The Shine Awards are an absolute highlight on the calendar for us at Harvey’s HQ.
A celebration of Australia’s rural and regional women, each year the awards showcase an array of incredible stories.
Excitingly, nominations for the 2022 Shine Awards have now opened – and we want to hear tales from across this wide brown land of ours. From the far reaches of the Torres Strait, down to the pastures of Tasmania, we’re asking you to nominate the women you know who are making a difference in their community.
Winners will be crowned in six traditional award categories – Belief, Courage, Dedication, Grace, Passion and Spirit – as well as the under 30s Youth Award.
Go on and spread the word about the amazing women you know. The time to celebrate them is now!
Shine Awards: The Human Spirit at its Brightest
“Shine is no longer a concept, it is a fantastic, vibrant community.” – Katie Page, CEO, Harvey Norman
“These awards not only shine brighter every year; they show the human spirit at its brightest.” – Penny Fowler, Chairman, The Weekly Times
Shine Awards founders Katie Page’ and Penny Fowler’s thoughts perfectly encapsulate why we adore this special event.
As does the tenacity of previous winners.
In 2021, Tamsin Carvan was crowned the overall Shine Awards Winner, as well as the recipient of the Grace category.
“Being involved in the Shine Awards was a beautiful experience in every way.”
In the years prior to winning, Tamsin created The Borough Dept. Store – a new hospitality and retail project in the Gippsland region. Like previous small businesses Tamsin had set up, this venture was to be a celebration of South Gippsland and the food and drink produced in the area.
However, Tamsin faced several challenges along the way, including, sadly, the unexpected passing of her partner.
The Borough Dept. Store also had to find a way to survive the realities of COVID lockdowns.
But, survive it did. And the grace in which Tamsin dealt with the challenges set out before her – along with the impact she’s had on her community – are what led to Tamsin’s Shine Awards honour.
“After two years of surviving COVID lockdowns through what felt like an eternal cold and dark winter, the opportunity to step back out into the world – literally and figuratively – was magical.
“Sitting in the company of so many hardworking, resourceful, dedicated and resilient women, reminded me in a potent way that belief in each other – and the connections and energy that we can conjure up as women in our regions – is the thing to hold on to.
“It was an unforgettable experience at exactly the right time.”
What It Means to Win a Shine Award
Another winner at the 2021 Shine Awards was egg-farmer Kumi Slade. Kumi picked up honours in the Passion category for the innovative and regenerative approach she brings to land and animal management.
Kumi sees the Shine Awards as being very important in its recognition of women.
“I can say that it was a day for women. Traditionally, men receive the highlights and interests and now we are trying to catch up. I hope that we can achieve a more equal world and share the awards and interests between all of us.”
The winners of the inaugural Youth Award were sisters Bonnie, Molly, Jemima and Matilda Penfold.
Alongside their family, the Penfold sisters operate a 40,000 hectare Queensland beef cattle business. After China suspended trade with Australian abattoirs, the sisters pivoted, selling premium nose-to-tail beef packs straight to Australian homes.
Honoured in 2021 for their unique approach in connecting Australians with local produce, the Penfolds were amazed by the recognition the Shine Awards bestowed upon them.
“We have been blown away to think that our determination, passion and efforts to connect city and country have led to the front page of The Australian. It’s unbelievable for four bush girls doing what they love.
“Thanks to those who nominated us and the Shine Awards judges for believing in us.”
Nominate Now
Nominate the inspirational regional and rural women you know for the 2022 Shine Awards – we can’t wait to hear their stories!
Previous Shine Awards Finalists
Finished nominating? Sit back and check out our past coverage of the event. As you’ll see, the achievements of previous Shine Awards finalists remain extraordinary to this day.
