Military veteran Amy Vickers wins 2026 Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Leadership in supporting women

Amy Vickers, founder of Well Beyond Service has been recognised for her leadership in supporting women transitioning from the Defence force, emergency services, and volunteer roles back into civilian and community life.

A 26‑year military veteran, Ms Vickers served as an Aviation Technician and later an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in the Royal Australian Navy. Drawing on this experience, she founded Well Beyond Service to provide tailored, compassionate support for women transitioning out of service.

Based in regional Tasmania, Well Beyond Service delivers five day rural retreats that leverage the restorative power of rural environments, creating space for reflection, connection and renewal beyond what is often possible in urban settings.

The retreats combine equine interaction, art and yoga with structured therapeutic support to help women rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience and rediscover a sense of purpose. They also foster meaningful connections with rural communities through farm‑based activities and lasting regional ties that support both individual recovery and community cohesion.

Ms Vickers accepted the award today at a ceremony from Minister for Primary Industries and Water, The Hon Gavin Pearce MP.

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.

As the 2026 Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner, Ms Vickers receives a $15,000 Westpac grant which she will use to expand the reach of Well Beyond Service and support more women across regional Australia. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice.

Later this year, she will go on to represent Tasmania 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.

Ms Vickers said the program is grounded in creating space for women to heal, reconnect and rediscover their identity beyond service.

“After years of service, many women face challenges in reconnecting with themselves and finding a new sense of identity,” Ms Vickers said.

“Well Beyond Service creates a supportive environment where women can step away, rebuild their confidence and reconnect with community, so they can move forward with strength and purpose.”

Women delivering practical solutions

AgriFutures Australia, Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM said the award continues to back women delivering practical solutions in rural Australia.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award recognises women who are shaping the future of rural Australia through innovation, enterprise and leadership,” Ms Casey said.

“Amy’s work is a powerful example of how lived experience can drive meaningful, community-led solutions, supporting wellbeing while strengthening the fabric of rural communities.”

Westpac, Regional General Manager, Regional & Agribusiness, Dave Milner, said Ms Vickers’ work is making a tangible difference.

“Through Well Beyond Service, Amy is delivering practical, on-the-ground support that is making a real difference to the lives of women across regional communities,” Mr Milner said.

“We’re proud to support her as she expands this important work and represents Tasmania at the national level.”

For more information about the Awards, head to www.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.