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A self-sufficient industry cooperative connecting small businesses into the wider Australian defence industry network.
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That’s the dream of 2024 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner and Walkers Diesel Services co-manager Mandy Walker.
The Western Australian business owner has put forward a new initiative utilising a collaborative business model to mitigate agricultural seasonality risks by integrating into the lucrative defence industry supply chain.
The idea has already borne fruit with the concept winning her the title of 2024 Western Australia State Winner and continuing onto the national finals on 20 August this year.
Each national finalist receives a $15,000 Westpac grant for their project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks. The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner up, an additional $15,000.
The award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.
Regional businesses already face numerous challenges such as workforce limits, housing, livability, connectivity, and competition with other industries such as mining, according to the Wongan Hills business manager.
There is space available for an industry cooperative connecting smaller regional and agricultural businesses into the wider Australian defence industry network, generating its own income along the way and teaching more enterprises how to secure long-term economic diversity and resilience, she said.
AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the award as a means of identifying, celebrating, and empowering women. The Rural Women’s Award is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring rural industries prosper now and into the future.
The award is supported by Platinum Sponsor Westpac and media partners R.M. Williams OUTBACK Magazine, ACM Agricultural Publishing & Events, and ABC Rural.
Under the national 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award there are seven women recognised for their contribution to Australia’s rural, regional and remote industries, businesses and communities by being named national finalists of the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
The seven national finalists were announced at events in their respective states and territories across Australia earlier this year, after a highly competitive selection process that saw over 100 applicants vying for the prestigious titles.
Each of the seven female leaders will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to help boost, expand or elevate their work. At the Gala Dinner & National Announcement at Parliament House, Canberra, on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, the national winner and runner up will be announced, and they will receive an additional $20,000 and $15,000 grant, respectively.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides forward-thinking rural, regional, and remote leaders with the support and leadership skills to pursue projects that make a real difference.
“These awards are not just a game changer for the recipients, they allow them to continue driving change so that entire communities and industries reap those rewards for generations to come,” Harvey said.
“Positive initiatives like this set us all up for a stronger tomorrow. We can’t wait to celebrate all of their achievements in August.”
