The mastermind behind a ground-breaking community-focused app, the designer of luxury wedding gowns made from Merino wool and a devoted advocate for suicide prevention have been shortlisted as the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award South Australian finalists.

Susie Williams from Willunga, Nikki Atkinson from the Flinders Ranges and Suzi Evans from Mantung are in the running to win a $15,000 Westpac grant to support an existing project, business, or program. 

The winner will also receive professional development opportunities and access to alumni networks.

The South Australian winner will be announced on 26 March and will represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner in Canberra later in the year.  

The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner-up will receive a $15,000 grant.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is recognised as Australia’s leading accolade acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities.

Entrepreneur Susie Williams combined her passion for fostering connections in rural communities with her technical prowess to develop the Fleurieu App – an online platform that provides local news for free, while also celebrating achievements, businesses, events and places that define the region.

"If businesses across a region support each other we all thrive," Susie says.

"Keeping our region and communities connected inspires me - it makes life better for everyone."

Nikki Atkinson designs sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear made from merino wool. 

Her business, Horrocks Vale Collections, combines her 25 years of experience as a wedding dress designer and her desire to champion Australian Merino wool as a new environmentally sustainable alternative to polyester.

Suzi Evans dedicated herself to helping others following the tragic loss of her son Murray, known as Muzz, who took his own life in 2018. 

Suzi is a trusted mental health first aid trainer and the founder of resilience building program ‘Workbench for the Mind’, which aims to help participants understand how the brain works and develop tools to manage their emotions in positive ways.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven has congratulated the three finalists.

“I thank them for their hard work and dedication to rural communities and devotion to making positive changes.

“The Government of South Australia is proud to support initiatives that recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions women make in our regional areas supporting local communities, businesses, and industries.

“The finalists’ devotion and drive to make positive change is inspirational and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements."

Belinda Allitt is AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Workforce, Communication and Adoption.

“I’m impressed by the variety of innovative projects being delivered in South Australia,” she says. 

“Suzi, Nikki, and Susie are fantastic role models and deserve the acknowledgment that comes with being a state finalist for this award. 

“They are great examples of women who have taken a passion, interest and a tragedy and turned it into impactful, meaningful, and positive projects for the benefit of communities and rural industries. 

“Their work takes grit and determination, and these are key values of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.