It’s last call for applications for the 2022 Rural Women’s Award, which is offering a $15,000 bursary for Territory women who have developed concepts that could benefit the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries.

The award celebrates emerging female leaders who want to make a difference with a project that benefits rural industries.

The winner will receive a $15,000 bursary to develop their project, and the chance to represent the Northern Territory at the National Rural Women’s Award.

Territory women in rural industries, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, are encouraged to apply for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and have just under two weeks left to apply.

“If you’re holding on to an idea that you need support with, I’d recommend you’d apply, particularly if you’re a woman in agribusiness,” said Amy Kirke, Northern Territory 2021 finalist for the Rural Women’s Award.

“Even if you’re not the national winner, you’re introduced to supportive networks and a host of opportunities that can help develop your idea, business or community,” Ms Kirke added.

The NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade says it is “focused on growing the agribusiness industry as part of a goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030.”

“Over the past two decades, the Rural Women’s Award has provided close to 300 women with the opportunity to achieve positive change for rural and regional Australia and significant professional development opportunities,” AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey said.

The applications for the NT Rural Women’s Award 2022 were opened in August 2021 and will close on January 28, 2022.

Applicants must have an existing project, business or program which is live and up and running, or will be live within three months of the application being submitted.

The existing project, business or program should fall into one or more of these categories: Community, Collaboration, Commercial and it should align to the values of the Award.

“Location is no barrier. If you want to create impact, innovate and make a difference and/or contribute to enhancing the prosperity of rural and regional Australia, then we want to hear from you,” AgriFutures Australia said in a statement.

The finalists will receive a $15,000 bursary for their project, business or program, as well as access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

The National Winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 bursary and National Runner Up, an additional $15,000.

AgriFutures Australia said the bursary can be used for formal training in leadership and business management; overseas study tours; establishing business plans or pilot programs; developing educational or promotional campaigns; networking at forums and conferences to grow your knowledge of industries and markets; developing training programs; testing information technology initiatives; developing or testing a new business concept or innovation; and publishing books.

More information, including applications, is available here:https://industry.nt.gov.au/events/nt-rural-womens-award