Opposition Leader Mia Davies has congratulated Yawuru Bunuba woman Cara Peek on becoming the 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner.
Ms Davies said Ms Peek, a Broome-based lawyer, entrepreneur and social innovator, was an outstanding selection by the judges, up against other inspirational women from around the nation.
“The Rural Women’s Award celebrates what it means to be a woman in rural Australia, recognising leadership and initiative in our regional communities,” Ms Davies said.
“The award has gained a significant profile over the last 21 years, empowering and celebrating courageous women involved in our rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.”
Each year regional women apply for the award, a process which includes presenting a project that will benefit regional WA communities. The winner is named as WA Rural Woman of the Year and receives $10,000 toward their project.
Ms Peek’s project is Saltwater Academy, which celebrates the heritage of the Kimberley Aboriginal pastoral industry and provides related emotional, economic and cultural initiatives, including training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
“It was wonderful to see Ms Peek receive the award today, joined by family, and in a room with other West Australian Rural Women Award alumni,” Ms Davies said.
“In past years we have seen Camp Kulin founder Tanya Dupagne tread the same path from WA to national winner, and others like Caroline Robinson, Sue Middleton and Catherine Marriott who have contributed so much to our regional communities.
“These are women who play a key role in driving innovation, diversification, creating new opportunities for business and communities to thrive in regional Australia.”
Ms Davies commended Ms Peek for the vision to create education, training and employment pathways for Aboriginal people living in rural and remote areas of Australia.
“I’ve no doubt her drive and determination to make this a success will be assisted with the support and networks forged through the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award,” Ms Davies said.
“I encourage other women passionate about regional, rural and remote WA to consider nominating for future Rural Women’s Awards.”
For more information on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, visit: https://agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award\
