The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Barbara Scott won the ABC Australian Rural Woman of the year Award in 1996.

Barbara established a successful wool garment manufacturing business, the Wool ‘n Yarn Company, after the wool price crash of 1991. Initially selling a range of doonas, the business was expanded to clothing lines and has made substantial inroads into overseas markets, including major US clothing chain, Bloomingdales. Barbara ensured her products are 100% wool and Australian made.

Barbara employed local workers and supported the industries of the NSW Western Plains. She designed an Industrial Sewing Techniques course with the Coonabarabran School of Fashion which produces items for sale through Wool ‘n Yarn and has the ultimate aim of forming its own manufacturing company.

Through their commitment to sustainable agriculture, Barbara and husband John developed a once-eroded property into a mixed farm of cropping, fruit orcharding, vineyard and sheep and wool growing through irrigation, farm grazing management (field rotation), and the re-introduction of native flora. Barbara has planted over 4,500 trees in the ten years to 1996 encouraging native wildlife, including over 30 varieties of birds, to return to the property.

Events

• 1996

  Winner – ABC Australian Rural Woman of the Year