Kristie Ivone, founder of Boas Language Academy, a social enterprise language school in Albury Wodonga, has been announced as the state winner of the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women's Award last night at an awards ceremony held at NSW Parliament House.
Born from Kristie's passion for regional development and building inclusive communities, Boas Language Academy works with regional migrants to bring cultural connection to the wider community through fun, immersive language courses for adults and children. Its mission is to turn language from a barrier into a connector.
As winner of the award, Kristie will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to go towards the development of a project, business or program plus access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
Kristie was up against two other finalists for the NSW/ACT state award - Emma Spartalis, founder of Spartalis Consulting based in Clarence Town, and Sarah Golding, founder of The Vet Mind Mentor based in Inverell.
Kristie will now represent New South Wales at the national AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on 8 September 2026. The national winner will receive a further $20,000 grant from Westpac and the national runner-up will take home an additional $15,000.
The NSW Government supports the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, which celebrates women who are driving change through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, while addressing complex social, economic and workforce challenges facing regional Australia.
Nominations for the 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award will open in September 2026. More information about the awards is available at: Rural Women's Award | AgriFutures Australia.
As well as celebrating regional women's achievements, the NSW Government is working to make sure women in regional, rural and remote communities have the access and opportunities they need to succeed. This includes programs that support women to return to work, build economic security, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen empowerment.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:
"Congratulations to Kristie on being named the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner.
"Her innovative and dedicated work with Boas Language Academy is strengthening Albury Wodonga by creating opportunities for migrants to share their skills and build community connections, that benefits everyone in the region.
"Kristie's leadership shows what's possible when smart and driven people are enabled to flourish and are recognised - they can bring both joy and productivity to their community."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"Kristie's work is a powerful example of women-led innovation responding to local needs in regional communities.
"Boas Language Academy is helping people feel connected and part of their community. By bridging language barriers, it is supporting workforce participation, and strengthening social cohesion.
"Well done to Kristie, and I'm proud to see her represent New South Wales on the national stage."
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM said:
"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."
NSW Regional General Manager, Regional Commercial & Agribusiness, Westpac, Andy Kidd said:
"Kristie Ivone's work is a powerful example of how strong regional communities are built - by bringing diverse groups of people together and creating a sense of belonging.
"Through Boas Language Academy, she's helping communities grow stronger via language and cultural exchange and by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to connect and contribute.
"Westpac is proud to support Kristie as she continues to grow Boas and represent NSW/ACT at the national level."
