THREE inspiring women from regional New South Wales, including Dimity Smith from Tamworth, have been named finalists in the 2025 NSW-ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
This year, the spotlight is on the exceptional regional talent who have founded their own organisations and businesses, significantly contributing to the prosperity of regional and rural communities in NSW.
Finalists are Carol Mudford from Dubbo, founder of sHedway, a community-led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support in the shearing industry, Tamworth’s Dimity Smith, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, and Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business, Wall’s Honey Co.
The prize of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is a $15,000 Westpac grant for a project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
The 2025 winner will be announced on Friday, May 2 and will then compete with six other state winners for the national title. The national winner and runner-up will be announced on Tuesday, September 9 at Australian Parliament House in Canberra.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty congratulated Carol, Dimity and Katelyn for their impact within regional and rural communities in New South Wales.
“This Government remains steadfast in supporting inspirational women who are making a difference and ensuring the long-term success of the communities in which they live and work,” she said.
“I am proud to see such amazing and innovative talent, combining healthcare, community spirit and agriculture. These women have started grassroot movements in their communities, personally touching the lives of many people through their work.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said rural women are some of the most innovative people she knows.
“They are routinely faced with ever-changing challenges and think creatively to ensure their communities and industries continue to flourish,” she said.
“The three finalists are intelligent, resourceful and exceptional at what they do. This award serves not only as an acknowledgement of their achievements, but also as an inspiration to others.”
Finalist Carol Mudford said she was incredibly humbled to be recognised among the strong, proactive women of rural Australia.
“The big hearts and can-do attitude of the shearing shed family make anything seem possible, and it is with strong communities looking out for each other that we can all live well,” she said.
“Thank you for highlighting the strength and contributions of women within our communities across rural Australia.”
Dimity Smith said she honoured and humbled to be recognised alongside such inspiring rural women who are driving real change in their communities and industries.
“I am committed to improving choice and access in rural and agricultural Australia – ensuring that people can build meaningful careers where they love to live, without being limited by their location,” she said.
“I am proud to help bridge the gap between corporates, farmers, and professionals, strengthening the connections that enable rural communities to thrive for generations to come.”
Katelyn Wall said she was honoured to be named a finalist.
“It’s an honour to stand alongside such inspiring women who are making a significant impact across rural and regional NSW,” she said.
“I’m privileged to educate pre-school-aged children in my local community about bees and the environment, and this recognition provides an exciting opportunity to further develop and expand the program.
“I look forward to collaborating and networking with my fellow finalists and alumni, all of whom are dedicated to driving meaningful change in their communities.”
AgriFutures Australia chief operating officer Belinda Allitt said it is AgriFutures’ privilege to provide finalists with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia and receive recognition.
“I congratulate the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state finalists on their achievements and thank them for their hard work and determination. We’re excited to follow their journeys, welcome them to the alumni and provide them the support to accelerate their impact across Australian rural communities and industries,” she said.
