Another year as a finalist

Grace Larson has been named a finalist for the second year in a row (Clair Derwort).

Zoe Moffatt

A Kyneton resident has once again been named as a finalist for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, for her work with the Sisterhood Project.

Grace Larson created the Sisterhood Project to provide first aid training to rural parents in the aim to break the distance and affordability barriers.

She was named as a finalist for the 2023 AgriFutures award, and it is incredibly humbling to be named as a finalist once again.

“Every year there’s some very inspiring women who are named as finalists, and this year is no exception,” Ms Larson said.

“To have another opportunity to pitch what we’re doing at the Sisterhood Project…. it ‘s very exciting to get this opportunity.”

Ms Larson said it’s been a very busy 12 months for the team, who have been able to offer a range of pilot programs for rural residents.

“We’ve run some pilot programs in Shepperton for young mums, and we ran some pilot programs with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders groups.

“We were also successful with a foundation grant… that was really helpful in delivering these pilots.

“It’s really helpful to raise awareness around the disadvantages. On a broader scale access to specialised education in rural and remote areas in Australia on a whole is challenging.”

If she is successful in this year’s AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, Ms Larson said the money will go towards growing the team and achieving their goal of 150 First Aid, CPR and health courses this year.

“Funds [will also go] to developing a database system for organisations and providers to be able to match and deliver in their own areas,” she said.

The state winner will be announced in April and will receive $15,000 towards their project.

They will go on to represent Victoria at the national award and will be in the running to receive a further $20,000 towards their project.

The other finalists include; Georgina Morrison from Hamilton, Reeanjou Ram based in Melbourne and Sarah Holmes from Mildura.

Last year’s state winner, co-founder of Grown Not Flown, Nikki Davis, also went on to claim the national prize.