Horrocks Vale Collections founder and designer Nikki Atkinson was last week announced as the winner of the 2024 SA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Mrs Atkinson, a former Eyre Peninsula resident, was recognised for her innovative work with Merino wool, which she used to create sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear.
After winning the award, Mrs Atkinson said she was very excited to be named the winner.
“An award like this is extremely important in elevating rural women around our state in a new light, and I’m thrilled to be one of them,” she said.
The business was launched after Mrs Atkinson sold her bridal boutique in Adelaide and married her husband, a wool grazier in the Flinders Ranges, with Mrs Atkinson deciding to combine her 25 years’ of experience as a wedding dress designer with her passion for advocating for fine Merino wool.
Through her business Mrs Atkinson – who grew up in the Kimba and Buckleboo region – has aimed to highlight Australian wool graziers, pastoralists, and families, as she believed they deserved to be recognised for their efforts in creating a world class, premium product.
Agrifutures Australia managing director John Harvey said Mrs Atkinson was an example of someone who had made industry-wide change while living and working in rural and regional Australia.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides forward-thinking female leaders working in rural, regional, and remote communities like Nikki with the support and leadership skills to pursue projects that make a difference for generations to come,” he said.
Regarded as Australia’s leading accolade acknowledging and supporting the role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities, the award win provided Mrs Atkinson with a $15,000 Westpac grant to support her business as well as professional development opportunities and access to alumni networks.
Mrs Atkinson will represent South Australia at the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra later in the year, with the national winner to be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant, while the runner-up will receive a $15,000 grant.
Regional Development Minister Claire Scriven congratulated Mrs Atkinson on the award and her work in the sustainable fashion space, while also noting the state government was proud to recognise and celebrate the efforts of women in regional areas.
“Her work in the sustainable fashion space is creative, innovative, and inspiring,” she said.
Westpac Regional general manager of regional and agribusiness for South Australia Les Ryan congratulated Mrs Atkinson on her win and said the awards not only showcased the different leadership experiences of the women, but demonstrated to the business community what was possible in rural Australia.
