One to Watch 2026

The Meat Business Women One to Watch Award recognises emerging talent across the meat and food supply chain who are already making an impact and show strong potential for future leadership.

Aligned with Meat Business Women’s mission to inspire, connect and grow people in our industry, this award shines a spotlight on individuals at the earlier stages of their career who are building capability, backing themselves, and contributing positively to the teams and businesses around them.

The One to Watch Award celebrates rising professionals who:

  • Inspire others through their commitment, attitude and early leadership
  • Engage with networks and value connection, learning and shared experience
  • Show a clear desire to grow, both personally and professionally
  • Demonstrate ambition and potential to help shape the future of the meat and food supply chain

Australian Meat Business Woman of the Year 2026

The Meat Business Women Woman of the Year Award is a new national award that recognises an outstanding woman whose leadership reflects the heart of Meat Business Women’s mission — to inspire, connect and grow people across the meat and food supply chain.

Meat Business Women exists to showcase what’s possible in our industry, to build strong and connected networks, and to support people to grow through learning, mentoring and shared experience. This award celebrates a woman who brings those principles to life through her leadership, influence and long-term contribution to the sector.

The Woman of the Year Award honours established leaders who:

  • Inspire others by demonstrating what can be achieved in the meat and food supply chain
  • Strengthen networks by supporting, mentoring and lifting those around them
  • Help others grow through education, knowledge sharing and leadership
  • Contribute to a strong, capable and sustainable future for the industry

The Prizes

Winners of the Meat Business Women  and One to Watch awards receive $5,000 AUD each to support their professional and personal development.

The funding is designed to help recipients invest in their growth — whether through further education, leadership development, mentoring, coaching, or participation in industry programs and events. It recognises that developing confident, capable leaders strengthens individuals, organisations and the broader meat and food supply chain.

Applications close 1st March at 11:59pm.