Belle Binder from Devonport in Tasmania's North West Coast has won the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award (Tasmania) for 2024.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides rural women with financial and practical support to implement their visions for primary industries and rural Australia and enhances their leadership and representative capacity.
Belle Binder, Farm Work Loop - 2024 Tasmania Winner
Belle has focused on transforming workplace cultures in agriculture, emphasising productivity and positive environments. Belle's efforts have not only enhanced farm sustainability but also significantly improved the lives of those working in the sector.
Belle's work now centres on altering the public's perception of farming, highlighting its value and importance. Through her Farm Work Loop project, Belle aims to establish a model of excellence in farm workplaces, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. Her goal is to continue advocating for and implementing practices that uplift the industry, making it a desirable and rewarding career choice.
As winner of the Tasmanian award, Belle will receive a $15,000 grant from platinum sponsor Westpac. In addition, Belle will have the opportunity to attend the prestigious Australian Institute of Company Directors Course with other State and Territory winners.
Belle will go on to represent Tasmania at the national finals to be held in August 2024 at Parliament House, Canberra.
Emily Armstrong, Mums Connect - Encouragement Award
Emily Armstrong from Devonport, has developed a lifeline for rural mothers and is the recipient of the
Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Encouragement Award. Emily’s innovative approach involves creating a comprehensive database encompassing local activities, events, and support services. This lifeline not only serves as a practical resource but also cultivates a sense of community among like-minded individuals who intimately understand the unique experiences of rural motherhood.
Pausing her career to raise her four boys, Emily became involved in supporting rural and regional Mums in North West Tasmania. In response to an escalating need, Emily is gearing up to launch a Mums Connect innovative platform this year.
Emily's overarching goal is to cultivate a thriving community, fostering love and delivering high-quality resources and content to empower and uplift Mums in their journey.
Tamar Cordover Pritchard, Compass Inclusive Agriculture Project - Development Award
Tamar Cordover Pritchard from South Arm is the recipient of the Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Development Award. Tamar is dedicated to fostering connections and empowering rural women with disabilities. Tamar’s mission is to actively engage these women, enabling their meaningful participation in the growing agricultural sector. Tamar's commitment is a beacon of inclusivity and amplifying the voices and contributions of an often-overlooked demographic.
The Compass Inclusive Agriculture Project improves the inclusion of rural women with or without disabilities into agriculture; including micro-enterprise agriculture projects of small-scale commercial viability.