Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2024

AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Queensland State Chair, Ms Ann Ross; Manager, AgriFutures Australia, Ms Sheridan Ingold; sponsors; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I too, would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

This morning, we celebrate the achievements of four remarkable Queenslanders, who as this year’s AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalists, truly highlight the immense capabilities of women living and working in our State’s regional areas.

To today’s finalists—congratulations for your outstanding contributions to your industries, businesses and communities.

As Governor of Queensland, I am delighted to hear such stories of achievement, because your inspirational and innovative projects, are each responding to needs within our communities, and their implementation and success are helping our whole state thrive.

To be here, you have fulfilled the demands of a rigorous selection process, and the requirement that your endeavours align to the values of the Award, which include such qualities as bravery, resourcefulness, authenticity and pragmatism.

And while you are differentiated by location and focus, I know you are each united by a driving passion for life on the land—prepared to work hard and take risks to enhance the fortunes of your own communities, and the wider prosperity of regional Queensland.

Importantly too, your efforts and strong leadership are encouraging other women across Queensland to trust their instincts and abilities, and to have the courage to follow their dreams.

I am sure than any one of you would shine as our State’s representative at September’s National announcement, and although there will only be one official winner, you are all champions.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the two women who have been named as this year’s Queensland recipients of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant – one of whom is here this morning– and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Thank you to the national sponsor, Westpac, and state sponsor, QCWA—which is one of my wonderful patronage organisations, and is synonymous with promoting rural connection and friendship.

The generosity of all supporters ensures these Awards continue to motivate Queensland women to think big, and are given the financial assistance they need to continue to develop their skills.

Finally, I commend AgriFutures Australia for promoting these Awards, which have been running now for more than two decades, and which remain Australia’s leading awards in acknowledging and supporting women’s efforts in the country.

Such recognition is valuable, because it fosters a spirit of ingenuity with compassion—a powerful blend that creates truly transformative ideas. 

It’s an honour to join you at this morning’s awards, thank you.