Speeches
Tuesday, 05 May 2026
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
I am delighted to join you for the presentation of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Throughout my term as Governor, I have regularly visited regional communities across the State, and have just returned from the South- East
Every single visit has brought home to me the importance of women in sustaining and growing the vitality of local communities.
Similarly, as patron of the Country Women’s Association and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of South Australia, I am privileged to witness what rural women achieve, especially when working in collaboration with one another.
Women are farmers, business owners, workers, carers, educators, and connectors. They are communicators, volunteers, entrepreneurs, agri-scientists, mentors and friends.
Women know all too well the challenges of rural living. But they meet it by being resilient. They see a need and get things done with determination. They are advocates for the land and its sustainability. They shape policy.
Women do this, against a background of juggling family life, and contributing to the community in other ways such as volunteering or sport.
On any measure, women make a sizeable contribution to Australia’s agricultural workforce - in raw numbers they constitute almost a third (32.2%) - but are often under-recognised.
For the past 26 years, this award has played an important role in raising the profile of women in agriculture and, equally importantly, inspiring women and encouraging innovation.
Past rural women’s award South Australian winners reflect the diversity of talent we have in South Australian regions and the broad influence and impact women have in their communities:
- Kelly Johnson our MC and last year’s winner, whose agribusiness Woodlane Pantry turns surplus and second-grade produce from farms into eco-conscious, shelf-stable meals for the hiking, cycling and sailing markets.
- Nikki Atkinson, the 2024 winner, who marries her design skills and love of Merino wool in an innovative way through her range of sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear.
- And Ali Paulett, the 2023 winner, who developed the Bush DeVine Australian Native sensory bush food garden, a sensory walking path that supplies unique ingredients to their restaurant at Paulett Wines.
Friends
Following in the footsteps of these winners, let me congratulate this year’s three finalists – Hayley Hancock, Kelly Kuhn, and Narelle Zanker.
Your contributions to our greater understanding of regional industry our environment and assisting farm recovery are varied and impactful.
I also congratulate Toni Duka, the acceleration grant recipient.
I thank everyone who supports and drives the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
The success of South Australian agriculture and regional communities into the future depends on diversity of thought, new ideas, innovation and tenacity, which these awards champion.
It’s important that women can play a role in agriculture, be recognised for their contribution, and be supported to amplify their influence.
I look forward to announcing this year’s winner later in the ceremony.