Territory women with bold ideas and a passion for creating positive change in rural, regional and remote Australia are encouraged to apply for the 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Applications for the Northern Territory close Wednesday, 20 January 2027.
The Northern Territory Government has supported the award for 26 years, recognising and celebrating the leadership and contribution of women across rural industries, businesses and communities.
The award provides women with an established project, business or program the opportunity to further develop their ideas, strengthen their leadership skills and create lasting benefits for their communities and industries.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries CEO Amelia Vellar said the award recognises the important contribution Territory women make to regional industries and communities.
“Women across the Territory are turning innovative ideas and local knowledge into practical solutions that strengthen our industries and communities.
“The Rural Women’s Award provides an important platform to recognise these leaders and give them the support and networks to take their ideas even further.
“We encourage Territory women with an established project, business or program that is making a difference to put themselves forward for the 2027 award.”
The 2026 Northern Territory winner, Kelly Shotton, was recently recognised on the national stage as the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Runner-Up.
Ms Shotton was recognised for Stationly, an agtech platform designed to help pastoral properties monitor and improve water point management.
Ms Shotton said being named National Runner-Up was a huge honour.
“I never expected Stationly to go this far when I first built it just to make my own job easier,” Ms Shotton said.
“Everything used to be tracked on paper, and I could see how much time and detail was being lost along the way. This grant means I can now put real energy into developing Stationly further and rolling it out so more people can spend less time chasing paperwork and more time making good decisions on the ground.”
The 2026 NT finalists demonstrated the breadth of leadership across the Territory, with projects spanning pastoral innovation, workforce development, fashion and employment pathways, and Australian-made skincare.
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory winners receive a $15,000 grant to progress their project, business or program, as well as professional development opportunities and access to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Alumni network.
The National Winner receives an additional $20,000, while the National Runner-Up receives an additional $15,000 respectively.
Applications close Wednesday, 20 January 2027
