- Nominations now open for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award
- Women making a difference across rural and regional Western Australia encouraged to apply
- WA winner to receive $15,000 to help take their project, business, or program to the next level
- Cook Labor Government committed to diversifying economy and supporting regional WA
Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, celebrating the leadership, innovation, and contribution of women across rural and regional Australia.
Women living, working, and making a difference across rural and regional Western Australia are encouraged to nominate for the State award.
The WA winner will receive a $15,000 bursary to support their project, business, or program, as well as access to professional development opportunities and an extensive alumni network across Australia.
Geraldton aerospace engineer Angela Teale is the 2026 WA award recipient, recognised for her vision to position the Mid West as a gateway to global space exploration while creating new technology, STEM, and highly skilled career opportunities in regional Western Australia.
Through Starsite Australia, which she co-founded, Ms Teale is helping establish Mullewa as a lunar communications hub, developing specialised ground infrastructure to connect regional Western Australia with major international space missions.
Applications for the 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award close on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The WA award is supported by AgriFutures Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of WA, and CBH Group.
More awards information is available from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/regional-communities/agrifutures-rural-womens-award .
As stated by Regional Development and Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Congratulations to Angela Teale on representing Western Australia as our finalist in the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award.
"Angela's success highlights the innovation, determination, and leadership that continue to drive regional communities across Western Australia.
"These awards give participants the chance to develop their skills, access mentoring, and gain national exposure for their projects, businesses and initiatives."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Every year, this award shines a light on the incredible work women are doing across rural and regional Western Australia.
"The $15,000 bursary and the connections that come with this award can help turn a great idea into something that delivers an even bigger impact.
"I encourage regional women with an idea or project they are passionate about to put their hand up for the 2027 award."
As stated by Women Minister Simone McGurk:
"We have so many talented and innovative women making a real difference in our agricultural and other regional industries, businesses, and communities.
"These awards provide a platform to support regional women to develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities."
