The Glenmore-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Grown Not Flown uses her skills in business and digital product development to support small-scale growers, with an aim to see the local cut flower industry bloom.

What started out as a passion project during Covid has since connected flower farmers and consumer worldwide, with over 1100 flower farms listed and 3500 users across 30 countries now connected to the platform.

As the national winner Davey will receive a $20,000 Westpac grant, in additional to the $15,000 grant already received as a state winner.

"This is a huge honour and I am immensely grateful to AgriFutures and Westpac for believing in my vision to promote and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers and supporting local farmers," Davey said.

"We have so many exciting plans and this award will be an absolute game changer for us and what we can achieve in the next 12 months.

"With the additional $20,000 Westpac grant, we can invest this money into further developing the platform to reach new audiences.

"We also want to educate and encourage consumers to celebrate the provenance of flowers, the same way we do with food, and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers and benefits of supporting local businesses."

New South Wales artistic director Michelle Leonard was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work in creating and founding regional choir, Moorambilla Voices, and will receive an additional grant of $15,000 to develop her project.

Moorambilla Voices is a nationally awarded regional arts organisation that has provided skills development workshops directly into schools for over 40,000 children across 21 local government areas.

Nikki and Michelle were joined by their fellow national finalists, who were recognised for their outstanding contribution to rural communities and industries during Tuesday's ceremony.

The 2023 cohort includes:

• Bush Devine founder, Ali Paulett (Clare Valley, SA)
• Huds and Toke founder, Emma Gibbons (Coolum, QLD)
• Leading Rein founder, Melissa Duniam (Sisters Creek, TAS)
• Grief Connect founder, Michelle Moriarty (Bunbury, WA)
• NTEX co-founder, Eileen Breen (Girraween, NT)

The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is Australia's leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. With the ongoing support of Platinum Sponsors, Westpac Agribusiness, the program provides opportunities to showcase and inspire the next generation of female leaders across Australia.

Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is now open and will close on 25 October 2023, except for Northern Territory applicants who have until 26 January 2024.  See the AgriFutures website for more details.