Trailblazing Bullyard resident Shané Steffen has been honoured with the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network’s Young Woman of the Year award for 2023.
This award recognises Shané for making an impact in her community, by inspiring youth to think outside the box while following their dreams and putting them into motion.
With a lifelong passion for horses, Shané switched from Engineering to Agricultural Science to pursue her interest in sustainable farming.
Following this passion, she operates a showcase farm and an agricultural consultant business.
Starting as a Jillaroo at 11 and now with 15 years’ experience in the agricultural industry, Shané is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime horseback journey through Australia.
She hopes her adventure will inspire others and showcase the country’s natural beauty.
Shané said, as a successful businesswoman, skilled horsewoman, and advocate for agriculture, she aimed to be a role model for young women seeking inspiration.
“I want to challenge the status quo of young women in agriculture, where not just gender but age is also discriminated against traditionally,” Shané said.
“It is the effort of not just one but all the staunch rural, regional and remote women taking initiatives and contributing their unique talents, that makes me believe in a better future for all rural Australians.”
Shané was nominated for the award by a member of the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network and found out about the accolade during the last online meeting for 2023.
Shané said it was important to recognise that rural, regional and remote women must exert greater effort to achieve the same as their urban peers, with fewer support systems and resources available.
“I am honoured by the recognition it represents and the trust it conveys towards the success of my future ventures in the Australian farming community,” she said.
“I am inspired by the success of all the award recipients and nominees, and I see a great future for more women in leading roles in rural Australia’s future success.
“It motivates me to continue to engage in projects that have an impactful influence for the benefit of rural communities.
“It helps bring attention and hopefully support to projects like the Azadi Far Ride.
“This project aligns with my passion for ecologically sustainable endeavours, support for rural communities, and the exposure of their distinctive assets to a broader audience.
“By working towards finding sustainable pathways and development for Australian rural communities, these projects contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future.”
More information about the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network can be found here.
Information about the Azadi Far Ride can be found here.
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