Tamara Bryden, managing director, Business Lending, Westpac; Brianna Casey, managing director, AgriFutures Australia; Kristie Ivone, founder, Boas Language Academy; Tanya Jolly, state president, NSW Country Women’s Association; Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Photo: Supplied.
Albury businesswoman Kristie Ivone has been named the 2026 NSW/ACT winner of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, which recognises her work turning language learning into a tool for connection in regional communities.
The founder of Boas Language Academy has built a social enterprise that helps migrants not just learn language, but teach it – creating confidence, purpose and stronger community ties.
“Language has the power to bring people together and create a true sense of belonging,” Ms Ivone said.
“By supporting migrants to share their language and culture, we’re building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.”
Drawing on her background in international relations and regional development, Ms Ivone established Boas as an alternative to traditional language classes, focusing on immersive, community-led learning.
In its first year, the academy worked with eight migrant teachers – seven of them women – and reached more than 60 students across five languages, with most returning for subsequent terms.
Through the model, migrants are supported to build their own skills and confidence while also contributing to the wider community, creating what Ms Ivone describes as a ripple effect of belonging and opportunity.
As the NSW/ACT winner, Ms Ivone will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to expand the program. Plans include training more migrant teachers, piloting new courses in Swahili, Japanese, German and Hindi, and developing a framework to measure the organisation’s impact and support expansion into other regions. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice.
She received the award from Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women, Seniors and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Brianna Casey said the award highlighted women making a lasting difference in rural Australia.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award recognises women who are shaping the future of rural Australia through innovation, enterprise and leadership. Kristie’s work is a compelling example of how cultural inclusion, when done well, can transform individuals and the communities they call home.”
Andy Kidd said Ms Ivone’s work was already having an impact beyond Albury.
“Through Boas Language Academy, Kristie is opening doors for people to connect, contribute and feel genuinely at home in the communities where they’ve chosen to build their lives. We’re proud to support Kristie as she continues to grow Boas and represents NSW/ACT at the national level.”
Ms Ivone will represent NSW/ACT at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in Canberra on 8 September, where the winner will receive an additional $20,000 and the runner-up $15,000.
