Local publisher on national stage

BENDIGO-based founder and editor of OAK Magazine, Kimberley Furness, was announced as the runner up of the national 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women Award last week.

Furness founded OAK in 2017 to showcase stories of regional and rural women and won the statewide award in March this year.

She said it was amazing to accept the award and she “didn’t think this year could get any better.”

“AgriFutures provides such a wonderful platform to celebrate and inspire the next generation of female changemakers in Australia,” she said.

“To be one of those is still a pinch-me moment, but it’s such an honour.”

The national award was won by Tasmanian motherhood advocate and founder of Motherland Australia, Stephanie Trethewey.

Furness said she has interviewed past finalists and winners for her magazine and knows how well connected AgriFutures alumni are.

“They’re an incredible group of women who are willing to connect you, open a door and help you along the journey,” she said.

“It’s so important, so we can hear more women’s voices in the important areas of life where the big decisions are made. There are definitely more connections to come, and I have this incredible network now to lean on.”

Following her state win, Furness launched a new podcast called Take Me Somewhere, recorded in a converted van.

“Audio podcasting has been an incredible experience,” she said. “I feel it’s one of the most powerful forms of storytelling. It allows us to share more regional and rural voices and get our stories out there even further.”

As runner-up, Furness received $15,000 which she said she will use to expand her editorial capacity and travel to Western Australia and the Northern Territory to record more episodes.

“I can now travel around to vibrant regional cities and rural events and interview everyone,” she said.

“[I can] be their person-to-person contact, create a bond with someone, help reduce that feeling of isolation and while doing that also share their story.”