The finalists were announced in their respective states and territories recently, following a highly competitive selection process, with the national winner and runner up to be announced at a gala dinner in Canberra on Tuesday September 12. 

The award aims to empower and celebrate the inclusive and courageous leadership of rural women and provides a platform to inspire and support them in using and developing their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

Each of the state/territory winners will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to help boost, expand or elevate their project, business or program, with the national winner to be  awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and national runner up, an additional $15,000.

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey, said he's impressed with the breadth of innovative projects submitted this year.

"2023 is an exciting year for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award with our seven national finalists an outstanding representation of the impact that female-led initiatives are having within their industries and communities," said Harvey.

"We're delighted to be able to provide our winners with a platform to not only celebrate their achievements but also to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia."

National finalists: 

Ali Paulett, South Australia

Eileen Breen, Northern Territory

Emma-Louise Gibbons, Queensland

Melissa Duniam, Tasmania

Michelle Leonard, New South Wales/ Australian Capital Territory

Michelle Moriarty, Western Australia

Nikki Davey, Victoria

For more information about the awards and winning projects head to: agrifutures.com.au/rwa