Alison McIntosh from Crookwell and Lana Mitchell from Gundaroo in the Southern Tablelands have been selected for their drive, commitment and contribution to rural industries to compete for the 2010 Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.

"These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of rural women, who make a huge contribution to rural industries, cities and towns," Mr Whan said.

"Both Alison McIntosh and Lana Mitchell are innovative, extremely involved in their industries and are applying the latest twenty-first century techniques to benefit rural communities."

Alison McIntosh - Crookwell

Runs her own business which provides services and training to beef producers and stakeholders in compliance with the National Livestock Identification Scheme and cattle data capture and management.

She also helps in the running of her family's business of Angus breeding cows.

Lana Mitchell - Gundaroo

Started her commercial cut-flower venture in 2005 and has exported flowers to the US, Europe, UK and Japan, in addition to sales in Australia.

She specialises in the Australian native Flannel flower and plans to commercialise her Flannel flower on the international flower market.

"The winner will receive a bursary of $10,000, and both the winner and runner-up will participate in the RIRDC Australian Institute of Company Directors' course," Mr Whan said.

"The proposals from both Alison McIntosh and Lana Mitchell have the potential to benefit their respective industries, as well as communities across the country.

"In NSW, the award is coordinated by Industry & Investment NSW's Rural Women's Network, and supported by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Office for Women's Policy - Department of Premier & Cabinet.

"The winner will be announced on 24 February at Parliament House Sydney."