Top Territory women named as finalists in 2025 Rural Awards

21 March 2025

The finalists for the 2025 NT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award have been announced, recognising three outstanding Territory women whose projects will make a difference in rural industries and communities.

The NT winner will be revealed at a special event at Parliament House on 16 April 2025.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the prestigious award played an important role in supporting and celebrating women across the Territory’s rural sector for over two decades.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform to recognise and empower women who are driving innovation and leadership in rural and emerging industries,” said Mr Maley.

“This year’s NT finalists – Kristy Hollis, Barbara Clifford, and Nicole Walsh – have demonstrated outstanding vision and commitment to strengthening rural communities.”

The award, now in its 22nd year, highlights forward-thinking projects that contribute to regional development and economic growth.

“This is about celebrating women who are creating new opportunities and delivering lasting benefits to their industries and local communities,” said Mr Maley.

The NT winner will receive a $15,000 bursary from Westpac to support their project, as well as access to professional development and mentorship opportunities.

They will also go on to represent the Territory at the national awards later this year.

“The Territory Government has proudly supported this award for more than two decades because we recognise the important role rural women play in shaping our industries and communities,” said Mr Maley.

NT finalists:

• Kristy Hollis, a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor who brings her unique perspective to rural and remote health in the NT. Kristy’s project, Women’s Business aims to empower rural women through health education, collaboration and community building fostering whole-person, whole-community and whole-country healing in regional Australia.
• Barbara Clifford, a fifth-generation farming family with extensive experience in professional development and equipping regional leaders with the skills to navigate change and build resilient teams. Barbara’s project, S.H.E.R.O.E.S (Supporting Her Empowerment in Regional and Outback Environments) is a professional development program for women in leadership roles in rural, regional and remote regions that aims to address professional isolation; and
• Nicole Walsh, an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in marketing and events, policy development and property management and is currently Head of Programs for the Council of Small Business. Nicole’s NEAT Project (Northern Enterprises Accelerating Trade) is a two-phase project aimed at boosting the export readiness of NT businesses and creating a digital marketplace for NT products.

For more information, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa.

Images below:

1. Kristy Hollis
2. Barbara Clifford
3. Nicole Walsh

Media contact - Kyrrie Blenkinsop - 0461 385 914