A true inspiration...

Casella’s unsung heroes honoured

For over 200 years, women have formed the backbone of Australia’s rural communities, often without much fanfare to highlight their contributions. Through their efforts, these champions of the bush foster strength, nurture progress and empower others amid difficult times.

In order to recognise the sacrifice and dedication displayed by women in rural communities, Casella Wines in conjunction with the Land newspaper have created an award to recognize the inspiration and vital contribution that women make to rural Australia. The vision for this award is to enable other women to continue their often unacknowledged efforts not just with their families but in the wider community with a $10,000 grant awarded to women who illustrate the spirit of an unsung community hero.

This year, seven grants (one grant of $10,000, two grants of $3,000 and four to the value of $1,000) were awarded to seven deserving women on Thursday 26th of November.

Eighty year old Fairlie Kirk, a humble and hard working farmer from Condobolin NSW, was the deserving recipient of the $10,000 grant. Mrs Kirk ran “Pretty Pine”, 70 kilometres from Condobolin, for 50 years, with her late husband, Jim, and also raised their five children. Despite suffering from polio in her youth, she worked hard on the family property, becoming a gifted stockwoman and horse and dog handler.

Mrs. Kirk epitomised the spirit of the competition clearly overcoming hardships to work towards bettering the situation for their families and communities. According to John Casella, Fairlie’s situation reminded him of his own family’s farm life, particularly of his own mother, Maria.

Mrs Kirk did not realise she had been nominated for the award and was modest in accepting it. “I’ve done my best, but there are others who have worked harder and done more,” she said. The nomination by her son, Tom Kirk, praised her efforts as a “second-to-none” shearers’ cook, her many years of dedication to farm work, and her positive attitude throughout times of hardship.

She is undoubtedly a true inspiration!