Nominations are now open for the 2024 Rural Women’s Awards, which showcase the leadership and drive of rural and regional women across Australia.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director General Heather Brayford said inspirational women living and working in regional and rural Western Australia were encouraged to nominate for the State award.
"The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award aims to empower and celebrate the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities," Ms Brayford said.
“I encourage Western Australian women who are passionate about their work and communities and want to build their skills and networks to consider this fantastic award.”
The State winner receives a $15,000 bursary to support their project, business or program which benefits the rural community, and goes on to compete for the national title.
Bunbury businesswoman and social worker Michelle Moriarty is the 2023 Western Australian Rural Women’s Award recipient.
Ms Moriarty is the founder of Grief Connect and helps widowed people across Australia reduce social isolation and improve mental health outcomes. Her work is also advocating to normalise conversations about grief in the wider community with The Grief Language Project.
She received the WA award in March and used her State bursary to expand on support services and develop resources for the Grief Connect WA Young Widowed Support Group and Over 55s Widowed Support Groups.
Ms Moriarty said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award had shone the spotlight on the widowed and grieving community, bringing public awareness to the specific bereavement support needs of people living in rural areas and also opening safe conversations about grief.
“The award bursary has given me the platform to engage with experts in business development and has rapidly accelerated the trajectory of Grief Connect services,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The networking bonds that I have developed with my WA alumni has meant that I have been mentored through the process with wisdom, guidance and genuine support.”
Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award close on 25 October 2023.
For information about applying, contact DPIRD Core Programs Manager Rob Leicester at rob.leicester@dpird.wa.gov.au or 0419 921 056. More awards information is available from the AgriFutures website https://agrifutures.com.au/
The WA awards are supported by DPIRD, Westpac, CBH and RRR Network.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, DPIRD media liaison (08) 9368 3937/3137