- AgriFutures 2024 WA Rural Women's Award winner announced as Wheatbelt businesswoman Mandy Walker
- The award showcases the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities
Regional businesswoman Mandy Walker has been awarded the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award for her project to help Wheatbelt businesses participate in the defence industry supply chain.
The prestigious award, presented last night in Perth, aims to celebrate and empower women in Western Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
Ms Walker runs a mechanical and engineering business in Wongan Hills with her husband, servicing theagriculture, transport and mining sectors.
She is focused on paving the way for regional engineering businesses to participate in the defence industry, beginning with a pilot project targeting the Wheatbelt region.
Ms Walker will receive a $15,000 business development bursary towards her project and will represent Western Australia at the national AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in August.
She follows in the footsteps of 2023 State winner, Bunbury businesswoman and grief support group founder Michelle Moriarty.
Other finalists were apiarist Jay Page, who aims to expand her bee education program from Perth schools to the Wheatbelt, and Farming Champions chair Nicola Kelliher, who wants to bring consumers closer to family farmers to understand their food origins.
The award is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Westpac, CBH Group and the Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of Western Australia.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"I congratulate Mandy, whose project has the potential to have a significant and clear impact on regional businesses and, in turn, regional communities.
"All three finalists have demonstrated innovative thinking, strong community links and a passion for regional businesses."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"These three inspiring women are strong advocates for their industries and local communities and are all great connectors of people.
"These awards are a fantastic forum to showcase the breadth of innovative and impactful work by women across the regions."
