Zanda McDonald Award | About the Award

APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1ST- 31ST 2023 FOR THE 2024 AWARD

Are you passionate about making a difference in agriculture? Do you want to further develop your skills and take your career to the next level? If so, the Zanda McDonald Award is perfect for you. We're all about recognising determined and passionate young individuals from Australia and New Zealand who are making waves in the agricultural industry. The Award offers a unique opportunity to learn from successful leaders and peers, network with the best in trans-Tasman agriculture, gain valuable experience through a tailored mentoring program, and grow both personally and professionally.

Our vision for our finalists and winners is simple: To learn, network, experience and grow.

Learn – from successful leaders and peers
Network - with the best in trans-Tasman agriculture
Experience – first-hand through a tailored mentoring programme
Grow – your capabilities, for personal and professional development

WHO CAN APPLY?

To be eligible for the award, you must be between the ages of 21 and 35 and currently working in agribusiness in Australia or New Zealand. It's important to note that applicants should not have any personal connections to individuals involved in the award scheme.

Before applying, make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions associated with entering.

SHOULD I APPLY?

Past finalists and winners of the award have come from a variety of agricultural backgrounds: vets, cattle station managers, livestock consultants, beef, sheep, and/or dairy farmers, and self-employed agri-entrepreneurs. Applicants (and past finalists and winners) have also included those who've worked in the agribusiness corporate sector, such as Fonterra, Pamu Farms, Baker Ag in NZ; LambPro, QLD Depart. of Agriculture in Australia.

Regardless of where they all work and live, what all of our finalists and winners share is the drive to succeed, to make a difference within their industry and to make the most of the opportunities presented to them along the way. If this sounds like you, then why not take the leap and apply?

Applicants must display a passion and a desire to improve their industry. The award winner must be prepared to represent the Zanda McDonald Award as an ambassador during their term. For example, they may be invited to represent the award at industry events, field days, or industry conferences.

KEY DATES FOR THE 2024 AWARD

Shortlist Judging will take place first three weeks of November
5 from each country will be selected to be interviewed in the first week of December. The exact date of interviews will be advertised when interviews open to ensure availability.
3 Finalists from each country will be announced at interviews and invited to attend Impact Summit
Announcement of Winner from each country to be made at Impact Summit – Feb/March

For any questions about the application or the award process, please contact hello@zandamcdonaldaward.com

WHO WAS ZANDA MCDONALD?

Zanda McDonald was a prominent identity in the Australian beef and livestock industry and was proud to be a farmer who worked tirelessly to encourage young people to work in the industry that he loved. He died in April 2013 at the age of 41, following a tragic accident on his Queensland cattle property.

Zanda was a founding member of a trans-Tasman agricultural networking group, which was formed in 2005 and comprised a handful of like-minded farmers who came together to spin yarns and solve a few industry problems. As part of his role in the group, Zanda led a number of initiatives to promote his industry to the next generation.

In 2014, in honour of Zanda, the networking group led by Shane McManaway launched The Zanda McDonald Award.

The group, now known as the Zanda Mentoring Group (ZMG), has evolved into a collective of over 150 of Australasia's top rural leaders.

This impressive network of top industry mentors throughout Australasia is accessible to award finalists and winners.

The Award recognises young people working in the primary industry sectors in New Zealand and Australia and supports their future career development.