Western Australian rural woman Darrylin Gordon has earned runner-up honours at the national 2018 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award.
Ms Gordon, from Halls Creek, was recognised at a gala dinner held last night at Parliament House, Canberra.
As a Jaru woman and pastoralist who works on her family’s pastoral business in the Kimberley, Ms Gordon has a strong connection to the land.
Ms Gordon is using her WA Rural Women’s Award bursary to develop localised training to enable residents to learn the skills they need to get local jobs, particularly in farming, mining and tourism industries, which are key activities in the region.
A three-month camp on her family’s station is intended to develop the life skills of local participants.
As national runner-up, Darrylin has been awarded a further $5,000 to bring to life her ideas.
A Queensland farmer who is tackling food waste on the farm, Krista Watkins, was awarded the top honour.
The Rural Women's Award is an initiative of AgriFutures Australia, supported in WA by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Department Director General Ralph Addis congratulated Ms Gordon, who is an inspiring champion for her local community.
“Darrilyn is using her leadership skills, and an innovative training model, to bring long term benefits to Aboriginal people in the remote Halls Creek community,” Mr Addis said.
“With an understanding of the power of work in contributing to health and happiness, and its financial rewards, Darrylin is empowering her people via a program of work orientation and mentoring, driving prosperity in her region of the State.
“I am confident that she will succeed in her vision to be a role model for younger generations living in the Kimberley.”
The Rural Women’s Awards celebrate and inspire the next generation of female leaders in rural and regional industries, businesses and communities.
Nominations are currently open for the Western Australian 2019 Rural Women’s Award, closing on Wednesday 31 October 2018. More information is available at agrifutures.com.au/rwa
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