Cairns tuna businesswoman Kate Lamason has won Queensland’s 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her extensive work across the seafood industry.
The accolade acknowledges and supports the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate forward-thinking, courageous leaders.
Ms Lamason, who receives a $15,000 Westpac grant and will represent the state at the national awards in August, is a worthy recipient.
In 2017 she co-founded Australia’s first canned tuna company and has worked tirelessly since to boost both the profile and sustainability of the local tuna industry.
Her career spans the seafood industry, not-for-profit organisations and local government. She is a graduate of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program and serves as a board director for Tuna Australia.
“As co-founder and director of Little Tuna, I am passionate about delivering a sustainable Australian product, as well as fostering inclusivity and diversity in the industry, particularly advocating for women’s support and recognition in the field,” she said.
“I am honoured to be the Queensland winner alongside such a strong field of contenders and appreciate how critical these Awards are for championing rural women from all industries.”
Ms Lamason, who runs Little Tuna with her husband in Cairns, was chosen from four finalists: Burdekin senior secondary agricultural science teacher Louise Nicholas, Aussie Helpers CEO Natasha Kocks and Gladstone and Gloriously Free oats founder Kylie Hollonds.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said:
“Kate Lamason is an inspiration to so many women in the seafood industry, including with her advocacy through Women in Seafood Australasia.
“Her example of success will add to the shining light of women’s contributions to primary production in Queensland, as also exemplified by the other Queensland finalists.
“That contribution is growing every year and the innovation, creativity and leadership being shown by Queensland women will help to lift our $23 billion industry to even greater heights.”
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provided forward-thinking female leaders the support and skills to pursue projects that make a real difference for generations to come.
“These Awards are not just a game changer for the recipients, they allow them to continue driving change in rural and regional Australia so that entire communities and industries reap those awards,” Mr Harvey said.
“Positive initiatives like this set us all up for a stronger tomorrow.”
