For the fifth consecutive year, Australia’s regional and rural women will have their stories heard through the annual Shine Awards.
A partnership between Australia’s leading rural and regional masthead, The Weekly Times, and Harvey Norman that recognise the unsung leaders and innovators who make a real difference to their communities.
Over the next three months, audiences will be asked to nominate outstanding women through print, digital and social media to celebrate the contributions and remarkable achievements women make to their communities.
News Corp Australia will amplify the awards and the stories it generates through its portfolio, including The Weekly Times’ dedicated print and digital magazine which will also be published in The Australian, plus additional print and digital advertising support in The Mercury, NT News, The Townsville Bulletin and The Toowoomba Chronicle.
Last year’s overall winner, Queensland grazier and author Carmel Beresford, was honoured for her courage in sharing her son’s tragic story with wider Australia. Carmel lost her 21-year-old son Sam in an on-farm accident and to try to cope with the grief published a book about his life.
The story has touched the hearts of readers, raised awareness about the crucial role of farm safety, given people a greater understanding of the hardships farming families go through to get food on Australian tables and even raised money for drought and bushfire relief.
Over the next three months, The Weekly Times as well as other News Corp Australia titles across print and digital, will highlight the outstanding work by women on farms and off them, in rural towns across Australia, in community groups and sporting clubs, in businesses, schools and homes.
The awards will culminate with a special 32-page Shine magazine in The Weekly Times on November 24 to announce award winners in six categories: Dedication, Spirit, Belief, Grace, Passion and Courage; plus an overall winner.
To celebrate the five-year anniversary of Shine, a special Youth award will be given to one shortlisted nominee who is under the age of 30 and shows great potential to become a leader in her rural community or industry.
Last year’s Shine winner, Carmel Beresford, said: “Winning the Shine Awards has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone and, although I must admit to being so nervous at times, it has been wonderful recognition,
“It hasn’t been easy to put myself ‘out there’, but, even at this distance away, I feel the love and kindness of so many.”
Penny Fowler, Herald and Weekly Times Chairman and News Corp Australia community ambassador, said: “We are excited to be celebrating our fifth Shine Awards this year. Shining a light on incredible women in rural and regional communities is so important, particularly in these challenging times.
“By telling these stories Australians will hear and recognise the efforts of our rural and regional women and take inspiration from them.
“These awards are a source of pride for News Corp Australia and we are honoured to partner with Katie Page and Harvey Norman to recognise and share the stories of those who have overcome tough times to benefit others.
“We encourage people to nominate women in your community who are making a difference and changing life for the better.”
Harvey Norman, CEO, Katie Page, said: “Now more than ever we need the Shine Awards.
“Who would’ve thought five years ago, when the Shine Awards started, we would be living through extended lockdowns and restrictions?
“The women recognised by this year’s awards will take on a special significance – a chance to honour the women who will get our communities through this once in a lifetime crisis.
“We all have such a heightened appreciation for the fundamentals – access to healthcare, jobs, education, food and emotional support. We can show our appreciation to women who provide these services in their communities by nominating them for the Shine Awards 2021.”
Shine Awards, editor, Camille Smith, said: “Last year’s 18 Shine Awards finalists were all powerhouse women. From our overall winner Carmel Beresford, from Eulo, Queensland – who raised awareness about crucial issues affecting rural families while coping with unimaginable grief herself.
“To, generous Meg Clothier, from South Australia, who spent a year of her life caretaking farms so drought-hit producers could have a break – all the Shine nominees, finalists and winners are inspirational.”
Each category winner will be awarded a $2500 voucher from Harvey Norman. The overall Shine winner will be awarded $5000.
