MILDURA-based Agriculture Victoria researcher Audrey Delahunty has been recognised for her major contribution to the grains industry despite her still emerging career.
Dr Delahunty and agricultural consultant Cam Nicholson have each received awards from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, or GRDC. to recognise their contributions to the grains industry.
Presented at the GRDC grains research update in Bendigo, Dr Delahunty was named the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader – South while Mr Nicholson was awarded the 2025 GRDC Seed of Light – South.
The Emerging Leader award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than 10 years’ experience working in the grains industry who has contributed to the future of the industry and is emerging as a leader in their field of endeavour.
Dr Delahunty said it was “a huge privilege and honour” to receive the award, and especially thanked the Agriculture Victoria team she works with in Mildura.
“I work with amazing people across the grains industry,” she said.
“I’m really grateful for all the relationships I’ve made, all the people who have provided advice, mentorship and those I work alongside every day.
“This is such an incredible industry because there is always this willingness to exchange information.”
Victorian grain grower and GRDC southern panel chair Andrew Russell presented the awards, which are selected by the panel.
“Dr Delahunty kicked off her career with the grains industry through a PhD researching genetic solutions for heat tolerance in lentils, such a relevant and valuable topic for growers,” he said.
“Her focus on research of value to growers has continued and she has since extended her research into frost, quality, technology, and other pulses.
“Dr Delahunty is well known to GRDC, researchers and growers across the industry through her regular speaking slots as a speaker at grains research updates and at crop walks across the Wimmera and Mallee.
“We love seeing enthusiasm, intelligence and hard work in the up-and-coming generation of researchers and are thrilled to present Dr Delahunty with this award.
“I look forward to the next steps in Dr Delahunty’s career journey and hope to see and learn more from her in the years to come.”
