Woman of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Patricia Ryder
For Patricia (Trish) Ryder, leadership has never been about recognition. It has always been about helping others succeed.
As a finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia Woman of the Year Award, proudly supported by BOTT Insurance Group, Trish has spent her career quietly strengthening Australia's meat and livestock industry through integrity, knowledge sharing and an unwavering commitment to developing people.
Currently Livestock Program Manager at AUS-MEAT, Trish's career has spanned quality assurance, auditing and industry assurance, contributing to nationally significant programs including Livestock Production Assurance (LPA), the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS), the Australian Renderers Association (ARA), the Australian Hide, Skins Leather Exporters Association (AHSLEA) and the European Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS). Throughout every role, one purpose has remained constant: leaving the industry stronger than she found it.
Building capability through people
When reflecting on her career, Trish doesn't begin by listing achievements or milestones. Instead, she talks about the people she has worked alongside and the opportunities she has had to help others grow.
"My success comes down to consistency, a genuine commitment to the industry, and always being willing to support others. I'm proud of the contribution I've made, but equally proud of the people and teams I've worked alongside."
It is this commitment to developing capability that she considers her greatest professional achievement.
Across decades in the industry, Trish has mentored quality assurance professionals, trained auditors and supported emerging leaders to build confidence and capability. Seeing those individuals progress into leadership positions has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Leading with integrity
For Trish, leadership starts with doing the right thing.
Her career has been shaped by a commitment to high standards, industry integrity and supporting others to reach their potential. Whether working in food safety, compliance or assurance programs, she believes strong leadership combines technical excellence with generosity, creating opportunities for others to learn, contribute and succeed.
Breaking new ground
One of the defining moments in Trish's career came when she became the first female Field Auditor at AUS-MEAT.
Rather than allowing barriers to define her, she focused on demonstrating capability, confidence and resilience. The experience strengthened her belief that inclusive workplaces create stronger industries and reinforced her commitment to opening doors for those who follow.
Today, that same philosophy continues to guide her leadership.
Looking to the future
While Trish has already made an extraordinary contribution to Australia's meat and livestock industry, she remains firmly focused on the future.
She sees the next chapter of her career as continuing to strengthen industry assurance systems while investing in the next generation of auditors, quality assurance professionals and future leaders.
"I have always seen my role as contributing to something bigger than any one individual, supporting systems, people and outcomes that uphold the integrity of our industry."
Celebrate with us in Melbourne
Trish is one of five outstanding finalists in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia Woman of the Year Award.
The winner will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28 July, at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Join industry leaders from across the meat and food supply chain for an evening of networking, industry insights and celebration as we recognise the women shaping the future of our sector.
Tickets are on sale now.
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.
