NSW Shearer, Nurse and Mental Health Advocate Carol Mudford Named National Winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
- Flow Australia
- 30 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A grassroots mental health initiative addressing suicide prevention in Australia’s shearing industry has been recognised nationally, with its founder—registered nurse, shearer, and mental health advocate Carol Mudford—named the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award national winner.
Ms Mudford said receiving the award brought a wave of emotions.
“It’s amazing. It’s surprising. It’s humbling. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s a great honour,” she said. “It's also a responsibility - to represent the shearing industry and share our story, to shine a light on the industry but also on mental health in rural Australia.”
The award ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra brought together more than 500 attendees, including MPs, industry leaders, and fellow finalists. For Ms Mudford, it was an opportunity to highlight the work of sHedway, the program she founded to support mental health in one of Australia’s most isolated industries.
“It was the most important thing for me - to share our stories from the shearing sheds, not just about suicide prevention, but also about the incredible community we have and the work we do.”
sHedway got started in 2023 when Ms Mudford returned to her family farm near Dubbo, New South Wales, during the COVID-19 lockdowns. A registered nurse by training, she stepped away from healthcare and picked up the handpiece. “I ended up having a go at shearing and sheared full-time in my mid to late 30s - not a usual career choice for a nurse - but I had an amazing time travelling the country and getting hooked on the shearing life.”
Later that year, she returned to nursing - this time in a rural suicide prevention role. “Within two weeks of starting that job, straight out of the shed, there were unfortunately three shearers across Australia who died by suicide within that very short space of time,” she said.
“I could see how isolated the shearing sheds are and the impact that was having on people in the industry."
“I was in this position where I had a foot in both worlds, so I started reaching out to people about how we needed to do something—and everyone came back in full support.”
What began as a Facebook page, quickly evolved, with sHedway delivering 48 events across the country in its first year, encouraging honest conversations and practical support amongst those in the shearing industry.
This year alone, the program has hosted more than 70 events, including workshops, forums, and industry stalls.
“We run half-day workshops, including our FaceTalk sessions, where we teach people how to recognise when someone might be at risk of suicide, how to talk to them, and connect them with expert help,” Ms Mudford said.
“We also invite local mental health services so people know what support is available in their area.”
As the National Winner, in addition to the $15,000 she and the other six state and territory winners received earlier this year, Ms Mudford will receive an additional $20,000 to help develop sHedway further.
She said she plans to use her winnings to expand sHedway across state and national borders.
“We want to take our forums to areas we haven’t been able to reach yet,” she said. “Next year, we hope to bring a small team to the Shearing World Championships in New Zealand to connect with the global workforce.”
Looking ahead, she said its her hope that everyone "hears hope and action through sHedway."
“Everyone cares, and no one wants to lose anyone," she said.
"If you’re struggling, reach out for help - whether to someone near you or to a professional service.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for free and confidential support. Both services also have text and online chat options if you'd rather not talk over the phone.
To keep up to date with Carol and the work of the sHedway team, and for updates on any resources or events near you, check out their Facebook page or website at shedway.org.au.
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