We’re incredibly proud to announce that FAN’s CEO, Nicole McNaughton, has been named the 2025 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner! This prestigious recognition celebrates Nicole’s outstanding leadership and the pivotal role she plays in driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Queensland’s food and agribusiness sector.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is one of the most respected awards in the agricultural sector, highlighting the vital contributions of women in rural and regional communities. Nicole’s win is a reflection of her strategic leadership at FAN, where she has helped to grow a strong, connected food and agribusiness ecosystem, benefiting over 470 members across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Moreton Bay, and Gympie regions.
Championing Regional Growth and Collaboration
Under Nicole’s leadership, FAN has become a driving force for innovation and collaboration in Queensland’s food and agribusiness industry. Through programs like Grow National, Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry, and Meet the Makers, Nicole has created platforms that connect producers, manufacturers, and industry leaders—providing opportunities to scale and access new markets.
Nicole has also played a long term role in supporting the development of the Turbine Precinct, Australia’s first purpose-built collaborative food and beverage manufacturing facility. This project reflects Nicole’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and industry-wide collaboration, ensuring Queensland businesses are positioned to compete on a national and global scale.
Recognising Other Finalists
Nicole was one of three finalists selected for the 2025 Queensland Rural Women’s Award, all of whom have made remarkable contributions to Queensland’s rural industries and communities:
- Libby Cook-Black – A proud Zenadth Kes woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait, Libby is the founder of The Female Co, an organisation that helps rural, regional, and remote Indigenous women access high-performance leadership programs. Libby’s work empowers women to grow as leaders in their communities and industries.
- Angie Nisbet – A fifth-generation beef producer, Angie co-founded FarmHer Hands, a business that produces UPF50+ sun protection gloves designed for outdoor workers. Angie’s initiative addresses a practical need for rural women while building a sustainable and scalable business model
Both Libby and Angie have demonstrated the strength and innovation that defines Queensland’s rural women, and it’s inspiring to see their achievements recognised at this level.
Driving Impact Through Innovation
Nicole’s leadership at FAN reflects a broader commitment to building a thriving and sustainable food and agribusiness sector in Queensland. Her strategic partnerships with research institutions, government bodies, and industry stakeholders have created new opportunities for FAN members, helping them adapt to market changes and leverage cutting-edge technologies.
As part of her win, Nicole will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support a project that will further strengthen FAN’s impact and open up new opportunities for members. She will also represent Queensland at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in Canberra later this year, where the national winner will receive an additional $20,000 Westpac grant.
Looking Ahead
Nicole’s recognition is not only a win for FAN – it’s a win for the entire Queensland agribusiness community. Her leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to innovation continue to position FAN as a leader in the industry, driving growth and resilience for years to come.
Congratulations to Nicole on this incredible achievement, and to Libby and Angie for their inspiring work. We look forward to seeing what’s next for all three finalists as they continue to make a lasting impact on Queensland’s rural industries.
A word from the FAN Team: On a personal note, we are absolutely over the moon for Nic and stoked for her to receive this well deserved recognition. We know we will have to share her a little more after this win, but we do so knowing that everything she does is for our members and the industry as a whole. Who wouldn’t want to share a boss like that!