Bush Summit 2025: 30 inaugural Woolworths Bush Champion finalists revealed across Australia

A young Victorian who made history as the first Aussie to win the women’s ranch bronc world champs in the US is among the finalists for the inaugural Bush Champions Awards, celebrating inspiring leaders in rural and regional communities nationwide.

Horsewoman Tup Forge, pictured with Fox, holds the title of 2025 Australian Women's Ranch Bronc Champion.

The finalists for the inaugural Bush Champions Awards have been unveiled, celebrating inspiring leaders in rural and regional communities across Australia.

The awards, supported by Woolworths, are part of this year’s Bush Summit series that culminates with events in Broome, Mount Gambier, Toowoomba, Wagga Wagga, Ballarat and Darwin in late August.

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Six emerging leaders under 30 have been short-listed for the Young Champion award including 28-year-old Victorian Tup Forge, who made history this month as the first Australian to win the women’s ranch bronc world championship in the US.

She only started training 18 months ago before soaring to the top of rodeo competitions.

Victorian Tup Forge has been short-listed for the Young Champion award. Picture: Chuck Miner

The Young Champion shortlist also includes Queensland’s Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw; Melissa Wurramarrba from the Northern Territory; and Emma Godsell, Josh Hurst and Josie Clarke from New South Wales.

In the Ag Champion category, those in the running are Hannah Bamford and Linda Widdup from Victoria; Richard Cannon, Christine Chirgwin, Colin Wren and Jo Marshall from New South Wales; Queenslanders Lyn French and Bim Struss; and South Australia’s Ben Wundersitz.

Tup rides her horse Done Deal.

There are 15 nominees for the Community Champion award, including Queenslanders Louise Martin, Katrina Starmer, Uncle Bill Speedy, and Paula Pool and Demelza Gardem, as well as Linda Blackwood and Raine and Tristan Holcombe from the Northern Territory.

There are also several Victorians in the running: Anita Donlan, Jackie Elliot, Mick Giddings, Carlee Knight, Grace Larson, Katrina Lumb, Dan Rosendahl, Cheryl Telford and Leigh Wilson.

The winners of each category will receive $2000.

Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell hailed the finalists for their achievements in their communities.

“Through our incredible team who serve in regional communities across Australia, I’ve witnessed first-hand the remarkable leadership, innovation and resilience that defines rural and regional Australia,” she said.

“I’m proud that, through the Woolworths Bush Champions Awards, we can celebrate and recognise inspiring Australians who are making a meaningful difference in their communities every day.”

The winners of each category will receive $2000, with the overall Woolworths Bush Champion to receive an extra $10,000. They will be announced at the Bush Summit National Dinner – to be attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – in Ballarat on August 28.

To register to attend the Bush Summit event in your state, click here.