The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) congratulates 2013 Western Australian Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award winner, Danielle England, of Narrogin.
Ms England was honoured with the award in a ceremony at the University Club last night, from a strong field of six finalists from across Western Australia.
WAFarmers Beekeepers Section Executive Member, Leilani Leyland, was awarded the runner-up award for her work in the beekeeping industry over the last 28 years and her active promotion of the importance of bees, honey and the industry in schools, on bus tours of their operations and on their business website.
WAFarmers President, Dale Park, said the RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards were an important part of recognising the role women play in agriculture.
“A lot of people outside of agriculture do not understand the important role women play in our industry,” Mr Park said.
“They are often the accountant, the farmhand, the mechanic and countless other roles so without their support many farm businesses simply would not survive, to produce high quality food for Western Australians.”
Mr Park said WAFarmers were also endeavouring to recognise the role of women in agriculture by creating its Leading Ladies group.
“WAFarmers Leading Ladies is open to all women in WA particularly those who wish to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas,” he said.
“Leading Ladies aspires to develop an action plan to assist our future generations’ understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from.”
WAFarmers would also like to congratulate finalists Pia Boschetti, of Geraldton; Jodie Lane, of Margaret River; Ellen Smith, of Perth; and Kim Tyrer, of Mount Barker.
The Rural Women’s Award is a great initiative from the RIRDC, co-ordinated in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food and supported by Westpac, CBH Group and the RRR Network.
