AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Celebrates 25 Years of Impact
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The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of recognising women making a difference across rural and regional Australia. The milestone was celebrated at a gala dinner in Canberra’s Parliament House, attended by more than 540 guests from across the country.
New South Wales shearer and mental health advocate Carol Mudford was named the 2025 National Winner for her leadership through sHedway, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the shearing industry.
“This is a profound honour,” Ms Mudford said. “With this support, we can take sHedway into more sheds and more towns, making it okay to ask for help — and to receive it.”
Western Australian fashion innovator Isabella Thrupp was named National Runner Up for Prinking in Pindan, her project combining fashion design with life on remote cattle stations.
AgriFutures Managing Director John Harvey praised the winners for their lasting impact.
“Carol Mudford stands as a powerful embodiment of the Award’s legacy,” Mr Harvey said. “Her work is changing the culture of the shearing industry and creating lasting impact for rural communities.”
Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open. More information can be found on the AgriFutures website.