October 23, 2017
The Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) announced the winners its annual Strong Women Leadership Awards at the group’s annual State Conference in Emerald on Saturday night.
Awards were given in 10 categories, and were contested by 20 finalists.
“Motivated, inspired and inspiring women from across the State were nominated for a very diverse range of activities and initiatives within their communities,” QRRRWN President Alison Mobbs said.
“Our finalists came from the border regions of NSW up the coast to Townsville, and west to Longreach and Charleville.”
Alison said the judges had quite a difficult task to choose between some outstanding finalists this year.
“These women bring forward some incredible CVs that do make you wonder why there are not more women on boards and more women CEOs heading up business and professional organisations,” she said.
“Stepping over the barriers of isolation, access and the data drought, the courage and creativity of these finalists is very impressive.”
Support from the Aurizon Community Giving Fund towards the Strong Women Leadership Program, of which the awards are a part, enabled awards finalists to access subsidies which enabled them to take part in the QRRRWN State Conference and its program of personal and professional development.
“Without the assistance from Aurizon, as well as our sponsors Panda Pearls and Queensland Country Life, initiatives like the Strong Women Leadership Program could not occur,” Alison said.
“These organisations and businesses have strong connections across the state so they absolutely appreciate how important it is that our women are recognised and championed in this way.”
This year’s winners were:
- QRRRWN Woman of the Year – Sarah Grayson (Charleville)
- QRRRWN Young Rural Woman of the Year – Laura Babington (Warwick)
- QRRRWN Community – Genevieve McCauley (Brisbane)
- QRRRWN Volunteer – Brigid Price (Injune)
- QRRRWN Professional – Sarah Grayson (Charleville)
- QRRRWN Story Teller – Fiona Lake (Townsville)
- QRRRWN Inspirational Woman 65 plus – Lillian Lever (Coowonga)
- QRRRWN Young Woman with a Vision – Anekah Hinchliff (Wattle Camp)
- QRRRWN Young Woman with a Plan – Emily Akers (Dalby)
“The judges said they were especially inspired by the entrants in the Young Women categories,” Alison said.
“At a time when many young people might just be focused on their personal plans and objectives, these young women are looking beyond themselves and making vital impacts in their communities.
“They are such important role models for others.”
