Photo credit: Agrifutures Australia Facebook
Three innovative, bold women from across the state have been named as the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award South Australian finalists.
The award supports women to bring a project or initiative to life that benefits rural industries and communities, with a $15,000 grant.
The three finalists are Robyn Verrall of McCallum in the South-East; Lukina Lukin of Port Lincoln; and Stephanie Lunn of Jamestown in the Mid North.
Mehdi Doroudi, Chief Executive of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions said he was impressed with the finalists’ achievements.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award recognises emerging leaders with the drive, commitment and ability to make a greater contribution to our rural and regional communities.
“The finalists this year span diverse industries, from food security to opening up global markets to work safety. Their accomplishments so far are inspiring as is their commitment to their communities.
Platinum sponsor Westpac Agribusiness SA Regional General Manager Brad Higgins also congratulated the finalists.
“Westpac Agribusiness celebrates people who are making a difference in shaping the future of Australian agriculture and agribusiness at a local, state and national level. Our enduring commitment to rural industries means we are proud to be a part of their journey and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award,” said Mr Higgins.
The state winner will be announced on 5 April 2022, who will be awarded a $15,000 Westpac grant to help progress their winning project, as well as receive professional development opportunities and join the alumni network.
The South Australian winner will then go on to represent the State at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner in Canberra on 6 September 2022. The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant.
Robyn Verrall, McCallum
Robyn is a Director, Founder and Business Advisor of Kere to Country (‘kere’ meaning food from animals in Arrernte), an Aboriginal owned and operated food supply company bringing high quality and affordable meat into First Nations communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Robyn’s goal is to reduce food insecurity and increase food affordability in rural, regional and First Nations communities. By doing this Robyn hopes to support people into employment, serving a local solution and empowering communities. Robyn is a supporter of women in rural and regional areas and believes food and family business are vital to help people thrive in communities and change the conversation about economic drivers and security.
Lukina Lukin, Port Lincoln
Lukina is the Managing Director of Lukina Group of Companies and is currently working towards opening a pathway for her business Dinko Tuna and the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) industry to grow globally, and move into emerging export markets across Asia, Middle East and US. Lukina arrived from Thailand over two decades ago and now calls Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula home. In 2018, Lukina recognised a threat to the longevity of the Australian SBT industry was its overreliance on the dominant Japanese export market. She’s since been working to establish clear strategic direction to diversify and grow the industry’s footprint to compete globally.
Stephanie Lunn, Jamestown
Stephanie is an expert in agricultural research and development, as well as director for not-for-profit venture, TrialSafe. TrialSafe is an established safety initiative, delivering safety seminars across Australia and a safety podcast targeted at agricultural research professionals and the broader agricultural community. The venture provides a forum for industry participants to share stories, outcomes and initiatives around safety and worker wellbeing in agriculture. By sharing improvements in processes or procedures, and positive outcomes through collaboration, safer workplaces and practices are created for the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry.
The state winner will be announced on Tuesday April 5th.
For more information, visit the website here
