Erub Island entrepreneur Libby Cook-Black has been announced as one of three state finalists in the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and says her nomination is about “proving that leadership, innovation and impact thrive in the regions”. Photo: Every Moment Photography.
A Torres Strait entrepreneur has been recognised for her contribution to rural and remote parts of the state by being named a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Rural Women’s Award.
Zenadth Kes woman Libby Cook-Black, from Erub Island, was announced as one of three state finalists for the prestigious award on 12 February, along with Nicole McNaughton and Angie Nisbet.
Ms Cook-Black founded The Female Co, an organisation that helps rural, regional and remote Indigenous women access high-performance leadership programs, and said being named as a finalist also acknowledged “the women who poured their knowledge into me, who fought for this work long before I did”.
“Being a finalist in the Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award isn’t just about me – it’s about proving that leadership, innovation and impact thrive in the regions, too,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“I am the product of strong, resilient women, and this recognition makes me feel like they are finally being seen, too; it’s about the women in our communities leading change with minimal support, and the young girls watching, knowing they belong in these spaces.”
Ms Cook-Black described her achievements with The Female Co as “full-time work outside of my full-time job”, with myriad early morning, late nights and weekends contributing to her success as the organisation grew from strength to strength.
She said accessibility, funding and traditional business barriers represented significant hurdles to entrepreneurs in places like Cape York and the Torres Strait, adding visibility could only be maintained if people found their voice.
“When you’re remote, if you’re not loud about what you’re doing, you disappear,” Ms Cook-Black said.
“We don’t lack ideas, passion, or impact, we lack access – to funding, networks and opportunities that should be available no matter where we live.
“I founded The Female Co because I was tired of seeing talented women in the regions miss out; we deserve the same opportunities – now, we just need people to come on the journey with us.”
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulated Ms Cook-Black and her fellow finalists, and paid tribute to their achievements and positive contribution to rural Queensland.
“As a husband and father of capable country women, I know how much of women’s contributions go unacknowledged, which is why awards like this are cause for celebration,” he said.
“I take my hat off to this year’s finalists, Angie, Nicole and Libby, and recognise their success in three very different but valuable endeavours.”
The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work, and represent the state at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
The Queensland winner will be announced on 20 March.
