Rural Women's Awards highlight finalists' contribution to community

Four Tasmanian women have been named finalists in the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards, with the Tasmanian Government recognising the important role they play in the State’s rapidly growing agriculture sector.  

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2025 provides rural women with financial and practical support to implement their visions for the sector while enhancing their leadership and representative capacity.

“There are thousands of women across Tasmania who play a role in supporting the State’s agriculture sector,” Minister Howlett said.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future supports women in agriculture and recognises the important role farming families play in Tasmania.

“From an agricultural scientist to a swimwear designer, this year’s finalists play an important role in connecting, celebrating and empowering people in agriculture.

“I congratulate these women on their award nomination and wish them all success.”

The 2025 finalists for the Tasmanian Rural Women’s Award are Sarah De Jonge, Christina Giudici, Filipa Bellette and Toni Coward. The winner of this award will receive a grant of $15,000, from Westpac, and has the opportunity to attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

The Encouragement Award and Development Award are sponsored by Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, winners will receive $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. The award ceremony will be held in Launceston on 18 March 2025 where the Tasmanian winner will be announced.  The winner will go on to represent the State at the national finals in September 2025.

The Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards are proudly supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), Tasmanian Women in Agriculture, Westpac, ABC Rural, Australian Community Media and OUTBACK Magazine. 

Finalist's details:

• Sarah De Jonge, from Kingston, who has a background in psychology and counselling, for her 1000 hearts project. The project first started with Sarah hand stitching 1000 pocket hearts to give away as random acts of kindness. Her mission is to share that kindness with people across the world participating in making hearts and handing them out.
• Christina Giudici, an agricultural scientist with a passion for natural systems that can generate and restore healthy soils and landscapes. She co-founded “New Black Biochar”, intending to demonstrate an economically environmentally and socially sustainable enterprise making biochar from waste products. 
• Filipa Bellette, whose passion is to end body burnout in “busy” people experiencing energy, mood and gut issues. Their signature program “Ending body burn out” is a 6-month healing course that is accessible online.
• Toni Coward, from Port Sorell, is a primary school teacher who runs a small business called Sheila May Swim, specialising in women’s swimwear. Toni’s mission is to create swimwear that promotes confidence in women when they are feeling most vulnerable and promotes strong community connection.