The brightest stars of women in business have been celebrated as a Sunshine Coast organisation celebrates 25 years of its coveted awards.
Last night, the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (SCBWN) hosted it annual awards night.
The occasion highlights and celebrates an exceptional and varied group of businesswomen who make a significant impact across numerous industries in the region.
Out of 64 outstanding submissions, 34 finalists were selected across five categories, each with the opportunity to take home the 2024 Outstanding Business Woman of the Year prize.
This year, the prestigious accolade was awarded to Jenny Lawson from Successful Grants.
Other major winners across the categories were Jodi Salmond, Teneille Newton, Samantha Rillie, Katherine Nichols and Rochelle Callard.
SCBWN president Paula Williamson congratulated the nominees, finalists, and winners.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an array of inspiring and dedicated businesswomen who are leaders in their industries,” she said.
“It takes a special kind of courage and strength to build a business, or advance in a corporate career, and I am continually amazed by their journeys and personal testimonials.
“Each year, the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Awards Night is an opportunity to celebrate the courage and sacrifice it takes to run a successful business and career, whether it’s steering a thriving enterprise or excelling in a corporate role.
“The achievements of our finalists and award recipients are a testament to their resilience and passion.
“Often we are so busy chasing a deadline or goal, that we fail to stop and reflect on how far we have come and I’m honoured to be part of this annual celebration where we get to do just that, together.”
A new category was introduced for SCBWN award alumni who continue to inspire and empower women in business through their ongoing connection with the network.
This award will be named the ‘Michelle Hamer SCBWN Alumni Award’ and honours Ms Hamer’s 15-year commitment to the awards.
At the celebration, SCBWN past president Min Swan announced Ms Hamer as the inaugural winner.
“This award was named after Michelle Hamer to acknowledge her invaluable contribution to our network,” Ms Swan says.
“Her passion, protection and precision in delivering six awards recipients to stage in each of those 15 years means there was nobody else that could possibly take home the very first Michelle Hamer SCBWN Alumni Award.”
The annual awards gala attracts more than 300 prominent business leaders, dignitaries, and sponsors.
As a proud media partner, Sunshine Coast News congratulates all the winners and their outstanding achievements.
Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network 2024 award recipients
- Corporate Business Woman of the Year – Rochelle Callard, NumberWorks’nWords
- Professional Business Woman of the Year – Katherine Nichols, Comlink
- Young Business Woman of the Year – Samantha Rillie,Real Life Skills Support
- Micro/Small Business Woman of the Year – Teneille Newton, Noosa Black Garlic
- Sustainable Business Woman of the Year – Jodi Salmond, Reefcheck Australia
- Outstanding Business Woman of the Year – Jenny Lawson, Successful Grants
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