AgriFutures Rural Women's Award
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is a leading accolade acknowledging the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities. It is open to all women across Australia involved in:
- rural industries
- rural and regional businesses
- rural and regional communities.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age, and no formal qualifications are required.
Financial bursary and development
A $15,000 Westpac financial bursary is awarded in each Australian state or territory, providing the financial resources to support a project, business or program that will benefit rural industries, businesses or communities. The initiative may be commercially or non-commercially focused. It must:
- be live, and up and running.
- align with AgriFutures' values.
Award finalists will also receive professional development opportunities and access to alumni networks.
All state or territory winners will participate in a separate national selection panel interview. The overall winner and runner-up will both receive additional grant funds from Westpac. These funds may be used to further progress your winning project or assist in meeting national commitments.
Acceleration grant
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant is a separate program that complements the Rural Women's Award process, aiming to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who have a business or project idea that has not yet launched.
Seven Australian women each year will be granted a learning and development bursary (not cash) of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.
2026 SA Rural Women's Award winner
Narelle Zanker of Mannum, and co-founder of Dairy Adventures, has been named South Australia’s winner of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. She was recognised for her work offering children and adults alike a firsthand understanding of dairy farming and where their food comes from.
A passionate dairy farmer and educator, Narelle has drawn on her teaching background to develop fun, interactive and educational experiences that give people of all ages practical insights into farm life, food production and sustainable agriculture.
As the South Australian winner, Narelle has won a $15,000 Westpac grant to support her business which she plans to use to upgrade farm facilities to enhance visitor experience and accessibility, develop educational resources for schools, and create a children’s book focused on agriculture.
Congratulations to the other two South Australian finalists, Kelly Kuhn also from Mannum for her dark sky tourism experiences, and Hayley Hancock from McLaren Vale for her work transforming insurance for primary industries through her startup insurable. Kelly and Hayley are making important contributions to South Australian regional development and rural communities.
Photo credit: Frankie The Creative - Winner Narelle Zanker (middle) with finalists Kelly Kuhn and Hayley Hancock.
Previous winners
See all AgriFutures state and national winners since 2000.
Kelly Johnson (2025)
Kelly’s Monarto-based agribusiness Woodlane Pantry turns surplus and second-grade produce, purchased straight from farms, into eco-conscious, shelf-stable meals for the hiking, cycling and sailing markets.
Nikki Atkinson (2024)
Nikki’s business Horrocks Vale Collections showcases Merino wool in an innovative way, through sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear.
Ali Paulett (2023)
Ali developed the Bush DeVine Australian Native sensory bush food garden – a sensory walking path that supplies unique ingredients to their restaurant at Paulett Wines.
Contact
Tara Donnelly – State Coordinator
Phone: 0461 506 745
Email: tara.donnelly@sa.gov.au
Angela Ruddenklau – PIRSA representative on the SA judging panel
Phone: 0417 519 228
Email: angela.ruddenklau2@sa.gov.au