Early bird tickets now on sale for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner & National Announcement

Celebrating the ingenuity and leadership of women shaping rural and regional Australia, he black-tie celebration will bring together alumni, government officials, industry leaders and supporters from across the country for a night of inspiration, genuine connection and regional storytelling.

The event is now open to the public to purchase tickets here.

Delivered with the support of platinum sponsor, Westpac the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award showcases the critical role women play in rural, regional and remote businesses, industries and communities.

The annual Gala Dinner is a celebration of forward-thinking, courageous leaders from industries spanning some of Australia’s most remote regions. This year’s national finalist are Angie Nisbet (QLD), Kristie Ivone (NSW/ACT), Becky Dickinson (VIC), Amy Vickers (TAS), Narelle Zanker (SA), Angela Teale (WA) and Kelly Shotton (NT).

2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award national winner Carol Mudford will MC the evening. A NSW shearer, registered nurse and mental health advocate, Carol founded sHedway, a national not-for-profit tackling suicide prevention in the shearing industry.

AgriFutures Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM said the Award continues to grow in influence and impact with every passing year.

“These are women who don’t just contribute to their communities, they transform them. The Gala Dinner is our chance to honour the newest cohort of changemakers and celebrate the leadership that continues to shape the future of rural and regional Australia,” she said.

Background Information

Now celebrating its 26th year, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has become a nationally recognised platform of influence across parliament, industry, media and its extensive alumni network.

Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 grant for their project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

The National Winner and Runner-up will receive an additional grant of $20,000 and $15,000, respectively, thanks to the Award’s platinum sponsor, Westpac.

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 our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.

For more information about the Award, head to www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased here.

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.