The people of Nicholls are once again leading the way for Australian agriculture with Undera Dairy farmer, Sarah Parker, today taking out the 2022 Rural Community Leader of the Year Award at the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.

Member for Nicholls, Mr Sam Birrell, attended the awards and shared a table with Mrs Parker and was delighted to congratulate her for driving change and breaking down barriers in regional communities.

Mrs Parker was awarded the honour for her overwhelming amount of work for rural Australia including being an immediate past president and current treasurer of Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA), vice president of the National Rural Women’s Coalition, and treasurer of a Collective Bargaining Group that works to achieve the best price for its dairy farmers.

Mr Birrell said her tireless work educating the next generation of agriculture workers is a game changer and is helping secure the future of regional and rural communities. Mr Birrell commended her for helping found the Young Agribusiness Professionals group, educating students about dairy career pathways, and spending considerable time mentoring AWiA and youth in agriculture.

“I congratulate Mrs Parker on receiving this prestigious award which has put Nicholls on the map for inclusive community leadership,” Mr Birrell said. “Mrs Parker is dedicated to regional and rural Australia and is helping secure its future by educating youth about the vast range of career opportunities available in agricultural industries”.

“Dozens of people have benefitted from Mrs Parker’s mentoring and I, along with the people of Nicholls, are incredibly proud of her efforts which will have ripple effects on communities for years to come,” Mr Birrell said.

Mrs Parker said taking on community leadership roles was something she truly enjoyed. “Not only do I get to support other farmers, share my knowledge, help build up their organisations and learn new skills, but I get the opportunity to meet and connect with some incredible people both in Australia and even globally”. Mrs Parker said. “It is such a rewarding thing to do,” she said