AgriFutures Australia has named its Rural Women’s Award state and territory award winners, who will now represent their states at the national announcement
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.
State winners receive a $15,000 Westpac grant for a project, business or program, and access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
Later this year, the national winner and runner-up will be announced at Australian Parliament House in Canberra, with the national winner awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the runner-up an additional $15,000.
Each state and territory has now named its winner, who become national finalists.
Victoria – Mary Cole
An internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology, Mary Cole has dedicated her career to advocating for biological farming practices that regenerate soil health, reduce synthetic chemical use, and improve the long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture.
She was named the winner for her pioneering work in biological farming and soil microbiology, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.
“For more than 45 years, I have been working to promote biological farming methods that not only sustain the land but also ensure farmers remain financially viable for generations to come,” Cole says.
“Through education, research, and on-farm application, I have seen first-hand how prioritising soil health can transform agricultural productivity, reduce farmer input costs, and protect the environment.
“This award will allow me to expand my work, reaching more farmers and communities with solutions that are cost-effective and regenerative.”
Tasmania – Sarah De Jonge
Sarah De Jonge is the founder of 1000 Hearts, a movement dedicated to spreading kindness and human connection through handmade fabric hearts.
The project began in 2016 as a simple, personal act of kindness, hand-stitching tiny fabric hearts to give away, and what started as a heartfelt gesture has since grown into a global movement, with thousands of volunteers and community groups sewing and sharing hearts as symbols of comfort, hope and connection.
“1000 Hearts began as a way for me to offer kindness to people in need, and it has since grown into something far beyond what I ever imagined,” De Jonge says.
“The response from communities, hospitals, and individuals across the world has been overwhelming.
“There is something incredibly powerful in a small, tangible token that reminds people they are not alone.”
With her Westpac grant, De Jonge plans to expand 1000 Hearts, increasing the reach of this initiative and ensuring more people in need, particularly those in hospitals, aged care facilities, crisis centres and schools can benefit from this act of kindness.
Queensland – Nicole McNaughton
CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) Nicole McNaughton was named Queensland’s winner for her leadership in strengthening regional food and agribusiness industries.
At the helm of one of Australia’s leading food industry clusters, McNaughton leads the FAN in connecting and supporting over 420 members across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions, fostering collaboration, growth and innovation.
McNaughton has dedicated her career to connecting producers, manufacturers and industry leaders, ensuring regional food businesses can thrive in domestic and global markets.
“The success of regional agribusiness depends on strong collaboration and FAN exists to bring people together producers, innovators, and businesses to grow stronger as a collective,” McNaughton says.
“This award is a testament to the impact of our food and agribusiness community in Queensland, and I’m honoured to champion the incredible work being done across our regions.”
Western Australia – Isabella Thrupp
Isabella Thrupp is the founder of Prinking in Pindan, a new workwear brand inspired by life on cattle stations in the Kimberley.
After relocating to the Kimberley region, the project started after having conversations about the struggle of finding jeans that could withstand the harsh conditions of station life.
Jeans needed to be durable, comfortable and affordable, and these discussions planted the seed for Prinking in Pindan, a brand built from the dust and determination of the outback. “Today, Prinking in Pindan is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a celebration of life in the outback,” Thrupp says.
“I am passionate about empowering rural women, bridging the gap between country and city, and championing sustainability in an industry that often overlooks the needs of those on the land.
“This award will allow me to drive innovative product development, amplify our brand’s presence across diverse communities, integrate eco-friendly practices into every facet of our work and deepen our engagement with local communities.
“It is an investment in both our creative vision and our commitment to lasting, positive change.”
South Australia – Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson was named her state’s winner for her leadership in transforming food waste into opportunity.
Johnson’s enterprise SPhiker turns surplus and second-grade produce, purchased straight from farms, into shelf-stable meals, setting a new standard in circular economy-based agribusiness.
“Rural enterprises are uniquely positioned to lead the way in sustainability. With SPhiker, we’re showing how you can make great food, back local growers and tackle food waste,” Johnson says.
“This award is a powerful recognition of the role regional women play in shaping a more resilient, responsible future for our food systems.”
With the $15,000 Westpac grant, Johnson will invest in specialised equipment to help scale SPhiker‘s operations.
This addition will enhance production by reducing cooking times and allow the inclusion of new produce, expanding meal offerings, further reducing food waste and supporting more South Australian farmers.
Northern Territory – Kristy Hollis
Kristy Hollis, founder of Everlasting Health, with her project ‘Women’s Business: Nurture and Thrive’, is a trailblazer in naturopathic care and is committed to transforming rural healthcare through holistic, community-driven approaches.
With over 23 years of experience, Hollis is a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor.
She has worked with more than 8,000 women through clinics, workshops and events, bringing a unique perspective to rural and remote health in the Northern Territory.
Hollis’s work is informed by both lived experience and deep industry knowledge. Inspired by her nan Norma, and the power of herbs, her journey began with eradicating weeds using insects, only to later recognise their value as medicinal allies.
Today, she is driven by a passion for bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, particularly in preventing chronic disease in underserved communities.
“Australia’s healthcare system still focuses heavily on treatment over prevention,” Hollis says.
“In regional areas, the cost of chronic disease is profound, economically, socially and emotionally. I believe a respectful, collaborative approach that embraces both traditional and modern medicine can improve outcomes and strengthen whole communities.”
New South Wales – Carol Mudford
Carol Mudford from Dubbo is the founder of sHedway, a community-led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support to shearers.
Mudford is a registered nurse, shearer and wool handler and aims to expand the reach of sHedway across the country with her grant, having delivered 42 events across every mainland state in 2024.
“sHedway exists because I believe in the strength of our shearing family,” she says.
“It’s time mental health was prioritised alongside safety and skill. Our mission is to make sure everyone working in the sheds knows how to look after their mental health as well as they look after their shearing gear.”