Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2025 Winner
Random acts of kindness have earned Kingston woman Sarah De Jonge the Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for 2025.
Ms De Jonge developed the 1000 Hearts Project, hand stitching 1000 pocket hearts to give away as random acts of kindness with the belief that the power of kindness has a profound impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, congratulated Ms De Jonge on winning the award.
“Ms De Jonge’s background in psychology and counselling and her experience in the non-for-profit sector has been a driving force behind the 1000 Hearts project,” Minister Howlett said.
“This award recognises how engaging in creative activities can enhance social well-being and community spirit – especially in times of uncertainty and challenge.”
As the winner of the Tasmanian award, Ms De Jonge will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac, will complete a professional development training course and attended a three-day Australian Institute of Company Directors Course with other state and territory winners.
Ms De Jonge will also represent Tasmania at the National Awards in September.
“I would also like to congratulate the three other Tasmanian finalists for the incredible work they are doing in their fields,” Minister Howlett said.
Toni Coward from Port Sorell received the Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Encouragement Award for her Sheila May Swim project which creates swimwear and promotes confidence in women through community connection. This award includes a $2,000 grant for professional development.
The Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Development Awards went to Christina Giudici for her The New Black Biochar project which makes biochar from waste products and to Filipa Bellette for her virtual holistic health practise, Chris & Filly Functional Medicine. Each recipient will receive a grant of $1,000 for professional development.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.
It provides rural women with financial and practical support to implement their visions for primary industries and rural Australia and enhances their leadership and representative capacity.
The Tasmanian AgriFutures Rural Women’s awards is supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Westpac and Tasmanian Women in Agriculture.
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/march/winner-of-tasmanian-agrifutures-rural-womens-award-2025-announced