The grant was launched in 2021 and is designed to foster growth and development for women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
Ms Holgate has received a learning and development bursary of $7000 for professional development to enable her to bring to life a community program to assist people with acquired brain injuries.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the program provided a vehicle for rural women across the country to realise their potential in nurturing the development of their ideas.
“We are thrilled to be offering these rural women the leadership and development opportunities they need to make real and tangible impacts in their industries and communities,” Mr Harvey said.
The program acts as a foundation for the AgriFuture Rural Women’s Award which is based on the same criteria as the grant.
Mr Harvey said the grant’s purpose was to see award nominees develop their ideas into a realistic enterprise.
Ms Holgate has worked as an occupational therapist for 22 years, with the past 12 in Shepparton, and said it was exciting to receive such a “boost” for her to develop technological support for people with brain injuries and their families.
Ms Holgate’s private practice has been inundated with referrals and she hopes to develop a predominantly online program with the help of her clients to reach more remote people who have suffered brain trauma.
“Rural people with brain injuries are isolated compared to those in the city who have better access to services and specialist advice, as well as support groups for themselves and their families,” she said.
“I want them to access more information in a way that makes more sense to rural people and to connect with others.”
Ms Holgate took part in the Fairley Leadership Program of the Goulburn and Murray Community Leaders Group, which she said inspired her to develop her program.
“I probably would not have applied for the grant without the confidence and skills I developed as part of that program,” she said.
Praise for Ms Holgate’s passion has come from leaders in her field.
Monash University senior research fellow and neuropsychologist Kate Gould has worked with Ms Holgate in a brain rehabilitation program that developed positive intervention and behaviour support for people with acquired brain injury.
Dr Gould said Ms Holgate had been one of their lead clinicians who had been instrumental in translating the results of that program into community practice.
“She’s always been a passionate advocate for people with brain injury in rural settings,” Dr Gould said.
“It is really important that people across the country have access to trained and skilled clinicians and community resources, and I think Nadine’s project is going to be instrumental in advancing that access.
“I could not commend Nadine highly enough for this grant as she demonstrates all the attributes for a leader and innovator; there are not many people like Nadine who are championing this cause.”
Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant will open in September this year.
For more information, visit: agrifutures.com.au/acceleration-grant
11°C