Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of Australasia’s agricultural badge of honour The Zanda McDonald Award, spurring some exciting announcements.
The Award recognises future leaders working in agriculture, by providing an impressive prize package centred around tailored mentoring and education, with benefits not only for winners, but also Award finalists.
Off the back of a hugely successful Impact Summit in Brisbane last month, the Award Board are thrilled to announce that the Summit will be an annual event, with the next one to be held in New Zealand in early 2024.
The Summit was a new initiative in 2023, bringing together industry leaders and partners from Australia and New Zealand alongside previous award finalists and winners to connect, elevate thought, and inspire positive changes, both personally and professionally.
The Summit was extremely well received, and the Award will build on this momentum in 2024.
“We’re excited to be reaching our tenth award year in 2024. We’ve met some incredible individuals during that time, people who are truly passionate about agriculture, and making a real difference in the sector,” says Award Chair and founder, Shane McManaway MNZM.
“We feel fortunate to have played a part in recognising and supporting them in taking their careers to the next level. Our 10-year anniversary will be a great opportunity to celebrate the success of our future leaders, and the things they’re achieving for the betterment of the industry.”
The dates and location for this invitation-only Summit will be announced in June, but will likely be held in late February or early March 2024. With this in mind, the Award Board have shifted application dates from August to October, shortening the length of time between interviews and the announcement. The 2024 Award winners will be announced at a special Celebration Evening during the Impact Summit programme.
Two award winners are announced each year – one from Australia and one from New Zealand. Each pick up an impressive prize package that includes a tailored mentoring trip in both countries, $10,000 worth of education or training of their choice, media coaching, and more. The winners will travel by a private Pilatus jet to parts of their mentoring trips, enabling them to reach diverse and remote agricultural enterprises. Those interested in finding out more or registering their interest can do so at www.zandamcdonaldaward.com
