North West businesswoman and Rural Women's Award State winner, Melissa Duniam, has represented Tasmania at the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement held on 12 September 2023 at Parliament House, Canberra.
The Awards are a celebration of the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in rural Australia's businesses and communities encouraging women to develop their professional skills.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer said Ms Duniam was a worthy recipient of the Tasmanian Award earlier this year.
"Ms Duniam's unique approach of connecting teams and organisations and exploring strategies for building stronger connections through the use of horses is unique," Minister Palmer said.
"Her 'herds, to horses, are teams, to people' approach enables clients to learn valuable insights and develop interpersonal and leadership skills.
"Ms Duniam is an experienced business operator and a down-to-earth leader, with a deep understanding of the value and effects of communication, relationships and dynamics in the workplace.
"Drawing on her experience in the agricultural industry, Melissa created her business, Leading Rein, which focuses on connecting teams and organisations with horses and exploring strategies for building stronger connections.
"Through her unique understanding of both human and horse herd dynamics, the location and the programs, Melissa empowers people and teams to realise their personal and collective potential, through meaningful and impactful learning experiences."
Westpac's Regional Manager for Tasmania Dave Milner said the award is an opportunity to shine a light on the outstanding women making an impact in their industry and communities.
"Our rural communities are home to many accomplished women whose innovative thinking and passion for their sector is creating positive opportunities in business in their local communities," Mr Milner said.
"The Rural Women's Award is an important platform that showcases inspiring talent so that future generations of women can continue to have new opportunities to play an important role in their industry or community – which is why Westpac Agribusiness is a committed supporter of these highly respected awards."
The award is proudly supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
Although Ms Duniam was not named the national winner, she received a $15,000 bursary as the Tasmanian winner and will also undertake the prestigious Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
She plans to use her bursary to expand her business and share the benefits of equine-assisted learning with the wider community.
Information about Melissa Duniam and her work can be found on the AgriFutures website: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/2023-tas-rwa-winner/
