CAROL Mudford, renowned mental health advocate and founder of non-for-profit organisation sHedway, has been named state winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Carol was up against two other finalists for the award – Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder of GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, and Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business, Wall’s Honey Co.

All three finalists were sponsored by The Country Women’s Association of NSW, and each received $1000 for their self-founded organisations.

As winner of the award, Carol will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to go towards professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Starting off as a small community-led initiative in Dubbo NSW in 2023, sHedway has expanded into a national movement, with Carol promoting mental health awareness by blending healthcare, advocacy, and shearing industry expertise in regional communities in New South Wales and around Australia.

Runner-up Dimity Smith is a registered psychologist and the founder of two businesses, GRO Rural and GRO Events Group. These innovative businesses connect agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia.

Fellow runner-up Katelyn Wall is a qualified radiation therapy educator and co-founder of Wall’s Honey Co, an award-winning beekeeping and pollination business. Katelyn’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community education led her to build her business around the vital role that bees play in the ecosystem and food supply.

Winner, Carol Mumford, will now represent New South Wales and the ACT at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on September 9, 2025.

The National winner will receive a further $20,000 grant from Westpac and national runner-op, an additional $15,000.

(from left) Finalist Katelyn Wall from Wall’s Honey Co, winner Carol Mudford from sHedway and finalist Dimity Smith from GRO Rural and GRO Events Group (Image: Country Women’s Association).

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates and empowers women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty congratulated Carol for her determination to take the wool industry into a new, more resilient era.

“Carol’s pioneering efforts have succeeded, and we congratulate you for your well-deserved title as winner of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I encourage any woman with a dream to make a positive impact in their regional and rural communities in NSW to be inspired by Carol.

“Her hard work has personally helped the lives of many shearers, giving the industry a well-supported network to grow.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said she is incredibly proud to have Carol take out the top honour and go on to represent New South Wakes on the national stage.

“She is highly deserving of this award with her incredible achievements supporting regional communities in New South Wales and around the country,” Ms Harrison said.

“sHedway is a perfect example of how women can pursue their passion and meet the needs of their community in an innovative way.

“Regional and rural women as some of the smartest and most resilient women I know, and they are unwavering in dedicating their time in supporting their communities to succeed.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt congratulated Carol.

“As a woman wearing many hats in the industry, it is inspiring to see her marrying up her expertise as a healthcare provider, shearer, and wool handler to create meaningful change for rural and regional communities,” Ms Allitt said.