CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & CELEBRATING
TASMANIAN RURAL WOMEN & THEIR FAMILIES
Sponsorship
& Scholarships
Agrifutures Rural Women's Awards 2026
From left to right: Sharon Symons, Jeanette Reader (Treasurer), Laura Johnson OAM, Alyssia Kennedy, Sue Hinton(Chair)
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is Australia's leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. It:
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recognises, celebrates, and acknowledges exceptional women and their vital contribution
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provides financial and practical support to implement award winners' visions
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celebrates exceptional contribution to rural communities and industry
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builds skills in industry and leadership
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provides important recognition for the value of women in agriculture
Tasmanian Women in Agriculture are proud to sponsor two awards - the TWiA Encouragement Award and TWiA Rural Women's Development Awards. Our exceptional recipients for 2026 are:
TWiA Encouragement Award
Alyssia Kennedy - Founder of the Life After School program, an initiative dedicated to helping young people in rural and regional Tasmania successfully transition from education to adulthood.
Alyssia saw a need in the community and created a program that delivers practical workshops on workplace readiness, financial literacy, and life skills, equipping participants with confidence and resilience. Alyssia works closely with schools, local organisations, and service providers to ensure young people have access to the knowledge and networks they need to thrive after they leave school and move into adulthood. She is committed to empower young people to strengthen communities and create pathways for meaningful opportunities across regional Australia.
Alyssia was also recently named 2026 TAS Young Australian of the Year and previously chosen as a 2025 ABC Trailblazer for her program, giving Alyssia the opportunity to present her ideas to policymakers in Canberra. Through her vision, drive, and dedication. Alyssia is equipping young people with the practical skills and confidence they need to not only navigate adulthood but truly thrive within it.
TWiA Rural Women's Development Award
Laura-Jude Johnson OAM - Founder of THEIRS (Talk, Hear and Help, Educate, Inform, Refer and Support), a youth-led mental health and suicide prevention organisation based on Tasmania’s North-West Coast.
Drawing on her lived experience and deep commitment to community, Laura works to create safe, empowering spaces where conversations spark change and young people feel seen and supported. Through state-wide events, school programs, and collaborations, she leads initiatives that build resilience, emotional literacy, and practical skills, ensuring no young person feels alone.
Laura is one of the youngest ever to receive the Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to youth mental health, along with being named 2024 Haywire, trailblazer, finalist for young Tasmanian of the year and winner of the 2025 MAIB excellence in leadership award.
Applications for the 2027 Agrifutures Rural Women's Awards open on 9 September 2026.
Scholarships & Awards
TWiA offers various scholarships to support women involved in agriculture across Tasmania. To be eligible for our scholarships and awards, you need to be a current member of TWIA.
How to Apply:
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Become a Member: If you’re not yet a member, you’ll need to join TWIA to be eligible for these scholarships. Membership provides not only access to these scholarships but also a range of networking opportunities, professional development resources, and advocacy for women in the agricultural sector. Membership can be completed online here.
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Application Process: For each scholarship, there will be a specific application process, which may involve submitting a statement of purpose, proof of involvement in agriculture, and a clear outline of how the scholarship will help advance your professional development.
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Deadlines: Pay attention to deadlines, as these scholarships typically have set application windows each year.
2026 Scholarships:
Sprout
For details visit www.sprout.org.au
Agrifutures Rural Women's Award
For details visit www.agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/
TWiA Development Award
TWiA Encouragement Award
Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program
Click here for more details.
AWiA National Conference
Sponsors & Sponsorship opportunities
TWiA are extremely grateful for the support we receive from:
Why sponsor a TWiA initiative, scholarship or award?
Sponsoring Tasmanian Women in Agriculture is a powerful way to support gender equality, innovation, and sustainability in the agricultural sector. It’s an opportunity to not only improve the agricultural industry but also to align your business with values that resonate with consumers and communities today. Whether you're motivated by a desire to give back, foster industry change, or grow your own network, supporting TWiA provides a range of benefits that go far beyond just a financial contribution.
Through your support and sponsorship, you help ensure members have access to skills development, mentoring, and leadership programs, which can help foster the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Sponsorship often comes with benefits like brand visibility, recognition in media coverage, and prominent placement at events and activities organized by TWA. This exposure can help raise awareness of your brand among a targeted audience, including other agricultural professionals, policymakers, and consumers.
Help provide women with better opportunities for leadership, networking, education, and business growth within a traditionally male-dominated space.
Sponsorship opportunities
If you would like to become a much valued sponsor of TWiA please email admin@taswomeninag.org
