Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, made the announcement in Canberra's Parliament House last night at a gala event.

Trethewey won the award for her work in providing services, resources and virtual communities for mothers in regional locations. 

Bendigo, Victoria, resident and founder of OAK Magazine, Kimberley Furness, was awarded the National Runner Up title, for her work in creating opportunities to profile and celebrate female-led businesses. 

The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award acknowledges and supports the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

Adding to the $15,000 Westpac grant already awarded to seven state and territory winners, Trethewey and Furness will receive an additional $20,000 and $15,000 respectively to further the development of their winning projects. 

"I am incredibly grateful to both AgriFutures and Westpac for their ongoing support for Motherland's vision to deliver more inclusive services for rural mother's regardless of their postcode," Trethewey said. 

Fuelled by her own experience of raising young children on the land, Trethewey created Motherland, a podcast series sharing a raw and unfiltered representation of motherhood in rural communities.

AgriFutures Australia managing director, John Harvey, congratulated Trethewey on her achievements and ability to innovatively deliver services to women in rural, regional and remote communities. 

"Through her advocacy and implementation of the Motherland programs, Stephanie has created a new model for postnatal care in regional Australia and a blueprint for others looking at ways to improve the delivery of services in our rural communities.

"Her drive to create spaces that encourage connection and support for other rural women is highly commendable and a true embodiment of the Award's key objectives," he said.

Trethewey and Furness were joined by their fellow national finalists, who were recognised for their outstanding contribution to rural communities and industries.

The 2022 cohort includes: 

• Child Nurse and founder of Rural Child Health, Rebecca Bradshaw (Jackson, Queensland)
• Disability advocate and founder of Ability Agriculture, Josie Clarke (Bellimbopinni, NSW)
• Primary producer and Kere to Country mentor, Robyn Verrall (Keith, South Australia)
• Remote educator and founder of RAISEducation, Kylie Jones  (Mt Riddock Station, NT)
• Mental and physical health practitioner and founder of Farm Life Fitness, Louise O'Neill (Denmark, Western Australia). 

Applications for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award are now open and will close Wednesday, 19 October (27 January 2023 for NT applicants).

For more details, visit https://www.agrifutures.com.au.