The national winner and runner-up of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will be announced at a gala dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
The prestigious event celebrates female-led ingenuity in the regions.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, with the support of platinum sponsor Westpac, showcases the critical role women play in rural, regional and remote businesses, industries and communities.
This year’s gala dinner marks a major milestone; 25 years of spotlighting rural women who are shaping the future of our nation.
The black-tie celebration will unite alumni, government officials, industry leaders, private sector and supporters from across the country for what promises to be a night of inspiration, connection and powerful storytelling.
The annual gala dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the forward-thinking, courageous leaders who come from industries across some of the remote areas of Australia, including each of the state and territory winners: Nicole McNaughton (QLD), Carol Mudford (NSW/ACT), Dr Mary Cole (VIC), Sarah de Jonge (TAS), Kelly Johnson (SA), Kristy Hollis (WA) and Isabella Thrupp (NT).
Master of Ceremonies for the black-tie evening is 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award national winner Tanya Egerton.
The event is now open to the public to buy tickets.
AgriFutures QLD Alumni state chair Ann Ross said the award’s 25th anniversary was a powerful moment to reflect and recharge.
“For 25 years, this award has celebrated women who don’t just contribute to their communities; they transform them,“ she said.
“The gala dinner is an opportunity to honour the latest cohort of changemakers and be reminded of the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives rural and regional Australia forward.“
Now celebrating its 25th year, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has become a nationally-recognised platform of influence across parliament, industry, media and its extensive alumni network.
Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 grant for their project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
The national winner and runner-up will receive an additional grant of $20,000 and $15,000, respectively, thanks to the awards platinum sponsor, Westpac.
AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.
The Rural Women’s Award is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now and into the future.
For more information about the awards, head to agrifutures.com.au/rwa.
