INVERELL veterinarian Sarah Golding has been named a New South Wales finalist for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, recognising her leadership in education, technology and workforce sustainability.

Dr Golding, founder of The Vet Mind Mentor, is one of three state finalists.

“What an incredible privilege to have been named a finalist alongside such wonderful, deserving rural women, evoking much needed change within their industries,” Dr Golding said.

“The veterinary profession is filled with highly dedicated individuals passionate about caring for our pets, wildlife & production animals.

“The Vet Mind Mentor initiative is committed to strengthening the resilience of our vets so they can enjoy happy, healthy careers servicing our regional communities.

“I am beyond excited to see how this opportunity impacts my mission to foster a more sustainable veterinary industry, particularly for those practicing in the bush,” she said.

Dr Golding is a veterinarian, principal practitioner and co‑manager of Gowrie Vet Clinic in Inverell. With 12 years’ experience working across rural and regional Australia, she has seen first‑hand the pressures facing early‑career veterinarians, from the emotional load of clinical work to the challenges of transitioning into fast‑paced rural practice.

In 2024, Dr Golding founded The Vet Mind Mentor, a mentorship program delivered through her course, The Resilient Vet Mastermind, designed to equip graduate vets with practical strategies for confidence, resilience and sustainable career balance.

A recipient of the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant, Dr Golding supported 26 veterinarians across rural Australia in the program’s first year, addressing the significant mental‑health challenges and high attrition rates impacting the profession.

Her work provides graduates with guided support during the critical first 12 months of practice, while giving clinic owners an outsourced, expert solution to help their teams thrive.

Veterinarian Sarah Golding, principal practitioner and co‑manager of Gowrie Vet Clinic in Inverell, is a state finalist for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Kristie Ivone, from Albury and founder of Boas Language Academy, and Spartalis Consulting founder Emma Spartalis from Clarence Town are also finalists.

“It is a great honour to be named as a finalist alongside inspiring women championing change across regional Australia,” Ms Ivone said.

“This recognition celebrates strong regional communities, and the power of language to connect all those who choose to make regional Australia home.

“Migrants make great contributions to our regional communities. I thank AgriFutures, Westpac, Women NSW and the supporters of this award for this platform to showcase the talent, diversity and vibrancy that migrants bring to the regional communities we love living in.

“Each year, the award highlights inspiring women and important work that makes our regions stronger. It is an honour to be among them,” she said.

Emma Spartalis said she is deeply honoured to be named a finalist among such remarkable rural women.

“Every day, women across New South Wales and the ACT are holding together farms, businesses and communities under significant pressure,” she said.

“My work focuses on reducing operational strain and building practical digital capability, so rural women can lead sustainable, commercially strong businesses without sacrificing their wellbeing.”

All finalists reflect the growing diversity of industries shaping regional economies, from language and cultural education to artificial intelligence and veterinary practice reform. Each finalist has taken an innovative approach to respond to emerging challenges in their field, while creating practical, long-term benefits for communities and industries beyond metropolitan centres.

The 2026 NSW-ACT winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 22 and will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support the development of a project, business or program, along with access to professional development and national alumni networks.

The winner will also go on to represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award later in the year.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty congratulated Kristie, Emma and Sarah.

“These women demonstrate the depth of talent, innovation and leadership that exists across regional NSW, and the important role women play in strengthening industries and communities,” she said.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said women in regional New South Wales continue to show extraordinary leadership, resilience and creativity in the face of complex challenges.

“Congratulations to Kristie, Emma and Sarah, who are outstanding examples of women using their skills and expertise to build sustainable businesses and improve outcomes in their fields,” she said.

“As finalists, they are shining the light on regional women’s innovativeness and resourcefulness. It’s a great recognition of their achievements to date, and the potential they have to inspire and lead change into the future.”

AgriFutures Australia general manager Jennifer Galloway said Sarah, Kristie and Emma are leading with innovation, vision and determination to create meaningful change across rural Australia.

“They show how leadership can turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities,” she said.

“The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts.

“By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come.”