A local clinical psychologist has been recognised as one of the nation’s most promising agricultural leaders, after being named a recipient of the 2026 AgriEmpower Scholarship Program.
Malinda Guest, who is the founder of Narrabri’s Boundless Psychology and supervises Master of Psychology students through the University of New England, is one of six recipients selected nationally for the program, a partnership between the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Woolworths.
The program supports the next generation of agricultural changemakers, recognising that the future success of Australian agriculture depends on strong connections right across the supply chain, from farm gate to checkout.
Ms Guest was selected from a highly competitive field of applicants from across Australia, reflecting the depth of talent, ambition and innovation within the nation’s agricultural sector.
Born and raised in rural New South Wales, Ms Guest is dedicated to strengthening mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities. She has worked across both public and private settings, supporting individuals, couples and families with concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, substance use, and workplace or financial stress.
As a Board-Approved Supervisor, she provides individual and group supervision to early career psychologists, alongside her work with University of New England students. She is an active advocate for improving the accessibility and quality of psychological services in rural Australia.
Ms Guest is a Director of the Australian Clinical Psychologist Association and also serves on the APS NSW College of Clinical Psychologists Committee and the Harvest Her Power Conference Committee. She is the creator of “Let’s Talk TACTICS”, a communication framework designed to equip individuals, workplaces and communities with practical skills for effective mental health conversations.
She has already completed the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program and is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Transition and Succession Planning, building on her understanding of how governance, wellbeing and rural sustainability intersect. She also contributes as a mentor with the Country Education Foundation, supporting young people across Australia.
The other 2026 AgriEmpower Scholarship recipients are Dr Ellen Litchfield of South Australia, Luke Nelson of Queensland, Dr Anika Molesworth of New South Wales, Dr Roberta Marcoli of Queensland, and Amy Di Trapani of Queensland.
Each recipient will receive up to $20,000 to invest in professional development, innovation or projects that support the future productivity, sustainability and profitability of Australian agriculture.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the calibre of applicants again demonstrated the depth of leadership emerging across the sector.
“Across the country, there are incredible people already contributing to agriculture’s success. AgriEmpower is about backing them to go further, faster,” Mr McIntyre said.
“This program is investing in people with the ideas, ambition and leadership potential to help drive Australian agriculture.”
Mr McIntyre said the successful recipients represented a diverse cross-section of Australian agriculture and would help drive innovation and leadership across the industry.
“Just as importantly, it connects emerging leaders with new networks and perspectives across the food supply chain, helping them turn innovative ideas into outcomes that benefit farmers, consumers and regional communities alike,” Mr McIntyre said.
Woolworths Retail Managing Director Annette Karantoni said the scholarship program reflected a shared commitment to ensuring Australian agriculture continues to innovate and thrive.
“As Australia’s Fresh Food People, our connection to Australian farmers is fundamental,” Ms Karantoni said.
“AgriEmpower is about backing talented people with the ideas and determination to help agriculture evolve and thrive.”
Ms Karantoni said the scholars were developing ideas that could create value across the entire food system.
“From improving productivity and sustainability on farms to strengthening supply chains and consumer connections, these scholars are developing ideas that can create value across the entire food system,” Ms Karantoni said.
Over the 18 month program, recipients will gain access to industry networks, workshops and leadership opportunities through the NFF and Woolworths, providing exposure throughout the supply chain and helping translate new ideas into practical outcomes for the sector.
More information on the AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is available at nff.org.au/initiatives/projects/leadership-scholarships/agriempower-scholarships.
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