Namoi Valley agronomist Natalie Aquilina has been named a finalist in the 2026 Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to the Australian cotton industry.
Aquilina, a technical agronomist with Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) based in Narrabri, was announced as one of three national finalists alongside Alexandria Doyle from Queensland and Darling Downs cotton grower Lauren Roellgen.
Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said the calibre of finalists reflected the strength of emerging leaders across the industry.
“The judging panel was humbled by the opportunity to engage with such a wonderful cross-section of applicants for this award,” Kay said.
“Natalie, Alexandria and Lauren are all highly capable young professionals who are already contributing through leadership, innovation, community involvement and a genuine commitment to the long-term success of our industry. Alexandria is a graduate of the Cotton Australia and CRDC Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program, while Natalie and Lauren are part of the 2026 cohort of Future Cotton Leaders.
“These three young women go beyond their day-to-day roles to help build a stronger industry for the future. Their professionalism, expertise and approach to the industry left the judging panel inspired and very confident in the future of Australian cotton. They are excellent ambassadors for Australian cotton and very deserving finalists for this award.”
In her role with CSD, Aquilina supports growers and agronomists through extension activities, research trials and industry engagement across the Namoi Valley.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is treasurer of the Upper Namoi Cotton Growers Association and president of the Narrabri Ag Collective. She has also contributed to major industry initiatives, including the 2026 Grower of the Year Field Day and the organising committee for the 2024 Australian Cotton Conference.
A member of the 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leaders program, Aquilina was recently recognised as the Upper Namoi Cotton Growers Association 2026 Young Achiever of the Year.
CRDC executive director Allan Williams said the award recognised young people helping shape the future of the cotton industry.
“This award recognises people who are not just doing their jobs well, but actively shaping the future of the cotton industry through leadership, innovation and a willingness to get involved,” Williams said.
“Natalie, Alexandria and Lauren are already making a strong contribution on the ground – not only in their roles, but through the time they put back into their local industry and communities – bringing practical skills and new ideas that will help carry the industry forward.”
The winner of the 2026 CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award will be announced at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards Dinner on 6 August during the Australian Cotton Conference.
The award honours the late Chris Lehmann, one of the Australian cotton industry’s pioneering consultants and a strong advocate for developing future industry leaders.
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