Seven Female innovators are announced as 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipients.

Alice Bennett (Crystal Brook, SA), Thea Walker (Jardee, WA), Nadine Holgate (Kialla, VIC), Emma Goodall (Clunes, VIC), Leanne Kruss (Dimbulah, QLD), Kate Webster (Muttama, NSW) and Sara McCarthy (Narromine, NSW) successfully pitched their ideas, ranging from health chats, value-add ice cream and pastures under horse grazing, to a brain injury summit, Australian fibre apparel rental, classroom resources about agriculture and delivering medication with a drone.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant was launched in 2021 and is designed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

“We are thrilled to be offering these seven rural women the leadership and development opportunities they need to make real and tangible impacts in their industries and communities,” said Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, John Harvey.

Each of the seven women will receive a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

Harvey highlighted that The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is an important program as it provides a vehicle for women across the nation to realise their potential.

“It will nurture the development of new and exciting ideas, and we encourage the successful applicants to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in the future,” he added.

Each of the seven women will receive a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

With the support of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant, all seven women will be undertaking a range of learning and development opportunities throughout 2023, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to advance their project from idea to reality.

Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant will open in September 2023.

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