Develop your skills. Make a difference. Inspire others.

The Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award (RWA) has entered its second decade as one of the most successful and enduring leadership and capacity building initiatives in rural Australia.

The Award is one of the special ways we can celebrate the significant achievements of rural women across our state and support women by providing the necessary skills and resources to build their leadership and decision-making capacity.

Since the Award began in 2000, more than 170 women have been recognised in Australia.

The Award identifies and supports emerging leaders and change agents who have the capability and resources to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability within primary industries, and build economic and social development within rural communities.

Award finalists receive financial and practical support to implement their visions for primary industries and enhance their leadership capabilities.

It is a life changing experience that will link you with a positive and powerful alumni network of like-minded women across Australia who are passionate about primary industries and rural Australia.

Who can enter?

The Award is open to all women involved in primary industries and natural resource management. No formal qualifications are required.

What is the bursary?

The Award provides a $10,000 bursary for each State and Territory winner to provide the resources to develop your vision into a project or initiative that will benefit primary industries and rural Australia.

Examples of some of the initiatives the Bursary can be used for include:

• formal training in leadership and business management;
• overseas study tours;
• establishing business plans or pilot programs;
• developing education or promotional campaigns;
• networking at forums and conferences to grow your knowledge of industries and markets;
• developing training programs;
• testing information technology initiatives; and
• publishing books.

It's just a matter of using your imagination to dream big about what you want to do and the future direction of your industry or rural community.

Leadership and development opportunities

The winner and runner-up in each State and Territory has the opportunity to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and will be supported to develop and implement a 12 month leadership plan.

The Company Directors Course is a comprehensive and credible learning program relevant to board directors and business entrepreneurs. The course provides a thorough knowledge of the role and duties of being a board member, and knowledge of organisational performance, strategy development, risk management and financial performance, which are all critical to operating any business enterprise.

The Leadership Plan will provide 12 months of facilitated individual strategic support to enhance your leadership development and help with the implementation of your Award vision, along with networking, media and public relations opportunities.

Enter the Award

Applications for the 2012 Award are now closed. Applications for the 2013 Award will open on 1 August 2013. Rural women are encouraged to give it a go or nominate someone they think is up to a new and exciting challenge.

For an information package and a list of past winners and finalists who have kindly offered to mentor women applying for the Award, contact Allison Priest on 02 6391 3620 or email: allison.priest@industry.nsw.gov.au

Information is also available from RIRDC (including an online application form):

Selection criteria and how to enter (RIRDC website)

NSW Mentors and information on past winners and finalists

Rural women interested in applying for the Award are strongly encouraged to contact previous NSW/ACT winners and finalists who have kindly agreed to support women applying for the Award. Our mentors are happy to speak with you to discuss your ideas and guide you through the Award process. For a list of mentors contact RWN.

You can read profiles of the highly motivated and successful women who have applied for the NSW/ACT Award. Their efforts have helped boost the productivity and sustainability of our primary industries and our rural communities.