Shine 2019 casts light on our inspirational regional women
WELCOME to the third year of the Shine Awards, the annual celebration of regional and rural women who are making a real difference to their communities, businesses and industries.
Since the launch two years ago of this partnership between The Rural Weekly’s sister paper The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman, we have shared stories of female achievement, entrepreneurship, dedication, leadership and triumph — as well as stories of hardship and heartache. A poignant example is jillaroo Zoe Hayes, winner of last year’s Courage category.
Zoe lost her mother to suicide when she was just 17 years old.
She suffered from depression and found ways to start healing while working on remote cattle stations in Queensland and Western Australia.
Bravely, she shared her battle and coping strategies online, to give others hope and strength. The 23-year-old is now working to break down the stigma of mental health in rural communities.
Her story was just one of the 18 inspiring finalists from last year.
She was joined by a dairy farmer who created a global dairy support forum, a sheep farmer who single-handedly built an export lamb charcuterie business, a literacy advocate who launched a reading festival for children, plus volunteers, entrepreneurs, nurses, carers, committee presidents and farmers.
Over the next 12 weeks, The
Rural Weekly will highlight women on farms and off them, in rural towns, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and schools whose achievements deserve to be recognised.
Their stories will appear in online at www.theweeklytimes.com.au and in our magazines.
From stories that have appeared throughout the year, finalists will be chosen in six categories: Passion, Belief, Grace, Spirit, Dedication and Courage. On November 20, six winners will be announced.
Each will be awarded a $2500 voucher from Harvey Norman. One of the 18 finalists will also be named the overall Shine winner and receive a further $5000.
Shine is a forum for readers to nominate women whose stories deserve to be told.