Kristy Hollis has been named the winner of the 2025 Northern Territory AgriFutures Rural Women's Award for her project to improve access to healthcare in rural and remote communities, particularly for women.
Tonight, Kristy was named the NT winner at a special event held at Parliament House and will go on to represent the Territory at the national awards later this year.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the prestigious award was an important way to celebrate the leadership, innovation, and strength of women in rural industries across the Territory.
"What a fantastic achievement for Kristy Hollis. Her project stands out for its strong community focus and potential to deliver lasting benefits across the Territory," said Mr Maley.
"She's following in big footsteps, just last year, NT winner Tanya Egerton took out the national title for her work empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs in remote communities with her Remote OpShop Project.
"I also want to congratulate the other finalists, Barbara Clifford and Nicole Walsh, who also put forward incredible projects and whose work demonstrates the diversity and strength of women leading change in rural and regional areas."
Kristy said her project was driven by a desire to offer more holistic, community-driven, accessible healthcare options for people living in the bush.
"Australia's healthcare system still focuses heavily on treatment over prevention. In regional areas, the cost of chronic disease is profound, economically, socially and emotionally," she said.
"I believe a respectful, collaborative approach that embraces both traditional and modern medicine can improve outcomes and strengthen whole communities."
Now in its 22nd year, the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award supports forward-thinking projects that contribute to the growth and sustainability of rural and emerging industries.
Agrifutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey praised Ms Hollis's innovative approach to health and wellbeing.
"Kristy embodies the spirit of the Rural Women's Award, applying expertise, empathy and lived experience to create lasting, scalable impact," he said.
"Her work highlights the value of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary care models."
Kristy will receive a $15,000 Westpac bursary to further develop her project, along with access to mentoring and professional development opportunities.
NT Regional General Manager Westpac Agribusiness Brad Higgins said the award played an essential role in recognising visionary regional leaders.
"Kristy's work through Women's Business: Nurture and Thrive is breaking new ground in rural healthcare and community wellbeing," he said.
"Westpac is proud to support leaders like Kristy who are redefining the future of regional Australia with courage and compassion."
