Winners

Ruth Sandow has been described as a hardworking, community-minded individual with a heart of gold. She's dedicated over 25 years of tourism development, promotion and advocacy. Ruth’s commitment to the community is seen not only in tourism but with Landcare, Distance Education (School of the Air), Regional Development Australia, and as the former Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Southeast Section where she welcomed Prince Harry & Meaghan to the Royal Flying Doctors Service during their 2019 royal visit .

Starting as a registered nurse, Ruth and her husband Jon, purchased a station property in outback NSW and faced the usual adversities that come with station life. Her love of history helps in her efforts to promote the region of Corner Country to visitors and share the knowledge of the area, which in turn helps support local businesses. In creating the Milparinka Heritage & Tourism Association she has spearheaded the injection of millions of grant-funded dollars into the area over her time.

Milparinka has an average population through the year of four, at its lowest, two, and at its maximum, six. Yet Ruth’s programs attract over 100 volunteers who become part of the community in its peak season.

Milparinka wouldn't host 20,000 visitors a year if it weren't for Ruth! She understands that by building Milparinka as a destination, all of Corner Country benefits. In 2020 she successfully linked the whole region together in a monumental project which has set the town up for ongoing tourism success.

This project is known as Sturt's Steps.

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