Women in agriculture are driving impact and change in rural, regional and remote Australia.
Now in its 25th year, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is recognising seven female leaders for their innovation, resilience and deep commitment to their communities.
The seven finalists will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner & National Announcement on 28 October 2025 at Parliament House in Canberra.
“For 25 years, this Award has celebrated women who don’t just contribute to their communities; they transform them. The Gala Dinner is an opportunity to honour the latest cohort of changemakers and be reminded of the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives rural and regional Australia forward,” said AgriFutures QLD Alumni State Chair Ann Ross.
Each of the finalists holds a unique story of leadership, with impact in far-reaching areas, including regenerative agriculture, education, mental health, tech and policy.
Carol Mudford
2025 New South Wales/ACT State Winner
Carol Mudford is a shearer, wool handler, registered nurse, and founder of sHedway, a national not‑for‑profit tackling suicide prevention and mental health in the shearing industry. Based in Dubbo, mudford launched sHedway in 2023 after the loss of a fellow shearer to suicide and the growing need for mental health support in sheds across Australia. In its first year, sHedway delivered 42 events across every mainland state, opening up honest conversations and practical support.
Dr Mary Cole
2025 Victoria State Winner
Dr Mary Cole is an internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology. Over 45 years she pioneered biological farming through her company Agpath, promoting regenerative practices that restore soil, cut chemical use, and improve farmer resilience.
Her work has helped transform farming operations, restore degraded landscapes, and challenge conventional chemical-based agriculture. She has advised farmers globally, led groundbreaking research, and played a key role in legal victories against major chemical corporations.
Nicole McNaughton
2025 Queensland State Winner
Nicole McNaughton is the CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), leading one of Australia’s biggest food‑industry clusters with over 420 members from Sunshine Coast to Gympie.
With over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, including global roles with brands like Heineken, McNaughton is passionate about helping regional agrifood businesses grow, collaborate, and thrive. Through FAN’s flagship Grow National program, she champions connection and community-led growth for producers, makers, and entrepreneurs across regional Australia.
Kristy Hollis
2025 Northern Territory State Winner
Kristy Hollis is the founder of Everlasting Health and the “Women’s Business: Nurture & Thrive” project. A naturopath, herbalist and former national association president with over 23 years’ experience, she has supported 8,000+ women in remote communities through holistic health clinics and workshops.
She brings a unique perspective to rural and remote healthcare in the Northern Territory, shaped by an evolving journey, from using insects to control weeds to recognising their value as medicinal herbs. This transformation fuels her passion for bridging traditional and modern medical approaches, particularly in chronic disease prevention.
Kelly Johnson
2025 South Australia State Winner
Kelly Johnson is the creator of SPhiker, an agribusiness turning surplus and second‑grade farm produce into nutritious, shelf‑stable meals.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption and Climate Action, SPhiker aims to close the circular economy loop. By rescuing produce that might otherwise go to waste, the business supports local agriculture, reduces food waste and fosters environmentally responsible practices. Over the next year, SPhiker will strengthen rural economies and provide farmers with a consistent market for surplus produce. Recently winning the Premier’s Food and Beverage Award for Sustainability, SPhiker has solidified its position as a leader in sustainable outdoor food solutions.
Isabella Thrupp
2025 Western Australia State Winner
Isabella Thrupp is the founder of Prinking in Pindan, a clothing brand inspired by life on cattle stations in the Kimberley. Currently managing Leopold Downs Station alongside her partner Jacob, Isabella has spent the past five years living and working on remote stations.
Her debut product, The Pindan Jeans, sold out within minutes, highlighting the demand for stylish, durable clothing designed for station life. Passionate about empowering rural women, fostering connections between rural and urban communities, and championing sustainability, Isabella is redefining fashion for the outback.
Sarah De Jonge
2025 Tasmania State Winner
Sarah De Jonge is the founder of 1000 Hearts, a movement started in 2016 creating handmade woollen heart tokens to spread kindness worldwide. With a psychology and counselling background, De Jonge has expanded the project into hospitals, schools, aged-care and global communities.
De Jonge’s work is deeply personal. Her own experiences of loss, resilience, and healing have shaped her belief that small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. She has seen firsthand how carrying a simple heart can offer solace to those facing challenges, from anxiety and depression to natural disasters and global crises. At its core, 1000 Hearts is about human connection, bringing people together through creativity, community, and the shared belief that kindness has the power to heal.