The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award marked a significant milestone in 2025, celebrating its 25th year as Australia's premier program recognising and supporting the vital role women play in rural and regional industries, businesses and communities. This year's Gala Dinner and National Announcement, held at Canberra's Parliament House, brought together more than 540 guests, including government officials, industry leaders, Alumni and finalists, to honour the exceptional contributions of women driving change across the country.
The spotlight shone brightly on two remarkable women: Carol Mudford, a New South Wales shearer, registered nurse and mental health advocate, and Isabella Thrupp, a Western Australian fashion innovator. Carol was named the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner for her pioneering work in mental health support within the shearing industry. Isabella was announced as National Runner Up for her creative venture blending fashion and station life.
Carol's initiative, sHedway , is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the shearing industry. Since its launch in 2023, sHedway has delivered events across every mainland state, breaking down stigma and building peer networks to ensure shearers and wool handlers know they are not alone. Her leadership has created safe spaces and practical support systems, transforming conversations about mental health in rural communities.
Isabella's project, Prinking in Pindan, reflects her deep connection to life on cattle stations in the Kimberley. Managing Leopold Downs Station with her partner, Isabella fused station life with design to create clothing tailored for outback realities. Her first release, The Pindan Jeans, met overwhelming demand, proving that durable, stylish clothing designed by women on the land resonates strongly with rural Australians. Isabella's work demonstrates that distance is no barrier to innovation and impact.
Celebrating a Diverse Cohort
Carol and Isabella were joined by six other inspiring finalists, each representing a different state or territory and showcasing the diversity of ideas shaping rural Australia:
- Nicole McNaughton (Queensland), CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN)
- Kelly Johnson (South Australia), creator of SPhiker
- Kristy Hollis (Northern Territory), naturopath and founder of Everlasting Health
- Dr Mary Cole (Victoria), soil scientist and founder of AgPath
- Sarah De Jonge (Tasmania), founder of 1000 Hearts
These women exemplify the creativity, resilience and leadership that the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award has championed for a quarter of a century.
A legacy of empowerment
Since its inception, the Award has evolved from a kitchen-table conversation into a national movement, amplifying rural voices and inspiring future leaders. Over 25 years, it has celebrated hundreds of women transforming industries from food and fibre to technology, sustainability and community leadership. The program continues to fuel innovation and foster growth, supported by Platinum Sponsor Westpac.
John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, praised Carol's achievements.
"Carol Mudford stands as a powerful embodiment of the Award's legacy. Her exceptional work is changing the culture of the shearing industry and creating lasting impact for rural communities. She's trusted in the sheds and influential in the conversations shaping the sector, bringing people together and earning deep respect across both worlds," Mr Harvey said.
Westpac also commended the winners.
"Congratulations to Carol and Isabella on their recognition. Their projects highlight the ingenuity and resilience of women in rural and regional Australia and we are proud to support their leadership," said Peta Ward, Managing Director of Regional Commercial and Agribusiness, Westpac.
Supporting future changemakers
In addition to the $15,000 Westpac grant awarded to each state and territory winner, Carol and Isabella will receive an extra $20,000 and $15,000 respectively to further develop their projects. These grants provide vital resources to scale initiatives that strengthen rural communities and industries.
"This is a profound honour and I am deeply grateful to AgriFutures and Westpac for their belief in my vision. With this support, we can take sHedway into more sheds and more towns, making it okay to ask for help - and to receive it," Carol said.
Isabella echoed this sentiment.
"To have Prinking in Pindan recognised nationally shows that women in remote Australia can drive meaningful change. I hope it inspires others to pursue their own ideas," Isabella said.
Looking ahead
Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award are now open and will close on 7 November 2025 (30 January 2026 for Northern Territory applicants). The program remains committed to empowering women who are shaping the future of rural and regional Australia, ensuring that the next generation of leaders has the support and recognition they deserve.
As the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award celebrates 25 years of impact, it continues to stand as a beacon of progress, resilience and innovation. By championing women like Carol Mudford and Isabella Thrupp, the Award not only honours individual achievements but also strengthens the fabric of rural communities nationwide.
To find our more about the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, or to apply, visit our Rural Women's Award webpage .
