The Northern Territory's Tayna Egerton has been named the National winner of the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's' Award for her work in empowering the entrepreneurial aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across remote Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, made the announcement during a black-tie gala dinner at Parliament House in Canberra last night, which was attended by over 500 guests, including the Australian Prime Minister.
Founder and CEO of Circulanation, Egerton was crowned the winner for her work in developing the Remote OpShop Project, while Victorian resident and paediatric critical care nurse, Grace Larson, won the National Runner Up title.
In addition to the $15,000 Westpac grant she received as one of the seven state and territory winners, Egerton will get another $20,000 to further develop the project, which supports the establishment of a network of opshops in remote First Nations communities.
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"This is a significant honour, and I am deeply appreciative of AgriFutures and Westpac for their belief in my mission to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Egerton said.
"This Award is a game changer for us and will significantly enhance what we can achieve in the next 12 months.
"With the additional $20,000 Westpac grant, we can develop a First Nations Leadership Council and establish a robust governance framework for the Remote Opshop Project.
"Our goal is to ensure high-quality, affordable essential goods are redirected from landfills and redistributed to remote communities, fostering empowerment and self-determination."
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey, praised Egerton for her outstanding contributions to Indigenous communities in remote Australia.
"Tanya Egerton's exceptional work has brought about significant positive changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Harvey said.
"Her innovative approach and dedication to transforming remote areas resonates deeply with the core values of the Award."
Harvey also congratulated Larson, who received an additional $15,000 Westpac grant. She was honoured for her work in addressing the health disadvantages faced by rural children through The Sisterhood Project, which provides free infant and child first aid training to parents and carers that can't otherwise afford it.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 AGRIFUTURES RURAL WOMEN'S AWARD NOW OPEN
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is Australia's premier award, recognising and supporting the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. With the continued support of Platinum Sponsors, Westpac Agribusiness, the program offers opportunities to showcase and inspire female leaders across Australia.
Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award are now open and will close on 9 October, 2024 (24 January, 2025 for NT applicants). See the AgriFutures website for more details.
