- Western Australia's three finalists hail from the Kimberley and the Wheatbelt
- Awards recognise the contribution of rural women to industry, business and community
- WA winner will receive a $15,000 grant to support their project and professional development
Three innovative women from regional WA have been named the 2025 Western Australian finalists in the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award.
The national award celebrates and empowers women across Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
Kulin-based finalist Gen Whisson is recognised for building social capacity and community benefit through the Kulin to Cambodia initiative. This program supports high school children to participate in international aid whilst developing their own leadership capabilities.
Isabella Thrupp lives on Leopold Downs Station in the Kimberley and has founded a new business that merges function and fashion for women on the land. Isabella is focused on the regional needs of women by providing practical workwear.
Imogen Montgomery is based at Mt House Station in the Kimberley, and in between being a helicopter pilot has started a business with her sister, which provides packages of essential items for new female station workers.
The WA winner will be announced in April 2025 and will receive a $15,000 bursary to realise their plans, as well as professional development training.
The winner will also follow in the footsteps of the 2024 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award recipient and Wheatbelt businesswoman Mandy Walker.
The award is supported by AgriFutures, Westpac, CBH Group, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of WA.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Rural Women's Award is the nation's leading award, highlighting the leadership, skill, and innovation of women in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
"I congratulate WA's three finalists, who are making strong contributions to their industries and communities."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This award showcases the important role of regional women in supporting and influencing our communities and industries in positive ways.
"I commend our finalists for their efforts to enrich their communities and wish them all the best in the national award."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Having two WA finalists hailing from the Kimberley reflects the significance of the pastoral industry to our region and the role local women play in helping it to thrive.
"This is fantastic recognition of Isabella and Imogen, who are both supporting other women in the Kimberley pastoral industry through their initiatives."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"Kulin to Cambodia is a wonderful initiative that is helping local students strengthen their leadership skills and learn the value of giving back.
"Well done to Gen on being named a WA finalist and her contribution to our Wheatbelt community."
