Award Winners
2003 ACT Award Winners
Overall Australian Capital Territory Winner
Fiona Wright
A trip through Europe when she was 18 provided the inspiration for Fiona Wright to build a career in the hospitality and food industry. As owner of Wright's Fine Foods, Fiona has opened four cafes, bought and restored Canberra's most-established fine-dining restaurant, The Lobby, and became the first independent operator to set up a cafT in a Commonwealth Department building. In 2002, Fiona opened a new fine-dining restaurant, The Water's Edge Canberra. She currently has 65 people working within her businesses.
Private and Corporate Sector Award
Christine Allard
In eight years, Christine Allard has worked her way up from Office Assistant to General Manger and is now ACT State General Manager of Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd. She leads a team of staff who provide consultancy services and specialised training to the Australian Defence Force. Christine has established regional offices in Victoria and New South Wales and developed export markets for their services in Asia.
Community and Government Award
Dr Grace Groom
Dr Grace Groom has a Doctor of Health Sciences and is Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Council of Australia. Grace helped negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the insurance industry to ensure improved access to life and income protection insurance for people with depression and or anxiety. She also co-authored the report 'Out of Hospital. Out of Mind!" which identified changes required to improve the provision of mental health services in Australia.
Telstra Young Business Women's Award
Kylie Whyte
Kylie Whyte is Finance Director and part owner of Barlens Event Hire, a hire equipment business with operations in Bowral, Nowra and Canberra. Three years ago, Kylie employed eight staff and was the company's standby truck driver. Today, she employs over 70 staff and has increased the business' turnover five fold. Prior to this, Kylie sold real estate in the Southern Highlands and was one of the youngest women to hold a full Sock & Station Agent License.