Wandering’s Nicola Kelliher finalist in 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Wandering Farming Champions chair Nicola Kelliher has been selected as a finalist along with two other Wheatbelt women for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The award, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, has celebrated and awarded regional women for more than two decades.

A $15,000 bursary will be granted to the WA winner in March.

Ms Kelliher would use the grant to deliver food events and festivals that highlight the important role of farming families.

DPIRD Director General Heather Brayford congratulated the three finalists.

“Women play an integral role across our State’s vast primary industries sector, bringing a unique perspective to business, community and government endeavours,” she said.

“Once again, this year’s high calibre finalists reflect the diversity, tenacity and innovation of our rural women, following in the footsteps of many previous WA finalists.”

2023 WA winner Michelle Moriarty of Eaton highlighted the importance of grief support for regional widowers.

“Winning the 2023 WA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has provided me with a platform to develop and expand on bereavement support services at Grief Connect to rural, regional and remote areas across Australia,” she said.

“The award has connected me to a powerhouse of award alumni who have supported me with their time, referrals and wisdom to help me further develop Grief Connect.”

Ms Kelliher is joined as a finalist by Jay Page from Northam and Mandy Walker from Bolgart.