Melissa Duniam, of Sisters Creek, has won the Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for 2023.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2023 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.
The Tasmanian award is a $15,000 grant from Westpac that will help Ms Duniam develop her business, Leading Rein.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer congratulated Ms Duniam on being awarded the 2023 Tasmanian ArgiFutures Rural Women’s Award.
“Ms Duniam is an experienced businesswoman with a deep understanding of the value and effects of communication, relationships and dynamics in the workplace,” Minister Palmer said.
“With more than 20 years’ experience in the dairy and agriculture industries, Ms Duniam is passionate about developing people and communities.”
Based in Tasmania’s north-west, Leading Rein uses horses to give participants the opportunity to foster better communication and leadership skills by developing their ability to communicate through body language and trust.
As part of the grant, Ms Duniam will complete a professional development training course and attend a three-day Australian Institute of Company Directors Course with other State and Territory winners.
Ms Duniam will also represent Tasmania at the national awards in September.
Minister Palmer also congratulated the three other Tasmanian finalists for the incredible work they’re doing in their fields.
Belle Binder received the Encouragement Award, sponsored by Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, which includes a $2000 grant for professional development.
The Development Award, also sponsored by Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, went to Kitana Manswell and Tamar Cordover, with each receiving a grant of $1000 for professional development.
The Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards is proudly supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, Westpac, ABC Rural, Australian Community Media and OUTBACK Magazine.
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