Overview
- Early bird tickets now on sale for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner & National Announcement on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
- The annual Gala Dinner is a celebration of forward-thinking, courageous leaders from industries spanning some of Australia's most remote regions.
- 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 National Winner and Runner-up of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
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.
