Rural
1 March, 2025
Meet QLD Rural Women’s finalist
CEO of Food and Agribusiness Network, Nicole McNaughton, has been announced as one of three finalists in the State Government’s 2025 Queensland Rural Women’s Award.
Food and Agribusiness Network is one of Australia’s leading food and industry clusters, with over 420 members in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Gympie regions. Other finalists include Libby-Cook Black from the Torres Strait and Angie Nisbet from North West Queensland.
The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
The Department of Primary Industries has supported the Rural Women’s Award since 2000, in collaboration with AgriFutures Australia and supported by the Queensland Country Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett, who congratulated the finalists and paid tribute to their achievements and positive contributions to rural Queensland.
“Rural Queensland simply wouldn’t operate without the vital contribution of country women who carry out a myriad of many crucial roles, often behind the scenes,” he said.
“As a husband and father, I know how much of women’s contributions go unacknowledged, which is why awards like this are cause for celebration.”
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the finalists were contributing a great deal to Queensland’s rural communities.
“Women are a leading force in keeping Queensland’s regional and rural communities thriving, and I applaud all women who continue to support their communities.”
The Queensland winner will be announced on March 20.
