Overview
- Ms Ivone has been recognised for her leadership in building inclusive, connected regional communities through language and cultural exchange.
- Boas Language Academy is a social enterprise language school that draws on Ms Ivone's background in international relations and regional development.
- She receives a $15,000 Westpac Grant and goes on to represent New South Wales at the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner where a National Winner will be announced
Turning language from a barrier to a bridge has seen Kristie Ivone named the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner.
Connection through language and culture exchange
Ms Ivone has been recognised for her leadership in building inclusive, connected regional communities through language and cultural exchange.
Based in Albury, Boas Language Academy is a social enterprise language school that draws on Ms Ivone's background in international relations and regional development. She works with migrants to deliver fun, immersive language courses, turning language from a barrier into a bridge – strengthening connection, confidence and opportunity across the regional communities like Albury.
Through Boas, migrants are supported not only to learn language, but to teach it – building their purpose, confidence and capacity, and creating a ripple effect of belonging and connection.
In its first year, Boas worked with eight migrant teachers – seven of them women – reaching more than 60 students across five languages, with most returning for subsequent terms.
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 NSW/ACT winner, Ms Ivone will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant, which she will use to expand Boas' language offerings by training more migrant teachers and running pilot courses in languages including Swahili, Japanese, German and Hindi, and build an impact measurement framework to track and communicate Boas' community impact and support longer-term replication across the country. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice.
Ms Ivone received her award from The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Ms Ivone said Boas is grounded in creating connection, belonging and opportunity. "Language has the power to bring people together and create a true sense of belonging – by supporting migrants to share their language and culture, we're building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive."
Cultural inclusion
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM said the award celebrates women creating lasting impact where it matters most.
"The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award recognises women who are shaping the future of rural Australia through innovation, enterprise and leadership. Kristie's work is a compelling example of how cultural inclusion, when done well, can transform individuals and the communities they call home."
Westpac Regional General Manager, Regional & Agribusiness, Andy Kidd, said Ms Ivone's work is making a real difference in Albury and beyond.
"Through Boas Language Academy, Kristie is opening doors for people to connect, contribute and feel genuinely at home in the communities where they've chosen to build their lives. We're proud to support Kristie as she continues to grow Boas and represents NSW/ACT at the national level."
Later this year, Ms Ivone will represent NSW/ACT 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.
