Nikki Atkinson from the Flinders Ranges has been named as South Australia's winner of the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Founder and designer of Horrocks Vale Collections, Mrs Atkinson has been recognised for her innovative work creating sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear from Merino wool.
Mrs Atkinson started Horrocks Vale Collection after she sold her bridal boutique in Adelaide and married her husband, a wool grazier in the Flinders Ranges and decided to combine her 25 years' experience as a wedding dress designer with her passion for advocating for fine Merino wool.
Mrs Atkinson has been recognised for her work showcasing Merino wool in an innovative way, revolutionising the wedding industry, and making it more sustainable using an environmentally friendly material, as most wedding dresses are typically made from polyester.
Knowing first-hand the work it takes to develop the extra-fine Merino fibre and flock, Mrs Atkinson aims to highlight Australian wool graziers, pastoralists, and families. She believes they deserve to be recognised for their efforts in creating a world-class, premium product.
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is recognised as Australia's leading accolade acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities.
As the South Australian winner, Mrs Atkinson has won a $15,000 Westpac grant to support her business as well as professional development opportunities and access to alumni networks. She will also represent the state at the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra later in the year. The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner-up will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant.
The Government of South Australia through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions is the State Sponsor of the Award in South Australia.
For more information, see AgriFutures Rural Women's Award.