- 2026 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner revealed
- Prestigious award recognises the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities
- Winner to represent WA at national awards in September
Geraldton aerospace engineer Angela Teale has been announced as the 2026 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner.
Ms Teale was recognised at a gala event in Perth last night (Thursday, 26 March) for her bold vision to position the Mid West as a gateway to global space exploration and for inspiring young people in the region to pursue future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Through Starsite Australia, the company she co-founded, Ms Teale is developing a Lunar-class antenna in Mullewa which will directly support NASA missions to the moon, including the next Artemis mission.
She is also a powerful advocate for young people and regularly visits schools, runs hands on STEM programs, and invites students to see Starsite operations in action.
Ms Teale will use the award to build other women's skills in STEM, directly supporting the operation and maintenance of the Lunar-class antenna whilst developing regional capacity.
The prestigious award recognises the innovation, leadership, and impact of women in rural and regional industries and communities.
Ms Teale receives a $15,000 business development bursary towards her project and will represent WA at the national awards in September.
WA finalists included Fiona Mann, Eradu farmer and leader behind the premium cold pressed canola oil Block 275, and Suzannah Moss-Wright, Williams farmer and the driver of the Wagyu Lamb product Mottainai.
They will each receive a $2,500 bursary from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) towards their projects.
The WA Rural Women's Award is supported by AgriFutures, DPIRD, Westpac, CBH Group, and the Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of Western Australia.
As stated by Science and Innovation and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Angela is showing the world that regional WA can proudly lead global space exploration.
"Her vision is positioning the State on the international stage and inspiring young people to believe their future can be extraordinary in a STEM career while staying connected to their regional communities.
"Her work demonstrates that high-tech industries can thrive in regional areas and help build strong local economies."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Congratulations to Angela, for her leadership in bringing world class space innovation to regional Western Australia.
"I also commend Fiona and Suzannah, who reflect the diversity, tenacity, and innovation of our rural women, following in the footsteps of many previous finalists of this award.
"The Rural Women's Awards play a vital role in showcasing the breadth and depth of the skills, drive, and commitment that so many rural and regional women bring to their industries and local communities."
