Shine Award because he said she had “sacrificed so much and is an inspiration to our whole family”.
“She deserves all the accolades in the world.”
PORSHIA DRAGUT, BROKEN HILL NSW
Beauty entrepreneur Porshia Dragut has turned a passion for nails into a career, launching her own business called Beauty by Porshia in the remote Far West NSW town of Broken Hill.
The reader who nominated her said “she is truly an inspiration to young women everywhere. She has shown that you can follow your dreams, do what you’re passionate about and turn your passion into a career”.
ROBYN GRAY, WATERVIEW HEIGHTS NSW
Wildlife rescue volunteer Robyn Gray is a dedicated member of WIRES, who gives up her time to help injured birds and animals.
The person who nominated her said Robyn deserved recognition for her contributions to the Clarence Valley community, its flora and fauna and the WIRES organisation.
ELIZABETH MORRIS, QUIRINDI NSW
Elizabeth Morris started her own real estate agency in Quirindi, after noticing there were a lot of services that she could provide to benefit the town.
“There were a lot of small things that other agents weren’t doing like opening on a Saturday and doing open homes, pushing social media to create rapport with the community and having the upmost respect to call or email every person back no matter their circumstances,” Elizabeth said.
“We have gained a strong community trust in such a small period of time by being completely transparent and pushing communication to the forefront of our minds.”
Since opening in November last year, Elizabeth and her business have done much more than focus on the bottom line. She has sponsored community events, local schools and sporting clubs, all to support grassroots groups that make Quirindi a great place to live. She is also a big advocate for women in business, speaking at events in her region and supporting efforts to stamp out domestic violence.
Stephan Jelenic nominated Elizabeth, and said she “brought city ideas to the country”.
“Not only has her business been successful, she has helped the community in the Liverpool Plains.”
RACHEL KERIN, PARKES NSW
Rachel Kerin is dedicated to changing lives for the better. She founded Kerin Physio Co in the town of Parkes in Central West NSW. Her goal was to give locals access to excellent Allied Health care and services.
The person who nominated her said Rachel’s “infectious enthusiasm” and “love for the Central West and its people have meant that it is a thriving and enormously appreciated and beneficial business”.
BELINDA LEONARD, BLUE MOUNTAINS NSW
As chair of Wentworth Healthcare, Belinda Leonard was nominated for her huge contribution to her community, including passionate advocacy for equitable healthcare access for regional people.
ALANA SHERIDAN, GREEN FOREST NSW
When the floodwaters rose up around Alana Sheridan’s home in northern NSW in February this year, her first instinct was to protect her “herd”.
That included her 100 braford cattle, her family, and her neighbours.
Ms Sheridan and her husband, Tim, took their neighbours in and after hours spent in the roof watching the floodwaters rise around them, they used a boat to ferry everyone to safety in the dead of night.
The ordeal did not end when the floodwaters receded. Shoulder-deep water had filled the family’s home, on the macadamia farm on which they worked in Green Forest, south of Lismore.
Ian McWhinnie nominated Alana. He said she “selflessly” continued to help others in the aftermath of the floods.
“Losing her own job and income from the damage done on the macadamia nut farm where she was employed, she pushed on.
“Now on her sixth temporary place of residence, until her rental house and workplace are rebuilt there is no amount of upheaval will keep this pocket rocket down.
“She is the true reflection of the Aussie fighting spirit.”
CYNTHIA SPANO, SPRING FARM NSW
Cynthia Spano is a hardworking mother who also works six days a week as a carer.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
SHEENA MABILANGAN, ALICE SPRINGS NT
Fitness enthusiast Sheena supports people in Alice Springs to maximise their health and personal wellbeing through Crossfit and fitness.
JESSICA DI PASQUALE, KATHERINE NT
This determined horsewoman, cattlewoman and mother of two conquered the Mongol Derby this August, placing 20th in what is considered the world’s toughest horse race.
Jessica Di Pasquale is a farm and Brahman stud overseer on Charles Darwin University’s Katherine Campus and owns aerial mustering company EnJay Services.
QUEENSLAND
KERRIE RICHARDS, SHAILER PARK QLD
With a passion for Australian Merino wool, Kerrie founded her own brand, Merino Country, in 1993. Originally from a sheep and cattle station outside of Richmond in remote North West Queensland, Kerrie was prompted to start the business by drought and low commodity prices. Under the brand, she sells Merino fabric and garments including Wundies, the Baa Bra and Merino Mammaries for breast cancer patients, along with supplying the Australian Defence Force and Victoria Police.
JANE PARKER, PALMWOODS QLD
Determined not to be beaten after her farm was subject to large cuts to water allocations 20 years ago, Jane joined the Department of Primary Industries as a research officer and began investigating environmentally sustainable and marketable crops suited to Callide Valley conditions. She came up with herbs and has encouraged others to help establish a new herb industry in the area. Persistent and resourceful, over two decades Jane and her colleagues brokered partnerships, piloted the manufacture of new product lines and carved out lucrative distribution channels through the brand Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices. Today, Jane is still at the forefront of the industry as agricultural development manager for McCormick, the world’s largest manufacturer of herbs and spices, Jane is researching, developing the implementation of Agtech for Gourmet Garden growers working in conjunction with Universities.
ZHANAE DODD, ROCKHAMPTON QLD
Rockhampton local and proud Ghungalu woman Zhanae Dodd, 24, is passionate about agriculture and shows potential to become a leader in her rural community. Zhanae is a CQUniversity Bachelor of Agriculture student who has always had a love for agriculture, specifically land care and management and regenerative agriculture along with cattle. Zhanae studies full time, works full time as a Youth Justice Case Manager and Court Support Worker at Darumbal Community Youth Service Inc, is a board member for Gumbi Gumbi and volunteers in the community.
KAREN SEARY, BUNDABERG QLD
Karen is improving access to university education for people living in the regions. As Associate Dean of the School of Access Education and through her leadership, Karen has helped develop CQUniversity’s flagship Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies course, and academic support services. STEPS is a free course that has provided thousands of students with skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue university study.
CHARLOTTE BYRNES, MOUNT ISA QLD
Charlotte is a passionate and committed young netball player and school student who encourages everyone involved in her sporting community.
NICOLE STATHAM, BUNDABERG QLD
Nicole sustained an injury last year and has put in tireless effort over the past 18 months to recover. Her dedication, perseverance and hard work are an inspiration to others.
JILL HAYES, GATTON QLD
As well as running a busy accounting firm as office manager, Jill and her family also endured extensive flooding on their family farm this year. Despite the challenges in the Lockyer Valley, Jill has been instrumental in spearheading recruitment activities to create jobs in the region.
JANET VALLIER, GYMPIE QLD
Janet is a “quiet achiever” who works for the Department of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries and will always take time to look after others before herself, says the reader who nominated her.
VIVIENNE MCCOLLUM, TOOWOOMBA QLD
Vivienne is co-leading a team of researchers who are pioneering a water soluble methane reducing supplement for livestock.
KAILA KINGSLEY, MOUNT MULGRAVE QLD
Kaila runs her own businesses, looks after her property, carries out all “her daily mum duties” and is an “amazing power woman”, says the reader who nominated her.
EMMA DENNEHY, ESK QLD
Beef farmer Emma Dennehy does it all.
She and her husband run a beef cattle property and grow feed for cattle, while Emma also runs her own operation on the side as a rural contractor.
She is hands-on in all respects on their property, working in the yards, cutting and branding, mustering and moving large mobs of cattle with horse and a team of amazing dogs.
As a devoted mother of three children, one with special needs, she also drives the local school bus when needed.
Leonie McCabe nominated Emma, saying she is “an amazing woman, a quiet achiever who loves her family and her rural life”.
CAROLINE F ARCUS, MOSSMAN QLD
Experienced entrepreneur Caroline Arcus established an appliance repair business single-handedly 13 years ago.
Mossman Appliance Service has grown into a respected operation in the local area, also providing a depot service for a major transport and logistics company to give the remote area of Queensland access to delivery services.
ANITA BLANCH, PROSTON QLD
Anita Blanch is an inspiration to her community, owning and running two small businesses in Proston. She is a young mum, aspiring teacher and “strong community leader”, said Traci Holland, who nominated her.
SARAH BECK, ATHERTON TABLELANDS QLD
Breast cancer survivor and farmer Sarah Beck has just taken part in the world’s longest equestrian race, in the middle of Mongolia riding semiwild horses. It was a race she trained for for years, and yet when a new friend had an injury, Sarah pulled out of the race to help her.
KERRYANNE DEAN, LONGREACH QLD
Kerryanne Dean is a lamb and wool producer who has made huge-but-quiet contributions to her community.
Nominated by Cindy Baker, Kerryanne is always at the ready to help her family, farming operation, land, livestock and friends and neighbours.
“Kerryanne’s energy levels, sacrifice of time, care and compassion especially for the elderly … is immeasurable,” Cindy said.
“Over the many years Kerryanne and her late husband Michael have opened their home and given so many the opportunity to share a part of their home and lifestyle.
“She is always thinking of ways to make someone else’s day better, even if it’s someone who she doesn’t know but has heard is doing it tough.”
ROBYN FUHRMEISTER, ST GEORGE QLD
Robyn Fuhrmeister is a force to be reckoned with.
A councillor on the Balonne shire for many years, Robyn is the manager and chair of Care Balonne, a not-for-profit organisation in St George that supports vulnerable in the community.
Also the chair for Meals on Wheels St George, Robyn always looks for ways to help her community.
Sarah Southern nominated Robyn, saying “community is extremely important to Robyn and she dedicates her time to make it the better for everyone”.
Dr Sarah Casey said Robyn was a “community conduit” and “nothing short of amazing”.
MADISON GILBERT, FEDERAL QLD
Year 12 student Madison Gilbert is on a mission to boost understanding of Indigenous culture in her peer-group, after recently discovering her Indigenous roots.
She has aspirations to study biomedicine at university and research the medical benefits of Aboriginal natural remedies., while also learning more about her Aboriginal heritage and culture. Madison is one of 20 students in an online Indigenous studies class, a school leader and has been promoting Aboriginal artwork made by students to be placed across her school.
BLOSS HICKSON, ROLLESTON QLD
Bloss Hickson owns Huntly, a certified organic, grass-fed cattle property in the Arcadia Valley in Queensland’s Central Highlands.
She is also an artist who is passionate about regenerative farming and the use of trees in a grazing operation. She created an educational, artistic tree immersive experience at Beef Week to inspire others to learn about the role of trees in sustainable agriculture.
KYLIE READ AND RUTH POLLEY, GYMPIE QLD
Kylie Read and her friend Ruth Polley co-founded not-for-profit Hope Reins, aiming to “heal horses and help hurting humans”.
For the past 11 years they have run free programs in the local community, supported by donor funding, to help rescued animals and give young people and adults who need something to care about a purpose.
Deirdre Wilson nominated them, saying “they work hard, laugh lots and play a part in helping rescued animals become healthy and whole”.
CLAIRE HARRIS AND KATE STRONG, QLD
Kate Strong and Claire Harris have clocked up nearly 25,000km on the road – and as many steps on the dancefloor – over the past 22 weeks.
The young women are the duo behind “Hoedowns for Country Towns” – a nine-month bootscooting trip across rural Australia to give country communities a reason to kick up their heels while raising money for good causes.
JACINTA RENSHAW, MANNUEM QLD
Jacinta Renshaw has had a lifelong passion for the land, its people and animals.
Growing up on a sheep station at Nyngan, Jacinta’s education took her to Kambala and on to Dubbo, where she worked as an occupational therapist before married life led her back to farming.
Now she works beside her husband, Claude, on a South Burnett Wagyu breeding property, to supply none other than 2GR, the premium brand in Gina Rinehart’s Hancock stable.
Jacinta has always been hands-on in farming, doing stock work and mustering, eventually developing a beef genetics consulting business and on to building a Wagyu breeding operation with Claude, who nominated her for the Shine Awards.
He said she had worked hard to improve the quality of 2GR, which was become one of the best Wagyu brands in the world.
“Jacinta is a quiet lady with wonderful perception and judgment,” he said. “She has a great sense of humour – even during the mouse plague – and working with her beside me makes my life a lot happier.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
YVETTE FRAHN, BUGLE HUT SA
Living on a large remote property at Bugle Hut, near Loxton SA, Yvette and her husband are striving to improve land management and give back to the environment. Renovating their homestead, revegetating with indigenous plants and involving the community in their progress has all been part of the journey. Yvette has faced several health battles, but has persevered.
STEPHANIE KRIEWALDT, LOBETHAL SA
Stephanie is a passionate educator and principal of a small community school in Lobethal. Her passion for rural education has made a big difference in her community, levelling the playing field and bringing a city advantage to a country setting. Projects have included involving local dairies in a machine learning app where students have developed and coded a program to use AI to classify cows, and using drones to map growth after bushfires and as bird deterrents for local orchards.
MELISSA BROWN, MCLAREN VALE SA
As chief viticulturist and co-owner of Gemtree Wines, Melissa introduced and led biodynamic practices in the vineyard and developed the Gemtree Eco Trail, which involved planting thousands of native trees and shrubs on the property. Melissa has also been a passionate advocate for increasing biodiversity in the McLaren Vale region as a tireless Biodiversity McLaren Vale committee member.
MICHELLE PARKER, TUMBY BAY SA
While working full time, Michelle volunteers her time for the ambulance service and is the volunteer team leader for the ambulance station in her town. Volunteering about 2000 hours a year Michelle has also been able to complete a Bachelor of Paramedical Science all while juggling her other commitments.
GILLIAN FENNELL, LAMBINA STATION SA
Gillian works side-by-side with her husband, Mark, on a 5000sq km pastoral property in far north South Australia, and devotes her time and expertise to advancing the livestock industry through advocacy and association memberships.
Gillian has bought a wealth of practical experience in the pastoral industry to those memberships says Donnagh Clarke, who nominated her.
“We need more woman like Gillian in our region and hopefully it will inspire other young woman in the pastoral industry to strive forward and be the very best version of themselves,” Donnagh said.
EMILY RIGGS, BURRA SA
After using fashion as an outlet to deal with the trauma of cancer as a child, Emily Riggs has turned to championing Aussie fibre in adulthood. She launched her own fashion label, Iris & Wool, in 2019 on the Burra sheep property she runs with her husband, with her designs made with Australia Merino. The wool is fully traceable to farms mainly in Victoria and NSW.
KATIE HINES, KINGSTON SE, SA
Katie is lead agriculture teacher at a high school in Kingston SE on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
While balancing work as a mother to a three-year-old, Katie coordinates the agricultural show team, helps students find a passion for careers in the agricultural industry and is also president of the local show society, says Lana Harriott, who nominated her.
She is also a regional junior vice president of the South Australian and Border Show Societies Association, enabling her to bring broader experience and knowledge to her local community, plus involved on committees of the local tennis club and Southern Ports Tennis Association.
“How it is possible for one human to manage all this, I am not sure, but what I do know is that Katie is an absolute integral part of her community and will do her absolute best to support her local region, while at the same time raising a young family,” Lana said.
“Without Katie, both her school and local community would be at a great loss, they are so very fortunate to have her.”
TASMANIA
CAROL COX, LADY BARRON TAS
A long-time member of her local council, Carol is also a farmer and fisherman’s wife who shows huge commitment to her community through service. “She is an extremely outstanding example of the resilience and dedication to the community she resides in,” says the person who nominated her.
ASTRI KIRKLAND, BURNIE TAS
Astri operates a business that provides around-the-clock care for people living with disabilities.
ELLIE O’BRIEN, NEW NORFOLK TAS
Ellie is a registered nurse and manager of the Rural Primary Health program, which supports people with chronic health diagnoses.
MEAGAN CHIVERS, MT SEYMOUR TAS
Meagan works for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in youth mental health. “Meagan works more hours off the clock than on, gives her heart and soul to our community,” says the reader who nominated her.
STEPHANIE TRETHEWEY, DELORAINE TAS
Stephanie moved to northwest Tasmania in 2019 with her husband, Sam, to start a beef farming operation.
When she had her first child in 2020, she was deeply affected by the isolation of rural life and also struggled with post natal depression.
To overcome the crippling sense of aloneness, she started a podcast to build connections with other rural mums facing the same challenges. Stephanie has grown her idea into an ambitious plan to create a nationwide support network that works directly with healthcare professionals and maternity services in all rural communities.
It is now a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation called Motherland, that aims to give all rural women access to an online mothers’ group regardless of their location.
Stephanie has recently been named the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner for her advocacy work, and has been nominated for Shine by Erin Miller.
“She is passionate about helping other women in rural settings and is an inspiration,” Erin said.
VICTORIA
MADELAINE SCOTT, CLARKEFIELD VIC
Madelaine Scott is a leader in regenerative farming through her organic egg business, Madelaine’s Eggs, and she has also shown bravery and resilience as a single mother raising her children on the farm.
TIFFANY CADDY, TORQUAY VIC
Tiffany is an early childhood educator who makes a huge difference to the children in her care, and their families.
ASHLEY SMIRL, SALE VIC
Ashley is a driving force behind Wellington Shire’s visitor economy, co-ordinating events, activities and technology to benefit the local community. Through her work and enthusiasm, Ashley provides real economic and social benefits to Wellington Shire.
KATE FOSTER, SALE VIC
Kate champions the development of the renewable energy sector in Gippsland to help create jobs and economic prosperity in Wellington Shire. She was the driving force behind the Gippsland New Energy Conference held in Sale. Attended by 380 people, the event showcased the region to drive public and private investment in the industry.
JEN SMITH, TAMBO CROSSING VIC
Jen Smith is part of the founding body of Gippsland Agricultural Group and has been instrumental in forming and driving the group from the ground up. She has also been a stalwart of the bushfire recovery effort in her community.
NATALIE KERST, HEALESVILLE VIC
Mother of two Natalie has an incredible drive and determination to keep her flower-growing business going on her own, after losing her partner in an on-farm accident two years ago. She has persevered despite Covid disruption, lockdowns, restrictions, limitations, plus the additional task of home schooling her children.
DIANE JOSE, GARFIELD VIC
Diane has realised a long-held dream to breed Australian riding ponies.
CARLY MCKINNIS AND TAMMIE MEEHAN, ARARAT VIC
Carly and Tammie have created a mental health services organisation that helps place psychology students in schools across western Victoria. Through their dedication and commitment to their region, they have introduced more than 14 psychologists in training to the area. The program allows more than 100 rural school students, and their families, to access free high quality mental health resources.
MICHELE DOWNS, WARRNAMBOOL VIC
Michele is a family lawyer who is involved with her community and is a board member on a not-for-profit disability services provider.
BERNADETTE SHARON, WODONGA VIC
Bernadette Jones develops Indigenous leaders and supports their career progression through her organisation National Indigenous Workforce Solutions. She travels the Riverina region for another company, called time2talk leadership, delivering leadership and management support and training.
DANIELLE STEARMAN, PORT FAIRY VIC
Danielle is a business woman and mentor who is a “powerhouse leader”. She shares so much of her knowledge, heart and passion with others, says the reader who nominated her: “Being part of her network has allowed me to grow and develop my own business and brand and enable me to create a life I love.”
CLAIRE HARRISON, BRIDGEWATER VIC
Claire drives Active Farmers classes in Bridgewater On Loddon, drawing people from across the region together to improve the mental and physical health of all. She was also the driving force behind the Run for Resilience in Bridgewater, dedicated to a much loved community member Lesley Morrison who passed away suddenly during the pandemic.
MELISSA MCDONALD, BESSIEBELLE VIC
Melissa is a fourth-generation farmer on family farm, managing a 550-cow dairy. She also works part time at educating the next generation of farmers at RIST, is Macarthur Primary School Council president and is a member of the board of Bendigo Bank in Port Fairy.
AMY COSBY, EAST GIPPSLAND VIC
Dr Amy Cosby is a passionate dairy farmer, ag-tech researcher and community educator, working to inspire and skill up the next generation of agriculture leaders. Enthusiastic about engaging students and teachers to explore and understand the agricultural industry, she’s worked across Australia with educators, researchers and industry professionals to develop innovative programs to increase the skills and knowledge of teachers and students in agricultural concepts, tools and systems.
LUCY COLLINS, DIXIE VIC
Rural livestock vet Lucy is also a young woman working in the dairy industry on a family farm. She champions animal welfare through her work and also mentors new graduate veterinarians. Plus she is an advocate for women in dairy and is co-founder of the Cream of the Crop Australia conference and networking event for women and “wonderpeople” in dairy.
KIMBERLEY FURNESS, BENDIGO VIC
Bendigo business woman and former journalist Kimberley could see a huge gap in the magazine market for one group of readers, so she made it her mission to share their stories, founding Oak magazine.
ANNA TOZER, TALLAROOK VIC
Anna works on a farm in central Victoria, which runs about 10,000 superfine merinos, crossbreed ewes for prime lambs and 200 cattle. Anna rears and rehomes orphaned lambs to give them a better life. Anna juggles her on-farm work with studying for a nursing degree
BRIDGET PERN, HAMILTON VIC
Bridget is the owner and founder of The Hamilton Hamper, which showcases regional produce and is a catalyst for regional tourism. Using her platforms, she promotes the Hamilton region, is encouraging and gives her nationwide followers a reason to visit her small slice of Victoria.
TRACEY KRUGER, PENSHURST VIC
Tracey runs a sheep and beef farm with her husband in southwest Victoria. She has battled breast cancer for many years and has become a big advocate. She is also a huge contributor to the local community through her photography skills. She runs an Instagram account which promotes Australian agriculture and first-class animal welfare.
JULIE ALDOUS, MANSFIELD VIC
Mansfield teacher and farmer Julie Aldous re-imagined how her school could deliver relevant, engaging agriculture curriculum that could open career options for students and help industry.
Called “Agribusiness, the Mansfield Model”, the program she designed in 2009 gave students in Year 9 the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in agriculture while learning hands-on skills on farms.
She was recognised in 2014 with a rural women’s award for her outstanding efforts and her program also inspired a pilot project that ran across 19 schools in the Ovens Murray region called “What’s it really like”. That program extended her concept to multiple industries, with an aim of improving pathways for young people into training and employment.
CHANTELLE CHITTY, MORWELL VIC
Morwell Headspace youth worker Chantelle Chitty supports and advocates for young people who use the service and take part in its programs.
The Headspace service is a safe space where people aged 12 to 25 can seek support and information about mental health, drugs and alcohol, physical and sexual health, employment and education.
Chantelle works closely with community organisations to encourage young people to become socially engaged and support one another.
JACKIE ELLIOTT, SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS VIC
Jackie Elliott is the founder of not-for-profit group Rural Women’s Day, which is dedicated to connecting rural women through collaboration and celebration.
Starting with a one-off event in 2019, Jackie has created a network of like-minded rural women who come together to form friendships and business partnerships, launched a podcast and published a magazine for rural women.
Her upcoming Rural Women’s Day weekend in Southern Grampians will host 200 women from every state and territory, and New Zealand.
Jackie has even scaled back her paid work to part-time, so she can put more effort into the charity.
EMILY DAVIS-TOPE, BENDIGO VIC
When ice hockey player Emily Davis-Tope pulls on her skates, she means business.
Emily grew up in Bendigo, with the closest ice hockey rink two hours away, but that didn’t stop her pursuing a dream to become one of the best young players in the nation.
The 21-year-old athlete has represented Australia multiple times in national teams, first at U18 level and most recently in the women’s team.
She also made a brave leap to attend university in Canada, where the sport is followed by millions of fans, and plays at collegiate level.
Emily was part of the strong Australian side that competed at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Croatia this year.
The women’s team took out second place in their division, beaten by Iceland in a thrilling final. Emily was named Australia’s player of the tournament.
SALLIE JONES, JINDIVICK VIC
Sallie Jones is the co-founder of Gippsland Jersey, and a huge advocate for mental health support for rural communities and fair prices for farmers.
Sallie’s father, late dairy farmer Michael Bowen, took his own life in 2016 after a battle with mental health.
Out of grief, Sallie poured her sadness and energy into creating a legacy brand that she hoped would make her dad proud.
He had been a pioneer of the “farmhouse products” movement in the late 1980s, and Gippsland Jersey has followed his blueprint for success. The brand is stocked in supermarkets across Victoria, and has spun off a product range that includes butter and ghee.
Sallie also devoted time during the pandemic to support and promote her home region of Gippsland, becoming one of the faces of the state government’s “Stay close, go further” tourism campaign, which encouraged people to explore the regions and boost rural economies.
ELLE MOYLE, GAZETTE VIC
Elle Moyle does it all.
She’s a farmer, vet, board director and industry leader.
Elle runs a cattle and sheep operation in western Victoria, and has worked for the state ag department as a district vet for western Victoria and has been on the board of directors for veterinary pharmaceutical company AVet.
As a finalist and winner of many rural honours, including the Cattle Council’s rising champion of 2020, Elle is “an inspiration to all young woman on the land”, says David Williams, who nominated her.
JANE RUSHWORTH, BENALLA VIC
Jane is an active member of the Benalla community who has been involved in establishing Odyssey House rehab services at Molyullah.
She has been nominated by Tom Stylli, who says Jane works to support local community needs and “ensure rural voices are not lost”.
SARAH WALKERDEN, BERRINGA VIC
Sarah runs a copywriting venture that supports agricultural, rural, regional and remote businesses. The success of that operation led her and her husband to start marketing and publishing businesses with the same ethos.
Sarah is passionate about providing real results for regional businesses, and has also published a book about rural business women, which became a top seller on Amazon, and a digital magazine about rural entrepreneurs.
As if that’s not enough, Sarah does it all while raising two young children.
KYLIE RUSSELL, ECHUCA VIC
Echuca’s Kylie Russell is a working mother who inspires her friends and community.
Lisa Miles nominated her, saying “Kylie is one of the most wonderful caring person I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet … (she) always goes above and beyond to put others first in her job also outside of work; she is a true inspiration for women.”
JACKIE PEACOCK, HAMILTON VIC
Jackie Peacock, 41, is a marketing consultant from Hamilton who is also an amateur motorcycle rider. Jackie has tackled some of Australia’s most gruelling desert courses, including the 460km two-day Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory to raise funds for Beyond Blue.
JEN SMITH, EAST GIPPSLAND VIC
Farmer and mother Jen Smith was nominated for the work she has done to help East Gippsland communities recover from bushfires.
Erin Horton nominated her, saying Jen has “a heart of gold”.
CATH JENKINS, SOUTH PURRUMBETE VIC
Learning to milk cows and raise children during ‘tough times’, South Purrumbete farmer Cath Jenkins has built an impressive legacy, on farm and off. Cath’s impressive CV includes dairy farmer, agribusiness consultant, and free-range egg producer.
She is also chair of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority board, has been a passionate advocate for women and young people in farming, and is a mother of four, with children Harry, 12, Bella, 14, Poppy, 17, and Lily, 19, all involved in the family’s diverse enterprises at South Purrumbete.
PETA THORNTON, SWAN HILL VIC
Stone fruit grower and mother Peta Thornton runs a farming operation with her husband.
In her spare time she advocates for the benefits of environmental water, good land management and transparency of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, says Hayley Siddons, who nominated her.
“She is an amazing woman,” Hayley said.
PAM MAWSON, WARRAGUL VIC
When the pandemic ground Victoria to a halt, Pam Mawson rolled up her sleeves to keep the CWA, and its mission, alive. Pam is the current CWA Victoria state president and has been part of the volunteer army for the past 20 years. A highlight of her time in the CWA was creating a pop-up shop during Covid to help make money when all their other income streams, including the show and the Toorak B&B, were shut down.
TRUDY ANDERSON, BENAMBRA VIC
In the East Gippsland town of Benambra, being a fifth-generation resident is not so unusual.
So Trudy Anderson – whose ancestors were among the original settlers of the East Gippsland town of Benambra back in the 1830s – is just another local; “a local who likes to get things done and who is extremely passionate about her community”.
Trudy, though, has earned the respect of her community not through her historical ties, but through tirelessly fighting for Benambra’s needs.
Even in primary school she was a committee member of the netball club, then in her late teens went on to be treasurer of the Omeo Pastoral Society.
“I’d encourage any young community member to get involved in local committees early because there’s a wealth of experience in them, so much to be learnt,” Trudy said.
These days she’s a volunteer CFA firefighter, on the cemetery trust, the community recovery group, and is a former East Gippsland Shire councillor.
You get the idea. Trudy is a giver.
And it’s all been done while working with her husband and young daughter to run a 1100ha farm across several properties: a commercial mob of Hereford beef and Suffolk prime lambs, as well as growing all their fodder crops.
Trudy’s work for the community has accelerated in the past seven years as manager of the Benambra Neighbourhood House, which serves about 200 people in a 40-minute radius of the town.
She said even though it was the heart of the community – providing services such as a monthly barbecue, emergency service stalks and social and wellbeing activities – the Neighbourhood House was tiny, with a loo in an outdoor shed, and in need of desperate replacement.
Trudy said the poor state of infrastructure was underscored by the 2019-20 bushfires, which kindled unhealed trauma from the 2003 fires that hit Benambra hard.
She has been lobbying the shire and state government for a $2.5 million upgrade to the Neighbourhood House – in addition to the $30,000 already raised – which would include public toilets, IT and communication facilities, doctor clinic, respite area and rooms to host firefighting authorities.
Despite the need, Trudy said they missed out on government bushfire recovery funding.
“We feel left out because the population numbers are not here. We are not a big regional centre but our needs are just as important as larger towns,” Trudy said.
“The government seems to think recovery takes two years but it’s much longer than that. Recovery is a very slow process.
“This local community doesn’t ask for a lot and we just want good facilities and to be heard.”
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
LOUISE BARKLE, AUSTRALIND WA
Louise puts her spare time into helping and supporting local small businesses in her region, and is passionate about seeing the region grow.
TAMMEE KEAST, KAMBALDA WA
Tammee has been a passionate advocate and dedicated volunteer in her local community of Kambalda for many years. She has been an on-road volunteer emergency medical technician for St John WA, as well as co-ordinating volunteers, logistics and finances for the not-for-profit.
MOLLY PHILLIPS, BROOME WA
Originally from Melbourne, Molly works in the emergency ward at the Broome hospital and has embraced the Broome community.
LOUISE O’NEILL, DENMARK WA
Mum of two and university-qualified sports therapist Louise O’Neill founded Farm Life Fitness, an online community that’s transforming the physical and mental health of people in rural Australia. Farm Life Fitness runs 30-minute live, online group fitness classes, offering a quick, safe, and effective way for people of all fitness levels to exercise – from the comfort of their own home.
She does this while also helping out on the family farm and raising two young boys.
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