Introducing the 2026 Woman of the Year Finalists
Celebrating women creating meaningful impact across Australia’s meat and food supply chain
Leadership creates momentum.
It shapes workplaces, opens opportunities and influences the future of our industry in ways both visible and unseen.
Today, Meat Business Women is proud to introduce the Australian finalists for the 2026 Woman of the Year Award — recognising women whose leadership, contribution and impact are helping strengthen Australia’s meat and food supply chain.
Selected from an outstanding field of peer nominations, these finalists represent different career journeys and areas of expertise, united by a shared commitment to advancing people, performance and progress.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing their stories through our Australia Woman of the Year Finalist Spotlight Series — exploring the experiences, achievements and leadership behind each nomination.
For now, meet this year’s finalists.
Amanda Carter
Program Manager – People & Culture
Amanda’s nomination recognised her leadership in creating positive outcomes through people, capability and industry development. Through strategic thinking and a strong focus on enabling others to succeed, Amanda continues to contribute to a stronger future for the industry.
Coming soon: Discover Amanda’s story and the leadership philosophy behind her impact.
Dianne Davies
HR Manager | D’Orsogna Limited
Dianne has been recognised for her long-standing contribution to developing people and strengthening workplace culture. Her nomination reflects a commitment to creating environments where individuals can grow, succeed and feel supported.
Coming soon: Explore Dianne’s leadership journey and the impact she continues to make.
Lizette Snaith
Partner | Warialda Belted Galloway Beef (WBGB)
Lizette’s nomination highlighted her contribution to advancing the industry through leadership, innovation and creating opportunities for others. Her work demonstrates the influence individuals can have in shaping stronger organisations and stronger outcomes.
Coming soon: Meet Lizette and learn more about the story behind her nomination.
Patricia Ryder
Livestock Program Manager | AUS-MEAT
Patricia’s nomination recognised her dedication to industry excellence, technical leadership and supporting others to develop and thrive. Her contribution continues to create impact across the broader supply chain.
Coming soon: Read Patricia’s story and the experiences that have shaped her career.
Suzannah Moss-Wright
Founder and CEO | Mottainai Lamb
Suzannah has been recognised for entrepreneurial leadership and a commitment to challenging convention to create new opportunities. Her nomination reflects innovation, determination and a passion for contributing to the future of the industry.
Coming soon: Discover the journey behind Suzannah’s nomination.
Join us at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening
Celebrate with us as we recognise this year’s finalists and announce the winners of the 2026 Woman of the Year and One to Watch Awards.
The evening will bring together industry leaders to explore insights from the latest Gender Representation Report and continue the conversation around building a stronger and more inclusive future for our sector.
28 July | 6:00–9:00pm
RACV Club, Melbourne
On the evening, you can expect:
- Insights from the Gender Representation Report
- Industry discussion and perspectives
- Networking opportunities
- Announcement of the 2026 award winners
Whether you’re attending to connect, celebrate or gain fresh insights, we’d love to see you there.
Registrations are now open.
Woman of the Year Award Proudly supported by Bott Insurance Group
Insurance should do more than just tick a compliance box. It should protect the people who keep a business moving, owners making tough calls, teams showing up every day, and customers who rely on you. That’s why BOTT Insurance Group exists: to deliver insurance with purpose, grounded in genuine relationships and practical outcomes.
Backed by more than 30 years of broking experience and the strength of long-standing insurer partnerships, BOTT’s focus has never been one-size-fits-all products. The team takes the time to understand each client’s operations, risk appetite, and what a good outcome looks like - then works through the detail to deliver a solution that fits.
BOTT’s principles are simple:
- People are at the centre of the business
- Whatever it takes
- Together we’re better
- A desire to understand and deliver
That means a hands-on team that works closely with clients from advice and placement through to claims management, because support matters most when something goes wrong. With offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Cairns and Sydney, and the ability to service clients nationwide, BOTT supports organisations ranging from small businesses to large private and ASX-listed companies. Across commercial and corporate risks, financial lines, people risk and employee benefits, risk consulting and more, BOTT’s goal is to make insurance feel clearer, more human, and more useful.
As sponsor of the MBW Woman of the Year Award, BOTT Insurance Group is proud to support an initiative that recognises leadership, values people and highlights the impact individuals can have across business and industry.
