Three inspiring South Australian women selected for top award

Three South Australian women have been named finalists in the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, recognised for their leadership, innovation and positive impact on regional communities.

A dairy farmer with a passion for education, a businesswoman transforming farm insurance to safeguard SA viticulture, and an entrepreneur delivering nocturnal tourism experiences have been selected for their outstanding contributions to regional development and the state’s economy.

Narelle Zanker and Kelly Kuhn both from Mannum, along with Hayley Hancock from McLaren Vale, will go in the running to win a $15,000 Westpac grant to support their initiative. The winner will also receive professional development opportunities and access to a national alumni network.

The South Australian winner will be announced on Tuesday, 5 May and will represent the state at the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra in September. The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant, while the national runner-up will receive a $15,000 grant.

Finalist Narelle Zanker is a passionate dairy farmer and educator who co-founded Dairy Adventures on her family farm to help people better understand where their food comes from. With experience teaching and establishing two school-based agriculture programs, Narelle delivers fun, interactive and educational farm experiences that bridge the gap between city and country.

Kelly Kuhn has built two thriving, environmentally conscious tourism ventures near Mannum: Juggle House Experiences and River Murray Dark Sky Tours. By combining science education with regional storytelling, Kelly connects visitors with the natural wonders of regional Australia while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local economies.

Hayley Hancock is on a mission to revolutionise the way farmers are insured, combining innovation with deep industry expertise. Hayley co-founded Insurable, which provides a new insurance option for farms of all sizes, protecting against unpredictable natural events. The model is designed to ensure farmers receive funds quickly, reducing the financial stress and emotional toll that can follow devastating events beyond their control.

Another South Australian woman was recognised by AgriFutures for her significant contributions to the state’s rural communities. Toni Duka from Millicent was awarded an AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant for the development of a psychology-based program to support farmers navigating retirement and managing their mental health. The Acceleration Grant supports women with an idea, cause, or vision that creates lasting impact in rural and emerging industries, helping them bring their initiative to life.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates the exceptional leadership, innovation and lasting impact of women across rural and regional industries and communities.

In South Australia, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is proudly supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

For more information, please visit the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.