- Four Queensland finalists announced for the AgriFutures Australia Queensland Rural Women's Award.
- Award acknowledges the efforts of Queensland women in rural and emerging industries, business and community.
- Winner to be announced in March and will represent Queensland at the national Rural Women's Award in Canberra.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is recognising the contribution women play in rural Queensland by announcing four outstanding finalists for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Queensland Rural Women's Award.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulated Alyson Shepherd, Angie Nisbet, Jaime Best and Sam Musson for their efforts in rural Queensland industry, agriculture and community.
Alyson Shepherd is passionate about promoting ethical production, education to children on the spectrum and citizen science of bees and their products through her business, Norma-May Honey.
Angie Nisbet is a fifth-generation beef producer who co-founded FarmHer Hands, a business that produces UPF50+ sun protection gloves and is committed to skin protection education.
Jaime Best is the co-founder of Rural Women Unite (RWU), a not-for-profit organisation providing rural and remote Australians with professional mental health support.
Sam Musson is the founder of Zest Element, one of Australia's leading businesses innovating food waste with a focus on turning wonky or surplus fruit into fruit powders and slices.
The Queensland winner of the Rural Women's Award will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
The other 3 finalists will receive a $2,000 grant from state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women's Association, in recognition of their achievements.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulated the finalists, commemorating their positive contributions to rural Queensland.
"The Rural Women's Award is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the women who keep our rural communities thriving," Minister Perrett said.
"The award is designed to empower and celebrate inclusive and courageous leadership by women across our rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities, and provides a platform to inspire and support Queensland and Australian women to further develop their skills.
"I'd like to congratulate Alyson Shepherd, Angie Nisbet, Jaime Best and Sam Musson on their achievement as being named Queensland finalists and wish them all the best of luck in the Queensland ceremony in March."
Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security Fiona Simpson congratulated the finalists for their significant contributions to Queensland's rural communities.
"These women are incredible innovators and entrepreneurs. They are deserving finalists for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Queensland Rural Women's Award," Minister Simpson said.
"It is important to recognise that women who live across rural Queensland wear many hats - physical work, running a business, care-giving obligations, or volunteering in the community.
"But in doing so, they bring unique experience and perspective - they are resilient, resourceful, hardworking and the backbone of our communities.
"This is why the Crisafulli Government is listening to women right across Queensland - there is much we can learn from our regional women."
AgriFutures Australia, General Manager, Workforce, Communications and Adoption, Jennifer Galloway thanked the Queensland finalists for their commitment to Australia's rural industries.
"The four Queensland finalists of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award are leading with innovation, vision and determination to create meaningful change across rural Australia," Ms Galloway said.
"They show how leadership can turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities.
"The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts.
By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come."
