Ms Cains said work would now begin to get her project Dairy Cocoon up and running, which will enable farmers to create industry and product specific business plans.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing award and have the opportunity to turbocharge my project,” she said.
“It will include a range of business tools, information and education, as well as an online community to facilitate connections and support that meets the needs of the dairy industry.”
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall congratulated Ms Cains and awarded her with a $10,000 Westpac bursary, which will be used to develop her project Dairy Cocoon.
“Cressida is an outstanding winner and is passionate about supporting small scale farmers to adapt and grow their businesses,” Mr Marshall said.
“She will use her bursary to create an online platform and support hub that will assist dairy farmers to develop and produce their own unique branded products.”
Mr Marshall also congratulated runner-up Tammy Galvin of Narrandera, who will receive a $1000 NSW Government Leadership Skills and Development Bursary.
“I have no doubt we will see many great things from both these women in the years to come,” he said.
Regional Youth and Women Minister Bronnie Taylor said the awards were a great way of acknowledging the essential role women play in regional NSW.
“It is fantastic to see women leading positive changes in industry in rural and regional communities through their unwavering courage, resilience and innovation,” Ms Taylor said.
The NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is supported by Westpac, Country Women’s Association of NSW and the NSW Government.
Southern NSW Westpac Agribusiness regional general manager Sam Gaston said the award provided a platform for women to leverage their talents and passion — for the benefit of their industries.
“It’s imperative our support stays strong, so that more dynamic women have the opportunity to become industry advocates and have an influential platform to talk about the issues that matter most in our communities,” Mr Gaston said.
