Ali Paulett has been awarded the 2023 SA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her creation of Bush DeVine Indigenous Australian Native sensory bush food garden.
The garden is located in ‘Paulett Wines’, her family’s 40-year-old winery and restaurant based in the Clare Valley.
Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forestry Clare Scriven MLC offered her congratulations to Ms Paulett.
“I commend Ali’s achievements in not only creating a unique garden, but also a space the local community and First Nations groups can use,” Minister Scriven said.
“I also wish to acknowledge our other finalists Bridget Johns, Emily Riggs, Kerri Cliff and Lyndsey Jackson and thank them for their ongoing contributions to their local communities and to primary industries in South Australia.
“I’m sure you will continue to make positive impacts in your chosen fields.”
Ms Paulett was selected as South Australia’s Award recipient for 2023 for her collaboration with First Nations people and videographers to produce interactive collateral that can take the garden into the classroom, dining room, or event anywhere in the world.
Her passion for education was the motivation behind Bush DeVine, planted with the intention of not only creating a unique garden and sensory walking path, but to also supply the family restaurant.
“It’s an honour to receive the 2023 SA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
“The growth the award offers both professionally and personally will enable Bush DeVine to continue benefiting indigenous and local communities within our region and South Australia,” Ms Paulett said.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey commended Ms Paulett for her positive influence and efforts within her local community.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides our state and territory winners a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia,” he said.
As part of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, Ms Paulett receives a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further progress Bush DeVine, as well as the opportunity to undertake a professional development course of her choosing.
Ms Paulett will go on to represent South Australia at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra in September, where the National Winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the National Runner Up, an additional $15,000.
