Rural Women's Award announced at gala event

Tanya Egerton, founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, has officially been named the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner for her work in empowering the entrepreneurial aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across remote Australia.

Victorian resident and paediatric critical care nurse, Grace Larson, was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work in addressing the health disadvantages faced by rural children through The Sisterhood Project.

The women, along with their fellow national finalists, were honoured for their exceptional contributions to rural communities and industries during Tuesday’s ceremony.

The 2024 cohort includes:

• Tanya Egerton, Founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project (Katherine, NT)

• Grace Larson, Co-founder of The Sisterhood Project (Mia Mia, Victoria)

• Rebecca Keeley, Allied-health professional and founder of Yarn (Canberra, ACT)

• Kate Lamason, Co-founder of Little Tuna (Cairns, QLD)

• Belle Binder, Founder of Farm Work Loop - Left Field (Devonport, TAS)

• Mandy Walker, Co-owner of Walkers Diesel Services (Wongan Hills, WA)

• Nikki Atkinson, Founder of Horrocks Vale Collections (Flinders Ranges, SA)

The announcement was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, during a black-tie gala dinner at Canberra’s Parliament House on Tuesday evening.

The event was attended by more than 500 guests, including Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, industry representatives, government officials, members of the award’s alumni, other state finalists, and their families.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s premier award, recognising and supporting the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. With the continued support of Platinum Sponsors, Westpac Agribusiness, the program offers opportunities to showcase and inspire female leaders across Australia.

In addition to the $15,000 Westpac grant already awarded to the seven state and territory winners, Ms Egerton and Ms Larsen will receive an additional $20,000 and $15,000 respectively to further develop their successful projects.

Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open and will close on Wednesday, October 9.