News Corp Australia shines a light on rural and regional women in Australia in 2018
Published: Wednesday November 21, 2018
Founder and inventor of Lamb Bacon, Toni Barton, has been announced the 2018 overall winner of The Weekly Times Shine Awards.
Now in its second year in partnership with Harvey Norman, the Shine Awards celebrates the achievements and contribution of women across rural and regional Australia.
A former marketing and management professional, 39-year old Toni bought her property about five years ago, with very little knowledge of sheep farming, and yet today is realising a potential multimillion dollar turnover based on white sheep, known as the Wagyu of lamb meat.
Ms Barton recently signed a deal for her produce to be distributed to 1500 supermarkets and delis nationwide and is already looking to international markets. And her business – the Lamb Bacon Co. – has attracted the attention of Will Burrell of El Questro in Western Australia.
Toni's story, along with six other inspiring women, feature online and in print today, in a 32-page magazine inserted in The Weekly Times, in celebration of the 2018 Shine Awards.
And in an effort to substantially expand the national audience of the Awards program, Shine Magazine will be inserted in The Australian on Friday, November 23.
For the past 12 weeks, stories have featured in News Corp's rural titles – The Weekly Times, Rural Weekly and Tasmanian Country and other News Corp titles – with a dedicated print, digital and social media marketing campaign, placing inspirational rural women in the spotlight.
Penny Fowler, Herald and Weekly Times Chairman and News Corp Australia Community Ambassador said: "Every inspiring woman nominated in the Shine Awards does outstanding work on farms and off them, in rural towns across Australia, in community groups and sporting clubs, in businesses, schools and homes.
"It was extremely difficult to choose, but we have awarded one very special 2018 Shine Awards winner, and six category winners who are beacons of light in terms of their Passion, Belief, Grace, Spirit, Dedication and Courage.
"It is my hope that the recognition given to rural and regional women in Australia through the annual Shine Awards provides the encouragement and the motivation to continue creating, producing, nurturing and innovating.
"I'd like to thank Katie Page for her vision and Harvey Norman for their commitment to this important cause."
Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page said: "These women are remarkable. We are so grateful that all the finalists have allowed us to share their deeply personal stories – their hard won success. Their intention in sharing through the Shine Awards is to inspire others; that it can be done; your idea is worth investing in and that your community has your back.
"Thank you to all those who nominated the women they so admire. The time you take to shine a light will prompt others to do the same. This may be year two, but we know it is just the beginning.
"Each of you helps to create a network of support; a forum for discussion and a platform to share ideas, expertise and innovation. That is the enduring purpose of the Shine Awards."
Shine Awards editor Camille Smith said: "It makes me incredibly proud to dedicate a strong program of media attention on extraordinary women who are crucial to the viability and prosperity of their families, communities and regions.
"They are making a real difference to lives across regional and rural Australia and it is vital to shine a light on these stories of achievement, entrepreneurship, dedication, humility, leadership and triumph over adversity."
Each category winner has been awarded a $2500 voucher from Harvey Norman and the overall Shine Awards winner will be awarded $5000.
The Shine Awards is part of The Weekly Times awards program, which is headlined by The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards – the nation's biggest, most prestigious farming awards.
2018 Overall and Category Winners
2018 Shine Awards Overall Winner
Toni Barton, sheep farmer and lamb bacon inventor, Nulla Vale Victoria
Erika McInerney, digital innovator, Warragul Victoria
Zoe Hayes, jillaroo, Meekatharra WA
Jill Chapman, show society president, Hay NSW
Brooke Greig, ambulance community officer, Derrinallum Victoria
Lisa D'Onofrio, literature campaigner, Castlemaine Victoria
For more information go to shineawards.com.au