Three outstanding women who have made a significant contribution to agriculture in northern Australia were officially recognised at the Food Futures Gala dinner.
The Women in Agriculture Award was presented to Jane McNamara from Queensland, Tou Saramat Ruchkaew from the Northern Territory and Gabbi Bloecker from Western Australia.
‘The award acknowledges the dedication, hard work and sacrifices made by women working in and supporting the agricultural industry across the north. The selection panel really struggled to select just one winner from each state and Territory, this award could have been given to so many amazing women in the north.’ Mr Paul Burke said, CEO of NT Farmers Association.
Jane NcNamara
Jane McNamara, Mayor of Flinders Shire was given the award for her tireless work advocating for the Flinders Shire and actively supporting a wide range of causes to improve services and community life in the region. As mayor, Jane is focused on positioning the Shire into a transport, agriculture and service hub.
Jane has been instrumental in fostering the development of new agriculture projects and has campaigned for improved transport and digital communications infrastructure in the region. Her work as revitalized agriculture in the area and helped to create employment opportunities for shire residents.
Tou Saramat Ruchkaew
Tou started farming in the Territory on a small 5 acre block in the 1990s, now she owns and operates the NT’s largest mango farm – Tous Garden with her partner. She demonstrates that success is possible in NT agriculture sector with the right vision, business approach and a huge amount of dedication and determination.
Not only has Tou successfully developed her business but she has been extremely active in the community. She is involved in the Thai community and has served on the board of NT Farmers Association and the NT Mango Industry Association. Tou is passionate about creating an agricultural visa for farm workers and actively campaigns for its introduction.
Gabbi Bloecker
Gabbi is a true pioneer and innovator, she developed the Bothkamp Australia Farm with her husband in the Ord River Irrigation Area. The mixed horticulture and broadacre farm grows a wide variety of crops which are sold in capital cities across Australia. Gabbi innovated and extensively experimented with a range of crops to suit market demands.
As farm operations grew, Gabbi invested in additional farms and diversified to help guarantee future income streams. After raising her four children, Gabbi actively volunteered with a range of agricultural associations such as the Chairperson of the Kimberley Primary Industry, Chairperson of the Ord River District Cop-operative and Chairperson of the Kimberley Cotton Company
‘The award recipients have all contributed enormously to the north and deserve to be recognised. Without them our industry would not be as strong and innovative as it is today.’ Mr Burke said.
The awards are part of the North Australia Food Futures Conference which is focused on developing agriculture in north Australia. The event runs from the 17th to 20th of May 2021 at the Darwin Convention Centre.
Source: NT Farmers Association