March 22, 2017
Jacqui Wilson-Smith, from Eerwah Vale near Eumundi, has been named the winner of the Queensland Rural Women’s Award for 2017.
Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne made the announcement at Old Government House on Wednesday afternoon.
Jacqui plans to use the $10,000 bursary to create an “online learning platform” to enable rural agribusinesses to connect.
Mr Byrne congratulated Jacqui on her achievements as co-founder and chair of the Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) and Global Innovation manager at McCormick.
“The annual Rural Women’s Award promotes leadership and growth for women across primary industries,” Mr Byrne said.
“It enables emerging women leaders to realise their vision for primary industry and regional communities through financial and professional support.
“This year’s three finalists demonstrate how women are greatly improving Queensland’s rural communities, and each of their projects was a fantastic reflection of the work being done.
“Women who are as positive and energetic as the finalists set a great example to young women and girls in our rural and regional communities. They have already made a real difference.”
The other Queensland finalists were Tracey Beikoff and Jessica Fealy, both from Mareeba.
Jacqui will now compete for the national Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Award to be announced in Canberra in August.
She said it was an “absolute pleasure” to receive the award and to meet the other finalists.
“One of the things I am passionate about is encouraging other women to step up and give it a go,” she said.
“I want women to choose to be a part of rural industries and to realise you don’t have to be a third, fourth or fifth generation to be a part of this wonderful industry.”
Footnote: Barb Madden, from Smithfield Feedlot at Proston, was the 2009 Queensland RIRDC winner and national runner-up.
