Shine Awards 2024 nomination form: Celebrate Australia’s rural women

It’s the final week to nominate an amazing regional woman for the Shine Awards. Nominations close October 23, don’t miss out!

The Shine Awards is a joint partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman that is a true celebration of women right across rural and regional Australia.

Use the form below to nominate a rural or regional woman who is making a real difference to her community or industry, and shine a light on their incredible achievements.

Or, send an email to [e-mail]

Nominations close on October 23.

ABOUT THE SHINE AWARDS

Now in its eighth year, the Shine Awards strives to share the stories of women in rural and regional Australia who might otherwise go unnoticed.

We’re looking for the innovators and change makers, the quiet achievers and unsung leaders who are making their communities, businesses and industries a better place.

Since first launched in 2017, Shine has put a spotlight on hundreds of women and their accomplishments, with the winners and finalists each year proving to be real inspirations.

Overall winner for 2023, NSW’s Sharon Winsor, said being part of the awards was an “amazing achievement for me personally, my business, for the hard work of women and for my people and culture”.

Sharon Winsor from Mudgee, NSW, was the Overall winner for the Shine Awards 2023. Picture: Dean Marzolla

Sharon, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Mudgee, was recognised for her ability to thrive against the odds.

In the early days of starting her leading bush food brand Indigiearth, she lost her first child to stillbirth. A domestic violence survivor also, her work and connection to Country were part of her healing process – and now Indigiearth is connecting all Australians with a part of Indigenous culture.

“My passion and drive has come from a place of survival, desperation to break cycles and for personal healing,” she said.

“To win an award of this nature has ignited the fire in my belly even more, it has given me more self belief in myself and a bigger recognition of my brand and purpose. I am truly humbled and grateful.”

This year, Shine will cast a light on equally inspiring rural women across Australia, starting with Mary Denton, Ellie McDonald and Emily Edge.

Broadford’s Mary Denton is an advocate for the healing power of horses. The 59 year-old runs her own equestrian centre, where she works closely with young people with disabilities and learning difficulties, helping them develop simple life skills through horsemanship.

At just 25, Ellie McDonald is First Lieutenant at the Dadswell Bridge CFA. The sheep farmer has volunteered with the brigade since she was 16, and this year faced her biggest challenge when bushfire struck her family’s farm.

Meanwhile, Casterton’s Emily Edge shows no matter how far you travel, there’s no place like home. Growing up a Western District farm kid, Emily’s career took her all the way to Canberra’s Parliament House – but she’s back where it all started and using her skills to showcase the delights of regional Australia with her dedicated rural tourism app.

Over the next three months, The Weekly Times will highlight more stories from powerhouse regional women – on farms and off, in rural towns, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and schools.

Their stories will appear in The Weekly Times in print, digital and socials.

From stories that have appeared throughout 2024, finalists will be chosen in six categories: Belief, Courage, Dedication, Grace, Passion and Spirit.

There is also a special Youth award to a short-listed nominee under the age of 30 who shows great potential to be a leader in her rural community or industry.

Finalists in each category will be announced on November 20, with the winners revealed in a special Shine magazine on November 27.

Each category winner and the Youth winner will receive a $2500 Harvey Norman voucher.

An overall Shine winner will receive a further $5000.

If you know women like Mary, Ellie and Emily, nominate them today so we can share their stories.