Victoria’s 2022 Rural Women’s Award Winner

A Central Victorian entrepreneur has taken home the 2022 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s award for her innovative work to connect regional and rural women through her print magazine publication.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green announced the winner at last night’s ceremony in Melbourne, with Strathfieldsaye resident Kimberley Furness winning a $15,000 bursary to bring her project to life.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s award acknowledges and celebrates the essential role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

Kimberley was selected from a group of three finalists from across the state. She was acknowledged for her efforts in creating OAK Magazine, a proudly independent print publication dedicated to female entrepreneurs and women in business across regional and rural Australia.

The magazine combines Kimberley’s passion for telling regional stories and her experience as a regional journalist to enhance community and collaboration between female business leaders.

Kimberley looks forward to using the $15,000 bursary to grow her publication to span print, digital and audio by working with dedicated digital specialists, editors, writers and photographers to amplify the voices of rural Australia.

Kimberley will now compete for a further $20,000 bursary and the National Award, which will be announced at a Gala event in Canberra in September.

In addition to the Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, the Victorian Government is supporting Victorian women in agriculture with the Rural Women’s Network, working with rural women’s groups and individuals to encourage women to have a more active voice in government and community decision-making.

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Source: Vic Government