The winner of the 2025 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has been named as Dr Mary Cole for her pioneering work in biological farming and soil microbiology, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.
Dr Cole accepted the Award last night at a ceremony presented by Michaela Settle MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Agriculture, Victoria.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, supported by platinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia’s leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate forward-thinking, courageous leaders who represent some of the most vast and remote areas of Victoria.
Dr Cole received a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further support her project as well as the opportunity to undertake a professional development course of her choosing. She will go on to represent Victoria at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra later in the year, where the National Winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the National Runner Up, an additional $15,000.
An internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology, Dr 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.
“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,” Dr Cole said.
“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.”
Reflecting on her win, Dr Cole shared how deeply meaningful the recongiiton is to her work.
“This method of caring for the country is universal and will be the only way in which future generations will have food availability and a healthy planet on which to live.”
“That fact that it has been awarded to me means my passion and commitment to a clean and healthy environment has resonated on some level.”
“That is reassuring because I wonder sometime if anyone is hearing me. From the wonderful emails I am receiving I am aware that many people believe in me and have heard. I am ever grateful to those who have reached out with best wishes.”
John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, said Dr Cole’s work exemplifies the powerful contributions women are making in rural, regional and remote communities.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is a platform for women who are driving meaningful change and shaping the future of regional industries,” Mr Harvey said.
“This Award not only recognises their impact but also equips them with the support and leadership skills to continue building a stronger, more resilient regional Australia.”
Mandy Hehir, Regional General Manager, Central VIC/Gippsland, Regional and Agribusiness for Platinum Sponsor Westpac also congratulates Dr Mary Cole on being named the Victorian State winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
“Dr Cole’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices through her work in biological farming and soil microbiology is outstanding and we are delighted to award her the Victorian title.“
Westpac is proud to be a long-term platinum sponsor of the Award and champion women who are driving positive change in rural Australia. It is an honour to support these remarkable women who are helping to build a better future for our regions, and we look forward to celebrating them at the national award ceremony in September.”
For young women entering the industry, Dr Cole encourages them to take an active role in shaping the future.
“I want young people to take up the task of demanding clean and healthy food and environment. Study S.T.EM and get themselves into power and decision making positions so that they, not others can determine their future lives.”
Looking ahead, she plans to represent Victoria at the national award ceremony in Canberra by promoting her vision and advocating for urgent action on sustainable food production.
“There is no planet B. We do not have much longer to turn around the production of healthy food production.”
She also intends to use the recognition from this award to create a high-quality documentary that will preserve and share her passion for soil health.
“Farmers respond to lived experiences. I am a farmer as well as a scientist but I want farmers who have made the change to biological farming and have them discuss the trials and successes they have had.”
“It is my time now to pay forward for the wonderful life I have had and the opportunities I forged for myself. I want my knowledge not to be lost, so it is being recorded!”
