A Maules Creek woman who founded and is now CEO of the national Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation has been named one of the top 100 Women in Agribusiness for 2014.
Kelly Foran, who was inspired to launch the foundation after her family suffered a myriad of medical problems, is delighted to receive the honour.
The inaugural list was created by Emerald Grain and Fairfax Agricultural Media to highlight the important role that women play in rural Australia as well as encourage more female representation in agriculture.
More than 200 nominations were received, ranging from producers and station managers to university professors.
NSW Farmers Association president Fiona Simson also made the top 100.
Kelly was a finalist in the ‘outstanding work in the community’ section, which was won by Julia Hausler, a partner in a West Victorian mixed farm.
The announcement followed another coup for the foundation, in which Kelly was presented a $13,500 cheque from the NSW Government raised at the NSW Parliament Spring Ball. Kelly attended the ball last year and was presented with the cheque in Sydney last month.
Friendly Faces supports people who seek medical treatment in the city or in large regional centres by providing information about facilities and services nearby, such as accommodation, parking and groceries.
Through a website and phone service, it aims to make the trip less daunting.