The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of honoring women who make transformative contributions to rural Australia. At a prestigious gala dinner held at Parliament House in Canberra, Carol Mudford was named the 2025 National Winner for her efforts in mental health and suicide prevention within the shearing industry. Alongside her, Isabella Thrupp from Western Australia received the title of National Runner-Up for her innovative clothing brand inspired by life on cattle stations.
Mudford, who founded sHedway in 2023, has been instrumental in creating safe spaces and providing practical support for shearers and wool handlers across the country. Her initiative has already delivered events in every mainland state, working to dismantle stigma surrounding mental health and fostering peer networks. “With this support, we can take sHedway into more sheds and more towns, making it okay to ask for help – and to receive it,” Mudford stated, expressing her gratitude for the recognition.
Thrupp, whose project Prinking in Pindan focuses on designing clothing that reflects the realities of station life, also garnered attention for her unique approach to fashion. Managing Leopold Downs Station with her partner, she has successfully blended her experiences with innovative design, launching products like The Pindan Jeans that have been met with enthusiastic demand. “To have that vision recognized nationally shows that women in remote Australia can drive meaningful change,” Thrupp remarked.
The announcement was made by The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, during the event that brought together over 540 attendees, including government officials, industry leaders, and members of the award’s alumni. This year’s celebration not only recognized the achievements of Mudford and Thrupp but also highlighted the ongoing impact of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in empowering women across various sectors, from agriculture to technology and sustainability.
Since its inception, the award has provided a national platform for women in rural areas, fueling innovation and inspiring future leaders. John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, praised Mudford for her contributions to rural wellbeing. He emphasized the significance of her work in reshaping the culture within the shearing industry, stating, “Carol Mudford stands as a powerful embodiment of its legacy.”
Both winners will receive additional funding from Westpac, the award’s Platinum Sponsor, with Mudford receiving $20,000 and Thrupp $15,000 to further develop their projects. “Congratulations to Carol and Isabella on their recognition,” remarked Peta Ward, Managing Director of Regional Commercial and Agribusiness at Westpac. “Their projects highlight the ingenuity and resilience of women in rural and regional Australia.”
As the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award continues to evolve, applications for the 2026 cohort opened on September 10, 2025, and will close on November 7, 2025, with a later deadline of January 30, 2026 for Northern Territory applicants. For more information, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the AgriFutures Australia website.
This year’s event not only marks a celebration of individual achievements but also serves as a reminder of the vital role women play in shaping the future of rural communities across Australia.
