Wheatbelt community leader and Camp Kulin director Tanya Dupagne has been named the 2017 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner at an event in Canberra on September 13.
The award acknowledges the role women play in rural and regional communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, made the announcement in front of over 470 media, alumni, government officials, friends and family of the finalists, significant industry and private sector representatives at a black tie gala dinner at Parliament House.
Tanya will receive a $10,000 bursary from Westpac (adding to the $10,000 bursary she received as the WA state winner) to further progress her winning project - a Camp program to support women from regional WA to develop their leadership skills and capacity - plus also assist with speaking engagements as the National Winner.
“The Award bursary will allow me to really ramp up the women’s camp pilot program,” she said.
“This program will target women living and working in rural and regional areas, providing personal development and leadership skills training to increase their self-esteem and equip them to take on leadership roles and initiate change in their own communities.”
Tanya ran camp and youth activity programs for at risk children all over the world before she established Camp Kulin four years ago.
“I had to resort to Google maps to find the location of Kulin when a resident first called and invited me to visit in 2013,” she said.
“When I saw the incredible accommodation, pools, water slide and grounds of Camp Kulin sitting empty in WA’s wheatbelt, 280km south-east of Perth, I promptly told friends, family and colleagues I was moving.”
Now, under Tanya’s guidance, hundreds of volunteers contribute to improving the lives of WA children by teaching them life skills, leadership and self-confidence.
Camp Kulin also provides scholarships for those affected by childhood trauma or facing emotional challenges.
“There are huge opportunities in rural and regional Australia, and not just in traditional agricultural industries,” she said.
Online applications for the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award open September 14 at www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa and close on October 29.
