GETTING agribusinesses to connect better by forming ‘virtual collaboration communities’ is the goal of 2017’s RIRDC Queensland Rural Woman of the Year, Jacqui Wilson-Smith.
The Sunshine Coast marketing specialist of 20 years’ experience in the wine, coffee, herb and spice industries will progress to the national finals in September after taking the top Queensland accolade in Brisbane last week.
Ms Wilson-Smith was joined by two other finalists in the race, Mareeba pair Jessica Fealy, who provides accounting support to rural enterprises and Tracey Beikoff, inventor of the world’s first ‘smart’ first aid kit, the Rescue Swag.
Ms Wilson-Smith, who began her career with Buderim Ginger 20 years ago as a marketing officer, will use the award to extend her project developing an online training platform for food enterprises and agribusiness.
“The content will aim to provide primary industry enterprises with tools to make better and more informed decisions,” she said.
