Thursday, 20 February 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (09:51): I rise this morning to acknowledge the significant contributions of Western Victorian women to the agriculture industry. Women have always played a pivotal role in agriculture, and their leadership, innovation and contributions continue to shape the future of our rural industries. I congratulate Sherri Symons of Ellerslie, founder of WoolGrow Australia, on her outstanding work in creating sustainable gardening solutions using 100 per cent wool products. Her dedication to supporting the environment and the crossbred wool industry has earned her a place as one of the three Victorian finalists in the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The women will go on to represent Victoria in the national award in September, and I wish Sherri all the very best. I also acknowledge Ella Harwood, recipient of the Gardiner Foundation’s Niel Black scholarship. Growing up in Irrewarra, Ella has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and the future of Victoria’s dairy industry. She is currently pursuing a bachelor of animal science, and her dedication to best practices in large animal husbandry is truly inspiring. Since 2017 the Labor government has invested $3.6 million in the Victorian Rural Women’s Network, ensuring that women in agriculture continue to receive the support, resources and recognition they deserve.