WESTERN Victorian wool entrepreneur Sherri Symons is among three women named as state finalists for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The award recognises women for their leadership, innovation, and contribution to rural industries and communities.

Ms Symons from Ellerslie is the founder of WoolGrow Australia, and creates sustainable gardening solutions with low value wool from pure crossbred sheep, while supporting the environment by promoting eco-friendly gardening.

The 2025 Victorian finalists include Dr Mary Cole from Garfield, a leading scientist, educator, and founder of Agpath, a biological farming research and education centre helping farmers reduce costs, improve soil health, and build more sustainable businesses.

Churchill woman Den Lim is a finalist as founder of Uplift Collective, a collaboration of more than 20 organisations providing free, engaging activities for young people across Latrobe and Baw Baw, helping them connect with local services through entertainment, cultural events, sports, and the arts.

The award celebrates women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia by empowering them with the skills, support, and leadership opportunities to shape their industries and communities.

The award is in its 24th year and is a nationally recognised program of influence, providing each state and territory winner with a $15,000 Westpac grant, professional development opportunities, and access to a powerful alumni network.

The Victorian winner will be announced in March at a ceremony in Melbourne and then go on to represent Victoria at the national award in September at Parliament House, where the national winner will receive $20,000.

AgriFutures Australia chief operating officer Belinda Allitt said as Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries and communities, the orhanisation couldn’t be prouder to announce this year’s Victorian state finalists.

“These three women are role models for the next generation of rural leaders, turning their passions for science, youth engagement and innovation into projects that are making a difference in rural and regional Australia,” she said.

“This is an important step in providing a platform for women’s voices to be heard and to shine a light on the incredible work being done to future-proof our rural industries and communities.”

AgriFutures said Victoria has a strong record of success at the national level. In 2024, Grace Larson, co-founder of The Sisterhood Project, was named national runner-up for her work in improving healthcare education and empowering parents and caregivers with vital first aid skills.

For more information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award click here

https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/