Reigning Rural Women's Award Queensland winner Kate Lamason encourages 'taking the leap'

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the 2024 Queensland Rural Women’s Award winner Kate Lamason of Little Tuna in Cairns! Check out the full interview below:

How has your life changed since winning the Queensland Rural Women’s Award?

'Winning was such an amazing experience. Overnight, I found myself on radio, in newspapers, and featured in magazines like Galah and Graziher, even gracing the cover of the Queensland Seafood Industry magazine. Sharing Little Tuna’s story with so many people has been surreal and more recently, filming with ABC Landline to launch our latest product was a high point – the level of support from the AgriFutures Australia community, fellow finalists, and alumni has been incredible.

Doors I hadn’t even imagined have opened – I’m now regularly invited to speak at conferences, something completely new but exciting for me. The $15,000 Westpac grant was transformative. We worked with a brand strategist to create a standout label and campaign, making our new range of Little Tuna a supermarket-ready product. Personally, I feel more connected, confident, and professionally empowered than ever.'

What do we expect to see from you, and Little Tuna in the future?

'Little Tuna has a lot of exciting plans coming up, the first being the updated labels to display the MSC certification. This makes it the first MSC Australian Albacore Tuna that is produced in Australia. Little Tuna has launched East Coast Tuna Co., our MSC-certified line of tinned tuna – the first of its kind in Australia. Created to support Australian fishing families along the east coast, this product offers consumers an affordable, sustainable choice.

We’ve spent months filming with the skippers who provide wild, line-caught Australian albacore tuna to Little Tuna. Now, with a simple QR scan on each tin, customers can meet the fishers, hear their stories, and discover more about Australia’s tuna industry. These stories are also shared on our Little Tuna social media, connecting our fishers with everyone who enjoys their catch. This line embodies our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and a personal connection from sea to table.'

Finally, what would you say to other women interested in applying?

'Go for it! You have everything to gain. Joining the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award alumni alone is worth it – beyond the professional growth, brand exposure, and $15,000 Westpac Grant, the friendships and network you’ll gain are incredible. I speak regularly with other national finalists – we’ve become each other’s cheerleaders, problem solvers, and allies.

Believe in your ideas, take the leap, and apply!'

Keep your eyes peeled for our incoming 2025 finalists and don't forget to follow Little Tuna to keep up with all of Kate’s adventures!

#RWA2025 #ruralwomens #ruralwomensawards