Christine Weston has picked up a national award and scholarship of more than $22,000 to further develop her leadership skills.

She has received the inaugural Spirit of Community Leadership Award from Women and Leadership Australia (WLA).

Mrs Weston was one of three finalists selected from more than 50 applicants nationwide for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their communities.

The Spirit of Community Leadership Award was created by WLA to highlight the exceptional achievements of regional and rural women, as part of a national initiative to develop their capacity for leadership.

“For the past eight years, Women and Leadership Australia has been supporting women from all parts of regional and rural Australia to undertake their own leadership journeys,” said its executive convenor Suzi Finkelstein

“During this time we have celebrated the achievements of some amazing women, many of whom remain Australia’s unsung heroes.”

The award was presented to Mrs Weston at the gala dinner of the 2012 Australian Regional Women Leader’s Convention, a major annual event attracting regional and rural women from across the country.

As national winner, Mrs Weston receives a full scholarship of more than $22,000 to attend WLA’s flagship development course, the Advanced Leadership Program.

Backed by a consortium of educational bodies and industry experts, the Advanced Leadership Program aims to increase Australia’s pool of executive level female leaders.

Animals on Bikes trail runs for 120 kilometres along the Obley Road, starting in Molong and ending at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Five years after its launch, the trail comprising more 111 sculptures is attracting significant traffic and boosting businesses along the route.