Alex scoops rural award
Alex Thomas was named the South Australian recipient of the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and will go on to represent the state at the national final in Canberra in September.
She will also receive a $10,000 bursary, provided by AgriFutures Australia, to bring to life a project to prevent workplace deaths and permanent injuries in the agriculture industry. This project formed part of her nomination for the award.
Ms Thomas, a self-described “die-hard pastoralist’s daughter”, grew up at Parnaroo Station east of Yunta and now lives in Adelaide.
She said it will be such an honour to represent South Australia at the national final in Canberra, and to meet the other state and territory finalists in Wagga Wagga later this year.
“I’m really looking forward to us networking and sharing our project ideas,” she said.
“I plan to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way to promote safer work practices on farm and boat.
“I’m hoping to inspire people to shift their focus from paperwork and compliance, to taking meaningful action to save lives. I also hope that they will feel compelled to continue the conversation around work health and safety within their families, their businesses, industries, communities, and across Australia.
The generous bursary from AgriFutures Australia will Ms Thomas to start many more conversations around work health and safety in agriculture and fisheries, across Australia, and via her #PlantASeedForSafety campaign.
“This has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and I can’t wait to get started,” she said.
Alex received her award at Monday night’s ceremony at the Three Gums Bistro in Hahndorf, presented by chief executive of Primary Industries and Regions SA, Scott Ashby. Primary Industries and Regions SA is the supporting state agency for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in South Australia.
Finalists Jo Bonner from Marree and Lauren Thiel from Adelaide were acknowledged for their leadership qualities and commitment to regional South Australian industries, business and communities.
All 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state and territory winners will convene in Wagga Wagga in NSW from July 3 to 5, 2018, for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award workshop and national selection panel interviews.
The 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement will take place in Canberra on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.
A national winner and national runner up will be announced on the night.
Originally published online on The Flinders News. Article no longer available online.
