Three inspirational regional women have been announced as the 2026 Western Australian finalists in the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award.
Three inspirational regional women have been announced as the 2026 Western Australian finalists in the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award.
The national award celebrates and empowers women across Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director General Heather Brayford congratulated the three finalists, who were each pursuing unique projects.
"From cutting-edge space technology to showcasing premium WA food and innovation, these diverse initiatives are all about strengthening rural communities, driving dynamic industries and inspiring female leadership," Ms Brayford said.
Wagyu Lamb chief executive officer Suzannah Moss-Wright, based in Williams, is pioneering Mottainai® Lamb, a premium lamb brand that achieves world-leading marbling by feeding sheep out-of-specification fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The project combines sustainability, supply chain innovation and direct-to-chef distribution, aiming to create regional jobs and inspire female ag-tech leadership.
Fiona Mann, founder of BLOCK 275, transforms canola from her small farm in the Mid-West into premium cold-pressed oil, creating a resilient business model that champions local sourcing and sustainability. By value-adding and leveraging full traceability, she aims to scale production, expand into interstate and international markets, inspire other farmers to diversify and showcase the Mid-West food bowl.
Angela Teale is leading a project to establish WA as a hub in global space communications by building a 20.2 metre lunar class antenna in Mullewa, in partnership with a major international space company. The facility will support NASA's Artemis lunar missions, create high-tech jobs and inspire STEM careers in regional communities. Through this pioneering project, she is demonstrating that technical industries can thrive in the regions.
AgriFutures Australia Workforce and Communications Senior Manager Sheridan Ingold said the organisation was proud to continue to support and champion women in the regions who were having real impact on their local businesses and communities.
"The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is Australia's leading award in empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women," Ms Ingold said.
The State winner will be announced in March 2026, receiving a $15,000 bursary towards their project and professional development training.
They will go on to compete in the national award, following in the footsteps of this year's State winner and national runner-up Isabella Thrupp.
The WA award is supported by AgriFutures Australia, Westpac, CBH Group, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of WA.
