Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) this week announced the finalists in their annual ‘Strong Women Leadership Awards 2016’.
21 finalists have been selected from some tough competition across the state.
The winners in each category will be announced at the 2016 QRRRWN Conference Gala Dinner in at the Roma Explorer’s Inn on Friday night.
QRRRWN President Alison Mobbs said the primary aim of the Awards program was to encourage women to identify and celebrate the strengths they contribute to their rural, regional and remote communities through their participation in professional, business, community sector or volunteer activities.
“This recognition encourages others to step up to the challenges of leadership and realise the value and importance of celebrating what we do as women in rural, regional and remote areas, sometimes in very trying circumstances,” she said.
“It is a way of lifting women up to see that what they are contributing is important and that their story is worth sharing as it not only benefits them, but impacts others as well, with many inspired by the role models these women become through this process of recognition and celebration of their achievements.
“QRRRWN has also provided a series of professional development webinars to all entrants in the program as part of our ‘strong women, strong communities’ philosophy.
“Long term partner Amanda Stein from Panda Pearls and State Members Ann Leahy and Ros Bates will be on hand to present trophies and prizes to the winners on the night.
“It is tremendous to see the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities committing sponsorship towards the youth awards category. This is terrific recognition for the amazing young leaders emerging from rural, regional and remote areas.”
Finalists in each category are:
1. QRRRWN Woman of the Year
Kristy Sparrow (Alpha) and Emily Martin ( St George)
2. QRRRWN Small Business of the year
Julie Brown (Longreach) and Sandy McLean (Rockhampton)
3. Professional Woman of the year
Kayleen Freeman (Nanango) and Lisa Hutchinson (Bowen)
4. QRRRWN Leadership award
Jane Williams (Barcaldine) and Lorraine Crothers (Dirranbandi)
5.QRRRWN Volunteer of the year
Danielle Butler (Blackall) and Leanne Kruss (Dimbulah)
6. QRRRN Story Teller of the year
Alyssa Venning & Amanda-Lyn Pearson (The Crack up sisters) (Winton) and Ainsley McArthur (St Lawrence)
7. Inspirational Woman who has paved the way for future generations
Dianne French (Toowoomba), Joy Denton (Injune)
8. QRRRWN Young Woman with vision
Carmel Sowden (Kingaroy)and Robyn Sawtell (Nanango)
9. QRRRWN Young Woman with a plan
Jessica McNamara and Jamie Lee Barron ( both from Nanango)
10. Young RRR Woman of the year
Jessica Kerr (Brisbane) , Andrea Crothers ( Longreach) and Jane White (Charleville)