The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award, supported for the past decade by Westpac, is Australia’s leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate and inspire the next generation of female leaders across Australia.
Adding to the $10,000 already awarded to each state finalist from Platinum Sponsor Westpac, Jo will receive an additional $10,000 Westpac Bursary to further progress her winning project.
Rural, regional and remote areas in Australia hold a wealth of highly qualified and experienced professionals and much of this talent is sitting idle, particularly among women. Pointer Remote Roles provides a valuable pathway for companies, corporations and government agencies to fill positions with the best candidate for the job, regardless of where they live,” said Ms Palmer.
Based in The Rock, near Wagga Wagga, Jo personally demonstrates that location is no barrier for individuals looking to create impact, innovate and make a difference.
Her project enables others to also contribute to the prosperity of rural and regional Australia. She plans to use her Westpac Bursary to create a portal within Pointer’s platform that will provide a series of resources, training and formal certifications to help alleviate road blocks that hold many ruraly based professionals back from engaging with remote work.
The portal will also educate and support businesses to adopt remote
employment.
“I am incredibly grateful to AgriFutures Australia and Westpac for providing not just financial assistance, but also a platform from which to champion remote work,” said Ms Palmer, who was initially inspired by her own network of highly-qualified professional friends, many unable to make the most of their skills as a result of living in regional areas.
“The online portal will further assist Pointer Remote Roles to connect employers and talent and in-turn reduce rural unemployment, stimulate local economies and reduce pressure on farming families looking for off-farm income and alternative revenue streams.”
John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, congratulated Jo and said her ability to identify societal shifts and use these to drive opportunities for rural, regional and remote Australia demonstrates exceptional leadership.
“Jo exemplifies all that the AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award represents. By connecting underutilised resources with businesses in need, her project has the potential for economic gains for Australian employers, and huge economic and social impacts in rural and regional economies, particularly during our current challenging climate,” said Mr Harvey.
