Carol Mudford

2024 New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Winner

Carol Mudford is a shearer, wool handler, registered nurse, and the founder of sHedway, a national not-for-profit tackling suicide prevention and mental health in the shearing industry. Based in Dubbo, NSW, Carol 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. Carol was named the 2025 NSW AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner for her leadership and commitment to improving wellbeing in one of Australia’s most iconic and under-supported industries.

Nicole McNaughton

2024 Queensland State Winner 

Nicole McNaughton is the CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), one of Australia’s leading food industry clusters, representing over 470 members across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Noosa, Moreton Bay, and beyond.

With over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, including global roles with brands like Heineken, Nicole 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.

Sarah De Jonge

2024 Tasmania State Winner

Based in Kingston, Tasmania, Sarah has a background in psychology and counselling, with years of experience in the non-profit sector supporting people through life’s toughest moments. 1000 Hearts started as a personal project, with Sarah hand-stitching a thousand pocket-sized hearts to give away as random acts of kindness. What began as a heartfelt gesture soon grew into a global movement, embraced by schools, hospitals, community groups, and individuals seeking a way to spread compassion in times of grief, trauma, illness, or uncertainty.

Sarah’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. Each heart is an opportunity for mindfulness, a symbol of love, and a reminder that no one is alone.

Isabella Thrupp

2024 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.

Kristy Hollis

2024 Northern Territory Winner

With over 23 years of experience, Kristy Hollis is a dedicated naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate, and mentor. 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.

As former President of the Complementary Medicine Association of Australia, Kristy has been a strong advocate for integrating naturopathic care into public health policy. Through her initiative, Women’s Business, Kristy continues to champion accessible naturopathic healthcare in rural communities, empowering individuals through holistic health education, collaborative care, and community-driven support. Looking ahead, she is committed to supporting women across remote regions and forging partnerships with First Nations healers – fostering a holistic approach to healing that benefits individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Kelly Johnson

2024 South Australia State Winner

Kelly Johnson is the creator of SPhiker, an agribusiness dedicated to sustainability, innovation and supporting rural communities by creating eco-conscious, shelf-stable meals tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the only 100% sustainably made and packaged hiking meal brands on the market, SPhiker champions responsible consumption by transforming surplus and second-grade produce direct from South Australian farmers into nutritious, ready-to-eat 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. This initiative is not just about meals – it’s about setting a new standard for sustainable hike products.

Dr Mary Cole

2024 Victoria State Winner

Dr. Mary Cole is an internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology with a career spanning over five decades. A pioneer in biological farming and founder of Agpath, she has spent more than 45 years advocating for regenerative agriculture, proving that sustainable practices can enhance yields while significantly reducing input costs.

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. A passionate educator, she recently collaborated on launching a Certificate III in Horticulture focused on industrial hemp production.