From personal loss to a national sun‑safety initiative

Remote Queensland cattle producer, Angie Nisbet has been named the 2026 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner, recognised for her work improving sun safety and health outcomes across agricultural communities.

A fifth-generation beef producer and mother of three from North-West Queensland, Ms Nisbet co-founded FarmHer Hands after her sister Shona was diagnosed with stage two melanoma and a close friend lost their life to skin cancer. What started as a personal response has grown into a national movement, designing UPF50+ sun-protection gloves tailored specifically for rural women, men and children, while raising awareness about the risks of working long hours in the Australian sun.

Ms Nisbet accepted the award today at a ceremony attended by Hon Fiona Simpson MP, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security. The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, supported by platinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia’s leading award recognising the innovation, leadership and impact of women in rural and regional industries and communities.

FarmHer Hands is now expanding beyond products, with the development of school and workplace education resources, new retail partnerships and an online resource aimed at making preventative skin care more accessible in the bush.

As the 2026 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner, Ms Nisbet receives a $15,000 Westpac grant to grow these educational initiatives and the reach of FarmHer Hands across Queensland and beyond. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice.

Later this year, she will represent Queensland at the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra, on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The national winner will receive an additional $20,000 Westpac grant, with the National runner-up receiving an additional $15,000.

Recognition, growth and national impact

Ms Nisbet said the award highlights the importance of changing the conversation around health in agriculture.

“People working on the land spend long hours outdoors under some of the harshest conditions in the country, often in remote environments, and don’t always have the same access to health services as those in metropolitan areas,” Ms Nisbet said.

“That makes prevention critical. By raising awareness and normalising conversations about skin health, we can support better outcomes for today’s agricultural workforce and help protect future generations growing up on the land.”

AgriFutures Australia, Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM, said the award recognises women turning lived experiences into practical solutions.

“Angie’s work shows how a deep personal experience can lead to meaningful change for entire communities,” Ms Casey said.

Westpac Regional General Manager Northern Queensland, Regional and Agribusiness, Maxine Austin, said the award highlights the role of women driving change across regional Australia.

“Westpac is proud to support the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, and the women making a difference in rural industries and communities,” Ms Austin said.

“Angie’s leadership through FarmHer Hands demonstrates the impact of purpose-driven ideas grounded in real experience.”

Find more information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award at agrifutures.com.au/rwa.

ENDS

About AgriFutures Australia

AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), a statutory authority of the Federal Government established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989.

AgriFutures invests in research, innovation and leadership to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian agriculture. We support 13 levied industries driving growth through targeted research, development and extension that strengthens industry productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.

AgriFutures also delivers national programs that address industry-wide challenges and opportunities, connects global agrifood innovation networks, and builds leadership across the agricultural sector.

Research investments made or managed by AgriFutures Australia, and publications and communication materials pertaining to those investments, are funded by industry levy payers and/or the Federal Government.