LEADING rural women Lauren Thiel, Jo Bonner and Alex Thomas have been named as finalists for the South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
The award recognises the women’s leadership qualities and commitment to regional SA industries, business and communities, with the winner announced on Monday, February 19, at the Thriving Women’s Conference in Hahndorf.
The winner will receive a $10,000 bursary, provided by Agrifutures Australia, to bring to life a project or initiative that will benefit rural industries and communities.
The winner will also have the opportunity to participate in leadership development workshops throughout the year.
Ms Thiel is an analyst for Duxton Capital Australia, a world leader in agricultural investment.
Her ambition is to organise a conference for year 10 students so they can learn about the exciting career paths in agriculture and to role model the many opportunities to contribute to regional SA industries.
Ms Donner is a relief teacher at Marree Aboriginal School, and vice president of the Marree Progress Association.
Her vision is an Artback Rail Trail, a collaboration of SA artists who would create captivating artworks to attract tourism in townships alongside the Old Ghan railway line.
Ms Thomas is a part time carer for her father who received permanent injuries resulting from his life’s work in the agriculture industry.
A self-described “die hard pastoralist’s daughter” from Parnaroo Station, east of Yunta, Ms Thomas wants to prevent work-related serious injuries and fatalities in agriculture by leveraging both her personal experiences and positions as a Work Health & Safety consultant.
The award is open to all women involved in primary industries and/or rural Australia.