Driving change in rural communities: Meet the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipients

AgriFutures Acting General Manager of Workforce, Communications and Adoption, Jennifer Galloway emphasised the critical role that women play in ensuring the prosperity of Australia’s rural communities.

“Women in agriculture are not just shaping their own businesses; they’re driving innovation, resilience and sustainability across entire regions,” Ms Galloway said.

“From the paddock to the boardroom, women are at the forefront of transforming regional industries, creating opportunities and strengthening their communities for generations to come.

“This year’s recipients showcase the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that will help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of Australia’s rural industries.”

Now in its third year, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant has supported 21 women in realising their innovative visions for rural Australia. Previous recipients like Sarah Golding, founder of the Vet Mind Mentor which provides mentoring for veterinary graduates, said being a part of the program had been an extraordinary experience.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved with the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant program. It helped me to develop my business, and more importantly shine a spotlight on women who are driving growth in rural communities through innovation and hard work,” Mrs Golding said.

“I’m excited to see how the new recipients’ projects will help carry momentum in 2025 and beyond.”

Meet the 2025 recipients

• Sally Turner, NSW: Sally is tackling the critical issues of eating disorders and body image in regional Australia through community-based educational programs that raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide targeted education. Her initiative includes school-based programs, training for teachers, carers and parents, advocacy for local support services, and education on health and body acceptance via community-led initiatives, social media campaigns and resources.
• Megan Bowden, QLD: Megan’s “Dragon Eggs” project aims to bring the farm to life in schools, workplaces and childcare centres through hands-on egg hatching experiences. The program will deliver interactive learning packages, compete with live stream access to follow the eggs as they hatch and opportunities to purchase farm fresh eggs and chicks.
• Tammy Schutz, SA: Tammy’s vision is to investigate the viability of black soldier fly larvae production on-farm, as a diversification strategy for primary producers and more specifically wine grape growers. Her passion for sustainability and a focus on creating a circular economy has led her to see the potential of black soldier fly larvae production in utilising food waste while future proofing farms for the generations to come.
• Catherine Jewell, NSW: A new opportunity for Australia, Catherine aims to establish a small scale orris root farm based on an Italian cooperative agriculture model. The production of this sought-after ingredient for luxury perfumes and artisanal gin would reduce reliance on imports and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Ceilidh Meo, VIC: Ceilidh’s project, the Long Road Olive Co-operative, is a not-for-profit, grower-led, organisation to support small scale olive growers. The Co-operative will support small-scale olive growers by investing in equipment, engaging the community, and creating markets for “unwanted olives” through a co-operative brand working to keep wild olive trees out of the state forest, bringing the community together for gastronomy and agritourism events.
• Tegan Johns, WA: This project will promote regional towns as ideal filming locations. Tegan aims to do this by working closely with producers to capture content from the moment the cameras start rolling, documenting behind-the-scenes activities and unique aspects of the regional location. Tegan is leveraging her 25 years of film expertise to drive local pride, tourism, and economic benefits while fostering community engagement.
• Stephanie March, SA: Stephanie’s MERCI Co. project creates a supportive online storytelling platform for families raising children with medical challenges, fostering connection and understanding within rural communities. The depiction of authentic stories through short videos will foster connections and cultivate a sense of community among families facing similar journeys.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant complements the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award by supporting women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award but have compelling ideas to strengthen regional Australia.

For further information, visit agrifutures.com.au/accelerationgrant.

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