Michelle Leonard has been announced winner of the 2023 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women's Award for her work as the Founder and Artistic Director of Moorambilla Voices, a multi-arts program that connects regional youth to culture, community and country through creative arts.
For taking out the top honour, Ms Leonard will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to spend on leadership and development opportunities to further support her work in regional communities.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty congratulated Ms Leonard on her success and paid tribute to other category winners, finalists and women in rural and regional communities.
"The awards showcase how women are driving innovation. The leadership shown by women living and working in rural and regional NSW is inspiring. Women have always been agents of change and it is fantastic to see the new generation shining through," Ms Moriarty said.
"The benefits the finalists are delivering to their communities are immeasurable. Through passion and commitment, this year's finalists are demonstrating positive leadership and are empowering other women along the way. I thank them for the impact they are having on regional and rural NSW."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, who attended the awards last night at the State Library of NSW, said Ms Leonard's passion for collaboration and celebrating cultural identity had sparked an innovative way to engage regional youth with music, dance and respect for the land and for others.
"She is driving change in how our children learn to tap into their creativity, resilience and sense of joy while gaining a deeper understanding of Australian and Aboriginal culture," Ms Harrison said.
"All 3 finalists are truly inspiring women who are applying their strengths to make a difference to our regional communities. Thank you for all your dedication to your crafts and congratulations on being finalists for this prestigious award."
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey said the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award provides women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia.
"It's exciting to see Ms Leonard already making such a positive influence in her industry and community," Mr Harvey said.
A long-time supporter of the Rural Women's Award, Platinum Sponsor Westpac congratulated Ms Leonard on being awarded the NSW/ACT state finalist title.
NSW Regional General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness for Westpac Sam Gaston congratulated Ms Leonard on her achievements and for winning the NSW award, against a cohort of outstanding finalists.
"Our communities and rural industries have had to face many challenges but to have women like Ms Leonard creating new opportunities to drive positive change, puts the future of the rural sectors in good hands," Mr Gaston said.
"The NSW Westpac Agribusiness team looks forward to cheering Ms Leonard on at the national winner announcement later this year."
As the winner of the state finalists, Ms Leonard will represent NSW and the ACT at the National Gala Dinner in September where the winner of the nation-wide AgriFutures Rural Women's Award will be announced.
NSW/ACT finalists Dimity Brassil and Rochelle Olsen will both receive $2000 in sponsorship from the Country Women's Association and NSW Farmers to support the development of their businesses.
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the 35% of women who live in regional, rural and remote NSW live and work in a safe and fair society, and have equitable access to services, resources, opportunities and protections that enable them to thrive.
The NSW Government has committed:
- $60 million over 3 years and a $100 million funding boost over the next five years to support 20 women's health centres across NSW
- $3.7 million over 4 years to the Rural Women's Network to support women through a range of initiatives and events
- to extend access to support for mild to moderate perinatal depression for women in rural, regional and remote areas.
2023 NSW/ACT winner
Michelle Leonard (Petersham)
Director and founder of Moorambilla Voices, a regional choir of excellence that encompasses our regional children and youth.
Lean more about Moorambilla Voices
2023 NSW/ACT Finalists
Dimity Brassil (Albury)
Founder of A Lasting Tale, a professional, personal life story interview service for people with a lifetime of stories to share.
Learn more about A Lasting Tale
Rochelle Olsen (Dubbo)
Founder and facilitator of the Baby Loss Mentor, mentoring mums who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.
Learn more about the Baby Loss Mentor
