Step 1: Initial entry assessment

The first round of judging is based on the candidate’s entry submission. Your answers to every question will contribute to your overall score so it is important to answer all questions and address the key entry criteria.

Step 2: Short-listed entrants

Once all written entries have been evaluated, the judges will short-list the most outstanding candidates for each state/territory in each of the five Award categories. If you are short-listed you will be invited to attend an interview in your capital city.

Step 3: Panel interviews

Interviews will be conducted throughout September, with two judges and will take up to 40 minutes. If you are short-listed or successful in more than one Award category, you will be required to attend two interviews on the one day.

Step 4: Finalists announced

Following the interviews, finalists will be confirmed and advised and announced publicly through the media. 

Step 5: Winners announced

Category winners and the Telstra Business Woman of the Year will be announced at the state and territory presentation luncheons.

Step 6: National judging interview

Each  state/territory category winner (National Finalist) will travel to Melbourne for a 40 minute interview with the National Judging Panel on 11 November 2009. National Finalists will also attend the National Presentation Gala Dinner.

Step 7: National winners announced

National winners and the 2009 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year will be announced in Melbourne at the National Presentation Gala Dinner on 12 November 2009.