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Three inspirational women from New South Wales have been selected as finalists in the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, recognising their leadership in education, technology and workforce sustainability.

The finalists reflect the growing diversity of industries shaping regional economies, from language and cultural education to artificial intelligence and veterinary practice reform. Each finalist has taken an innovative approach to respond to emerging challenges in their field, while creating practical, long-term benefits for communities and industries beyond metropolitan centres.

The 2026 finalists are:

• Kristie Ivone, from Albury, founder of Boas Language Academy, is building inclusive regional communities by partnering with migrants to turn language learning into a powerful bridge for connection, belonging and opportunity across regional New South Wales.
• Emma Spartalis, hailing from Clarence Town, is founder of Spartalis Consulting, an artificial intelligence and digital capability consultancy helping organisations understand, adopt and apply emerging technologies in ethical and practical ways.
• Sarah Golding, an Inverell veterinarian and founder of The Vet Mind Mentor, is strengthening rural veterinary services by mentoring graduate vets to build resilience, confidence and sustainable career balance.

The NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates women who are driving change through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, while addressing complex social, economic and workforce challenges facing regional Australia.

The 2026 NSW/ACT winner will be announced on Wednesday 22 April and will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support the development of a project, business or program, along with access to professional development and national alumni networks.

The NSW/ACT winner will also go on to represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award later in the year.

More information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is available at:
Rural Women’s Award | AgriFutures Australia

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I congratulate Kristie, Emma and Sarah on being named finalists for the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“These women demonstrate the depth of talent, innovation and leadership that exists across regional NSW, and the important role women play in strengthening industries and communities.

“This Government is committed to supporting women who are driving positive change and creating opportunities in regional and rural NSW.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women in regional New South Wales continue to show extraordinary leadership, resilience and creativity in the face of complex challenges.

“Congratulations to Kristie, Emma and Sarah, who are outstanding examples of women using their skills and expertise to build sustainable businesses and improve outcomes in their fields.

“As finalists in the AgriFutures NSW/ACT Awards, they are shining the light on regional women’s innovativeness and resourcefulness. It’s a great recognition of their achievements to date, and the potential they have to inspire and lead change into the future.”

AgriFutures Australia General Manager Jennifer Galloway said:

“The three New South Wales finalists of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are leading with innovation, vision and determination to create meaningful change across rural Australia.

“They show how leadership can turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities.

“The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts.

“By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come.”

Finalist Kristie Ivone said:

“It is a great honour to be named as a finalist alongside inspiring women championing change across regional Australia. This recognition celebrates strong regional communities, and the power of language to connect all those who choose to make regional Australia home.

Migrants make great contributions to our regional communities. I thank AgriFutures, Westpac, Women NSW and the supporters of this award for this platform to showcase the talent, diversity and vibrancy that migrants bring to the regional communities we love living in.

Each year, the award highlights inspiring women and important work that makes our regions stronger. It is an honour to be among them.”

Finalist Emma Spartalis said:

“I am deeply honoured to be named a finalist among such remarkable rural women. Every day, women across NSW and the ACT are holding together farms, businesses and communities under significant pressure. My work focuses on reducing operational strain and building practical digital capability, so rural women can lead sustainable, commercially strong businesses without sacrificing their wellbeing.”

Finalist Sarah Golding said:

“What an incredible privilege to have been named a finalist alongside such wonderful, deserving rural women, evoking much needed change within their industries. The veterinary profession is filled with highly dedicated individuals passionate about caring for our pets, wildlife & production animals. The Vet Mind Mentor initiative is committed to strengthening the resilience of our vets so they can enjoy happy, healthy careers servicing our regional communities.

I am beyond excited to see how this opportunity impacts my mission to foster a more sustainable veterinary industry, particularly for those practicing in the bush.”

Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.

Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.

With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens. These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.

It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.

I congratulate Peter Ker and Irene Sarwindaningrum, the recipients of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award for 2025-26.  

They have each demonstrated a strong commitment to growing their understanding of Indonesia and Australia.

Mr Ker is a journalist at the Australian Financial Review with over 24 years’ experience in print journalism. He reports on natural resources, finance, energy and mining and hosts the AFR’s decarbonisation podcast TechZero. With the award, Mr Ker intends to explore Australia and Indonesia’s energy transition relationship.

Ms Sarwindaningrum is a journalist at Kompas Daily Newspaper and winner of Indonesia’s prestigious Adinegoro Award for investigative reporting. Ms Sarwindaningrum’s reporting has examined the Australia-Indonesia relationship across areas such as tourism and geopolitics. With her award, she intends to cover issues affecting both countries, including digital security, AI governance and public health.

The Award will support Mr Ker and Ms Sarwindaningrum undertake a two-week program in Indonesia and Australia respectively to build a stronger understanding and appreciation of the range of issues facing contemporary Indonesia and Australia.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, who died while serving her country in Indonesia on 7 March 2007. It continues the legacy of Ms O’Neill, who was passionate about fostering mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through informed media coverage.

The Award is open to high-achieving journalists from print, radio, television and online media organisations across Australia and Indonesia. 

New data today from Domain’s First Home Buyer Report shows affordable homes are out of reach for average first-home buyers in all Australian cities.

The report finds that in the past five years, the cost of entry-level houses has increased by 68%, with units having risen by 30%, while wages have only increased by 21%.

The Greens say Labor’s policies are to blame – the 5% deposit scheme and tax breaks for wealthy property investors, such as the CGT discount – are fuelling investor demand, pushing house prices through the roof.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The Great Australian dream of owning a home is dead thanks to Labor.

“Under Labor, house prices only go one way — up, and first-home buyers don’t stand a chance of getting into the market.

“Labor is the government of house price increases. Its 5% deposit scheme and tax breaks for property hoarders are fuelling investor demand.

“Labor has killed any chance of home ownership for younger people, unless they’re lucky enough to win the generational lottery.

“Labor has turned the housing crisis into a game of Monopoly — and first-home buyers are losing out.

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis – which are the tax breaks for wealthy property hoarders and the lack of social and affordable housing – house prices will continue to spike, and banks will continue to rake in the profits.”

With negative gearing back on the political table following the Greens campaign to end investor lending, momentum for tax reform is growing.

The Greens have long campaigned for winding back the most inequitable tax concessions, particularly negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, to minimise investor demand.

The Greens call on the government to seize this moment with the budget just around the corner to deliver ambitious tax reform to tackle Australia’s deepening housing crisis.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The Greens campaign to end unfair handouts for wealthy property investors has forced negative gearing reform back onto the table.

“Unfair tax discounts just make housing more expensive and give billions to super-wealthy property investors. Ending these tax concessions will help more people have a roof over their head.

“Massive tax breaks for wealthy property investors are cooking our housing system. Negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount let cashed-up investors outbid everyday Australians — and young people and first-home buyers are the ones paying the price.

“Australia’s housing system is rigged for the wealthy; it’s a system designed to drive up the cost of housing, generating enormous wealth for the 1%.

“During the Greens-led inquiry into CGT discounts expert after expert said wealthy property investors shouldn’t get these massive handouts.

“This next budget is a huge opportunity for the government to deliver bold, ambitious tax reform that puts renters and home buyers first.”

The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor for putting children as young as fourteen at risk of life in prison, calling it a prime example of how the Government has lost its way and set its priorities backwards.

The new laws allow children as young as fourteen to receive life sentences. The Greens warn they will do nothing to make communities safer and will, in fact, increase reoffending.

All the evidence shows early contact with the criminal justice system and longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. Like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

The Greens say that Labor trying to liken their approach to cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime is misleading and false. 

Cities around the world that have successfully reduced violence have not relied on tougher sentencing. They adopted whole-of-system public health approaches – investing in early intervention, youth services, housing, healthcare and community support to address the drivers of crime before harm occurs.

Meanwhile in Victoria, crime prevention funding has been cut in recent years, public housing stock has been demolished, and frontline homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services are overwhelmed.

Peak bodies including VCOSS, Homelessness Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association have warned that services cannot meet rising demand, with homelessness services turning people away and long waitlists for treatment.

Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey:

“Labor’s doubling down on failed policies that won’t make the community any safer. All the evidence shows longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. And just like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

“Labor isn’t taking lessons from the evidence overseas, they’re taking lessons from the Liberals. Literally copy-pasting this policy from the Liberals in Queensland. 

“Labor is doing the opposite of what has worked overseas by cutting prevention, frontline healthcare services, and public housing, all to pay for costly punitive policies that don’t work.

“Real safety starts with stable housing, access to healthcare and mental health support and it means acting now to prevent harm before it happens. We need Labor to stop playing politics with community safety and do what actually works.” 

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP has this week distributed an electorate-wide postcard encouraging residents to slow down and look out for wildlife across the Northern Rivers.

“Our region is home to remarkable wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Yet increasing habitat loss, extreme weather and ongoing development mean many native species are under growing pressure,” Ms Smith said.

“Protecting wildlife isn’t just the job of governments or rescue groups. It’s something we can all contribute to, simply by being alert and taking care on our roads.”

The postcard also highlights Ms Smith’s Wildlife Rescue Directory, launched late last year. The directory brings together contact details for local wildlife rescue organisations across the electorate, helping residents quickly identify the right group to contact when an animal is injured or in distress.

“Our community cares deeply about the native animals that share this region with us. That care is reflected in the extraordinary network of volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers working tirelessly across the Northern Rivers,” Ms Smith said.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated rescue network locally.”

Ms Smith said injured and deceased wildlife on local roads remains an all-too-common sight.

“Too often, people simply don’t know who to call. In an emergency, minutes matter, and it can be overwhelming trying to find the right contact,” she said.

“The Wildlife Rescue Directory removes that uncertainty. It’s a practical tool that can be saved to your phone, so help is there when it’s needed most.”

“A small moment of awareness on the road can save a life. Looking out for wildlife is something each of us can do, and together those small actions make a real difference.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP has this week distributed a Community Safety information postcard to targeted suburbs across the electorate following reports of rural property crime in parts of the region.

“In recent months, my office has heard from local residents and farmers who have experienced incidents such as property damage and theft,” Ms Smith said.

“While we are fortunate to live in a safe community, even isolated incidents can have a significant impact, particularly in rural areas where properties are more remote and neighbours may be a distance away.”

Late last year, Ms Smith attended a meeting with the Richmond Police District alongside rural residents and farmers to discuss concerns and practical prevention strategies.

“I heard directly from community members about the financial and emotional toll these incidents can take,” she said.

“My message is simple. I want to ensure residents know where to report suspicious activity, how to stay connected with local police, and what practical steps can help protect their properties.”

Ms Smith said strong communication between residents, police and government is central to community safety.

“Prompt reporting, clear information and community awareness all play an important role in prevention and response,” she said.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and workplace. This is about making sure people know they are supported and have the information they need.”