15/09/2026
🌟 AN EXCITING UPDATE ON NICKI GUTTLER! 🌟
For those coming along to Spirit of the Land, you’ll have the chance to see the incredibly talented Nicki Guttler in action, with Nicki joining us to perform shearing demonstrations throughout the festival.
And she has just achieved another incredible milestone! 👏🐑
Nicki has made Australian Sports Shear history, becoming the FIRST WOMAN to win an Open Machine Shearing Title in Australia! 🏆
What an amazing achievement — and we’re so excited to have Nicki demonstrating her skills at Spirit of the Land 2026.
Here’s a little more about Nicki, her journey and the history she has just made 👇
First woman shearer to claim an Open Shearing Title in Australia Sports Shear — History made
Nicki Guttler, a third‑generation Australian shearer with ten years on the handpiece and a competitive career that began in 2015.
By 2018 she was fully committed to the Sports Shear New South Wales shearing circuit, steadily building her reputation across major shows.
The 2026 season marks her third year competing in the Open Machine Shearing Class - the highest grade in Australian and international shearing.
In 2024, Nicki achieved a landmark moment in her career, becoming a women’s 8‑hour shearing world record holder, setting a phenomenal tally of 450 Merino lambs under the scrutiny of four official World Record referees. Her record performance cemented her status as one of Australia’s most determined and fast‑rising athletes in the sport. Nicki Guttler - Women’s Solo 8 Hour Merino Lamb World Record
Nicki had every intention of chasing another world‑record title — this time a two‑stand effort alongside a friend — but a serious spine injury forced everything to stop. For ten long months across 2025–26, she was sidelined.
The injury was brutal. Nicki could barely walk, stand, or sit, the pain was constant, offering no position of relief. After countless appointments with doctors and specialists, the only option left was rest - and patience.
Through it all, she is deeply grateful for her personal trainer, whose support became a lifeline. The accountability helped, but it was the encouragement that truly carried her: someone believing she could rebuild her strength, restore her back, and eventually get better. That belief made all the difference.
This year, Nicki finally made it back to shearing full‑time. Then, just a week ago, she was hit with another heartbreak: the loss of her beloved grandmother. She adored her deeply, and especially admired her strength - a woman in her late eighties, still living independently on her farm, carrying herself with steady resilience.
Nicki geared up yesterday at the Forbes Show NSW and said it wasn't easy, she struggled with some of the sheep on the last side but said she felt her Nana was there to help pull her through and won the Open Machine Shearing title- the first woman in Australia to win an Open Class shearing competition.
Nicki didn't just stop at the machine shears - she picked up the blades shears too and made it a double header, taking out two disciplines. She's also about to represent New South Wales again which will be her fourth time at the Australian Shearing & Woolhandling Championships. 2026 Champs set to take place Warrnambool X-Bred Shears next month 29-30-31st October 2026.
On behalf of Womenshearingworldwide, we send all our love and our very best wishes for your health, your future, and every competition ahead. Congratulations on making history as the first woman to win an Australian Sports Shear Open Machine Shearing Title. We stand with you and honour you. God speed❤️
— with Nicki Guttler.
