Shine Awards 2023: Meet the 124 rural women nominated
From farmers to scientists, filmmakers, founders and even a ninja. Meet the extraordinary women nominated for the 2023 Shine Awards.
Readers have nominated 124 inspiring females for the 2023 Shine Awards, which puts a spotlight on women who make a real difference to rural and regional Australia.
From farmers to company founders, mental health advocates to carers, teachers to technicians, the nominees are pushing for positive change, leading from the front and getting things done.
Now in its seventh year, the Shine Awards is a campaign by The Weekly Times, and supported by Harvey Norman, honouring women in six categories: Belief, Courage, Dedication, Grace, Passion and Spirit.
The below nominees all deserve recognition for their contributions to communities and industries nationwide.
Out of this amazing field, 19 finalists will be announced on Wednesday, November 15.
Six category winners, a special Youth Award winner and the overall Shine winner will be revealed in a special Shine magazine out with The Weekly Times on Wednesday, November 22, and with The Australian on Thursday, November 23.
Congratulations to all the nominees:
NSW
Sarah Britz, Fountaindale NSW
Founder of online marketplace Spend With Us
Kate Brow, Ando NSW
Foreign Aid worker from a family farm on the Monaro who champions women’s and mother’s mental health in rural areas
Ingrid Corcoran, Boorowa NSW
A teacher and long-time masters hockey player
Sonja Dominik, Armidale NSW
CSIRO geneticist, Ninja Warrior competitor and champion of females in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics
Emma Elliott, Dubbo NSW
Director of Little Big Dairy Company who lost her husband to an accident in 2021, but has continued to lead the dairy business that produces single source milk
Kaitlyn Faulkner, Gunnedah NSW
A physiotherapist who is a passionate advocate for women’s health and mental health as a director of and volunteer for The Nurtured Village
Danielle Fordham, Tocal NSW
An alumni officer for Tocal Agricultural College who is inspiring school students to investigate career pathways in agriculture
Lou Green, Barellan NSW
Drought Angels support worker, chair of Women in Cotton
Sophie Holt, Urana NSW
Director and owner of Coonong Station who has collaborated with Maggie Lahore to create the Ethical Outback wool brand
Carly Jayet, Parkes NSW
Registered psychologist, business consultant and critical trauma responder who is an advocate for rural mental health
Fiona Kotvojs, Cobargo NSW
Founder and owner of Gulaga Gold Truffiere
Zoe Lamont, North Wagga Wagga NSW
Co-founder of Verve Super, Australia’s first super fund for women
Peita Mages, Orange NSW
Founder of Clever Cookie Academy, an educational support service that has grown from tutoring two students to supporting more than 400
Lauren Mathers, Barham NSW
Free-range pig and chicken farmer and driving force behind the Murray Plains Meat Cooperative micro-abattoir project
Sally McManus, Bulls Run Station, and Em Armstrong, Carrathool NSW
Entrepreneurs who have teamed up to give rural women access to premium Australian ingredients and try healthy new recipes in the kitchen while keeping healthy and active through online yoga classes
Molly Molloy, Broken Hill NSW
Young volunteer in Far West NSW who has made joey bags to help save orphaned joeys and is committed to making her community a better place
Amanda Nicholson, Tamworth NSW
Works tirelessly in the Texas Star performance horses family business
Keiley Noble, Narromine NSW
Founder of Western Rural Connect
Jennie O’Hara, Orange NSW
Delivers education relating to mental health first aid through JMO training services
Rochelle Olsen, Dubbo NSW
A community pharmacist who is providing support services in the regions for women who are dealing with the grief of losing a pregnancy or an infant.
Ariba Omar, Wagga Wagga NSW
At the age of just 13, Ariba is already a passionate volunteer, donating her time to support Cancer Council
Kara Porter, Woodview NSW
Reigning Casino Beef Week Queen who showcases dedication to her community and passion for representing it
Annie Pumpa, Braidwood NSW
Beef genetics global supply chain manager
Emily Sinderberry, Condobolin NSW
Supports rural, regional and remote business owners to transform passion into profit through her EJS Business Services company, so they can spend time with their loved ones
Chelsie Smith, Port Macquarie NSW
Works in a correctional facility to support Indigenous people with cultural needs, health and education
Pip Smith, Wellington NSW
Sheep farmer and founder of Love Merino
Kim Storey, Eugowra NSW
Author of What Does A Farmer Look Like and Little Farmers, showing people exactly who farmers are and positivity in the next generation of farmers through her storytelling
Kylie Streatfeild, Orange NSW
Chief executive of Orange and District Early Intervention Program who supports children and families at preschool, and children and young people and their families who have a disability
Margaret Swift and Frances Anderson, Eugowra NSW
CWA members and flood recovery volunteers
Rachel Torrealba, Collector NSW
Founder of a micro-flower farm who also runs workshops to inspire and educate locals in growing, pruning and displaying flowers at home
Kellie Ward, Orange NSW
Owner and manager of Foundational Care, which provides counselling, workshops and programs across Orange, Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes
Abby Watson, North Casino NSW
Runs a kitten and cat rescue to help local abandoned animals
Brooke Watts, Molong NSW
A 24-year-old who is operations co-ordinator for Bralca, which provides educational opportunities including drone courses, ultrasound scanning courses, keynote speaking at large events including Tocal Field Days and agricultural consultancy for farmers in need.
Beth White, Ben Lomond NSW
Volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the Guyra and Ben Lomond communities
Sharon Winsor, Mudgee NSW
Founder of Indigiearth who is supporting rural and regional communities, Aboriginal women in communities, Aboriginal women in business and developing Australian native products
Rizina Yadav, Newcastle NSW
Started a social impact organisation that creates consultation-driven policies to improve the lives of young women
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Lyndee Severin, Curtin Springs NT
Cattle farmer and tourism operator on Curtin Springs Station
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, NT
For her efforts representing Australians
QUEENSLAND
Carroll Abel, Tambo QLD
Community champion involved with the local CWA, Tambo gun club, ICPA, child care parent group and garden club
Felicity Abell, Burpengary QLD
Founder of The Bush Bundle
Kate Annetts, Julago QLD
A dedicated volunteer with the Queensland Country Women’s Association since 2020, and dedicated to the Alligator Creek and Elliot Springs community
Kellie Blinco, Toowoomba QLD
AgForce manager of community engagement who runs the School to Industry Partnership Program
Ursula Colgan, Blackwater QLD
Community volunteer who survives against the odds and has an unbreakable Outback spirit
Brooke Cuddihy, Quinalow QLD
Teacher who has created an agricultural studies program, and organiser of the Darling Downs Rural Ambassador Program at Toowoomba Royal Show
Hannah Currie, Mitchell QLD
Young leader within the Charleville Show Society
Kathy Duff, DiDi Station Proston QLD
South Burnett councillor who has worked tirelessly for her community for nearly 40 years
Jenny Gailey, Chinchilla QLD
Head of operations for Drought Angels
Wendy Gordon, Oakey QLD
CWA Oakey president and Country Kitchens convener
Alexis Green, Dalby QLD
Passionate farmer who runs three piggeries and works to revegetate and look after the ecology on the properties
Roslyn Hayes, Brightview QLD
Hay farmer, mother, cattle breeder, selfless supporter
Nardia Hughes, Toowoomba QLD
Cattle farmer who has battled floods and bushfires
Tammy Johnson, Tambo QLD
Co-owner of Tambo Teddies who also supports refugees
Hannah Johnston, Gympie QLD
A 19-year-old student who has overcome personal health battles to pursue her career goal to be a pathology scientist in a regional or rural pathology lab. She is also a long-time supporter of the Gympie Show
Fiona Lake, North Queensland QLD
Trailblazing rural photographer and agtech educator
Amanda Loy, Coleyville QLD
Founder of Cowgirls Gathering
Leanne Murphy, Coalbank QLD
President of the Crows Nest Historical Society
Mardi Noonan, Blackall QLD
Promoter of the small outback town of Blackall, who spreads the word about artistic events and artists
Rachel Pierce, Sandy Creek Station, Springsure QLD
Community volunteer and driving force behind the Springsure Show Brumby Challenge
Kerrie Richards, Richmond QLD
Founder of Merino Country
Leanne Ridley, Clifton QLD
Community champion, cattle stud manager, foster parent and organiser of the Dubbo Shorthorn Junior Show and Condo B&S Ball
Amy Schutt, Dalby QLD
CEO of Australian agricultural manufacturing company Midwest Fabrication
Danielle Skocaj, Tully QLD
Agronomist who is dedicated to the sugar cane industry
Ranita Toholke, Mount Isa QLD
Board member of the Mount Isa show and founder of International Men’s day
Alexandra Townsend, Charters Towers QLD
A 26-year-old who owns and operates Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette, a successful rural newspaper that is surviving against the odds
Rachel Young, Ban Ban Springs QLD
Founder of Solstice Fertility to give rural and remote women empowerment in their fertility journey
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Collette Alfar, Adelaide, Happy Valley SA
Home beauty salon founder
Katharine Crane, Kapunda SA
Works to help regional businesses harness the power of social media
Justine Fogden, Loxton SA
Agriculture studies teacher at Loxton High School
Bridget Johns, Alford SA
Mentor who gives women strategies to share their mental and physical workloads
Lisa Lock, Kimba SA
An advocate for regional women who uses her copywriting skills to share rural business’s stories, and also part of the iconic Workshop 26 enterprise, run by a group of women
Ali Paulett, Polish Hill River SA
Championing bush foods with sustainable wine
Stephanie Schmidt, Worlds End SA
Farmer and psychologist who has launched the ‘Change The Picture’ campaign, redefining farmer mental health by amplifying women’s voices in rural Australia
Susie Williams, McLaren Vale SA
Creator of the Fleurieu App, which supports businesses and connects the community for the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island
TASMANIA
Melissa Duniam, Milabena TAS
Founder of Leading Rein
Sophie Murfitt, Triabunna TAS
Head of marketing and sustainability at Spring Bay Mill, a sustainable events venue on the east coast of Tasmania
Felicity Richards, Riverside TAS
Angus cattle farmer and chair of Farmsafe Australia and the Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisory Committee
Rachael Treasure, Richmond TAS
Novelist, farmer and advocate for regenerative agriculture
Stephanie Trethewey, Dunorlan TAS
Founder and CEO of Motherland Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on the wellbeing and support of rural mothers across Australia
Maree Winkle, Latrobe TAS
Carer whose patients with dementia says she is an “angel” and can’t thank her enough for what she does
VICTORIA
Libby Allen, Newham VIC
A farmer, nurse and mother of children with disabilities who supports them to live their best lives
Gabrielle Banay and Jacqui Lanarus, Main Ridge VIC
Founders of Yolky Dokey farm, who started the free-range egg operation with no farming experience to become suppliers of pasture-raised eggs as well as educators
Crystal Bell, Oak Park VIC
Christine Bittner, Mossiface VIC
CFA captain for eight years who led a team that battled fires at Bruthen and Sarsfield during the 2019-2020 fires
Amber Bruce and Paola Crofts, Macedon Ranges VIC
Founders of Goldie Bespoke Butchery
Jessica Conlan, Elmore VIC
Champion of regenerative agriculture who runs a large-scale sheep operation with her mother
Sarah Crosthwaite, Kergunyah South VIC
Dairy farmer and mental health advocate
Renata Cumming, Narringal VIC
Dairy farmer and co-founder of Cream of the Crop
Mary Denton, Broadford VIC
Mary is a budding equestrian in the town of Broadford, who has opened an equestrian centre
Gayle Drake, Allansford VIC
A selfless community member who has been a Scouts leader for 34 years and a business manager at a small rural school
Victoria Fish, VIC
Senior research officer for Australian Wool Testing Authority, secretary of International Wool Textile Organisation Technical Specifications Group and inaugural president Women in Wool
Georgina Gubbins, Heywood VIC
A passionate and knowledgeable advocate for agriculture and farmers
Claire Harrison, Bridgewater on Loddon VIC
Health and wellbeing advocate, fitness teacher, and driving force behind resurrecting Mt Wycheproof King of the Mountain race
Claire Hausler, Tarrington VIC
Champion of the wool industry, drawing on her own experiences to support families to use the functionality of wool to benefit their lives
Bianca Heaney, Bacchus Marsh VIC
Executive Manager of Australian Wool Industries Secretariat and founder of Women in Wool
Jordan Hoban, Nowa Nowa VIC
For teaching the fundamentals of family and how to nurture others to children in an agricultural setting where they can have fun
Gabbie Horton, Stockyard Hill VIC
Peter Westblade Scholarship recipient who has won awards as a cattle handler and with the Murray Grey Stud of Tasmania
Sarah Kelly, Skye VIC
Dairy farmer and single mother to three girls who makes solo parenting look easy
Lizzie Maclay, Hawksdale VIC
Arrived in Australia in 2020 after giving up a successful journalism career for the backpacking trip of a lifetime and started her first ever milking job that year. Now proud to call herself a professional milkmaid and won southwest dairy employee of the year for her passion and dedication
Louise Mann, Western District VIC
Cattle and sheep farmer with a passion for genetics who is at the heart of her multi-generation family operation
Leila McDougall, Tatyoon VIC
Filmmaker, farmer and mental health advocate
Lisette Mill, Warrnambool VIC
Inventor of the Bandicoot Motel which protects wildlife, who is dedicated to the environment, Australia’s native animals and the farmers who manage the land
Elle Moro, Eppalock VIC
Established Hilltop Horsemanship, which includes starting horses under saddle, re-educating horses, return to work programs and riding lessons
Sarah Phillips, Kangaroo Flat VIC
E-learning expert who was born with Lipomyelomeningocele, and now runs Pop Education to help learning institutions and companies deliver educational content to people in any location
Vivien Philpotts, Nulla Vale VIC
Malinda Schultz, Donald VIC
Founder of The Good Feed, offering a three-course meal for free to all local residents to give lonely, aged, disabled and isolated people a sense of community
Amabel Visscher, Tongala VIC
Dairy farmer who is passionate about showcasing career options in the industry to other young people
Sarah Walkerden, Berringa VIC
Founded a rural copywriting business that has developed into a marketing business as well
Kirsten Walters, Woolsthorpe VIC
Community champion
Samantha Wan, Ballarat VIC
Farmer, wool auctioneer, wool quality manager, wool influencer and an inspirational role model for young people wanting to find a way into agriculture
Joss West, Trentham VIC
Rural vet and chief operating officer of Terragen, an agricultural biological company
Kim Williams, Seymour VIC
Caravan park owner who inspired her community through last year’s devastating floods, despite going through a personal health battle herself
Maree Wilson, Springhurst VIC
Farmer and Aussie Hay Runners volunteer
Steph Toms and Zsofia Homor, Bicentennial Trail VIC
Two young women trekking ex-racehorses 5330km across Australia for mental health awareness
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Stacey Ford, Fitzroy Crossing WA
Co-manager of one of Australia’s flagship cattle stations and photographer
Thea Garner, Wyalkathem WA
A strong woman in the wheatbelt of WA who loves her horses, children and grandchildren and gives generously to the showjumping community
Elyssa Giedraitis, Wongan Hills WA
Runs multiple not-for-profit community projects aimed at improving and promoting different rural and regional mental health, small business and the agricultural industry
Debbie Hall, Manjimup WA
Runs and owns a cattle, avocado and marron farm that has been in the family for more than 100 years
Michelle Moriarty, Bunbury WA
An expert in grief and bereavement who is founder and director of Grief Connect
Sarah Stanaitis, Cookernup WA
Dairy farmer who is supporting other women in the industry
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In the town that produced dual-Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, Kate Box is ensuring there’s a record of any more future champions that come through the ranks.
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Former Illawarra detective uncovering romance scams
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