Award Winners
2005 National Award Winners
2005 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year
Diana Williams
Founder and Chairman Fernwood
Diana established the business in 1989 which today turns over more than $75 million and employs 2,000 people. Diana has built the business to be the largest of its kind in Australia, with a membership of 80,000 women and an 89 per cent unprompted recall of its name. With a focus on empowering women to shine, Diana continues to grow the Fernwood brand around Australia, through innovation and creativity to continue to be the leading provider of health & fitness products and services to women.
2005 National Business Owner Award winner
Diana Williams
Founder and Chairman Fernwood
Diana established the business in 1989 which today turns over more than $75 million and employs 2,000 people. Diana has built the business to be the largest of its kind in Australia, with a membership of 80,000 women and an 89 per cent unprompted recall of its name. With a focus on empowering women to shine, Diana continues to grow the Fernwood brand around Australia, through innovation and creativity to continue to be the leading provider of health & fitness products and services to women.
2005 National Hudson Community and Government Award Winner
Suzanne Dvorak
VIC
Suzanne Dvorak is the CEO of Marie Stopes International which provides reproductive health care to women and men. Suzanne founded the Australian office in 2002 which donates its profits to non-government organisations in Australia and developing countries to ensure people have safe and affordable access to sexual health services. Suzanne previously worked for the United Nations on missions in Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam, where she helped establish a communications network, build an orphanage and establish health clinics.
2005 National Private Sector winner
Glenys Shearer
VIC
Glenys Shearer is the Commercial Director of the Just Group. Glenys has accountability for all operational aspects of the business' 720 stores and its six brands including Portmans, Just Jeans, Dotti, Jacqui E, Jay Jays and Peter Alexander. Glenys oversees a division comprising 5,000 staff, a capital expenditure budget of $20 million and a leasing budget of $100 million. Glenys established Just Jeans in New Zealand and built the Jay Jays brand to become a $200 million a year business.
2005 Corporate Sector Award winner
Glenys Shearer
VIC
Glenys Shearer is the Commercial Director of the Just Group. Glenys has accountability for all operational aspects of the business' 720 stores and its six brands including Portmans, Just Jeans, Dotti, Jacqui E, Jay Jays and Peter Alexander. Glenys oversees a division comprising 5,000 staff, a capital expenditure budget of $20 million and a leasing budget of $100 million. Glenys established Just Jeans in New Zealand and built the Jay Jays brand to become a $200 million a year business.
2005 National Young Business Women's Award Winner
Belinda Smith
NSW
Belinda Smith is the Maintenance Manager for H L Mullane & Son Pty Ltd which provides plumbing, electrical and construction services. Belinda is responsible for a division which turns over almost $3 million per annum and has a staff of 26. Since taking on the role in 2000, Belinda has lead the division to an annual growth rate of between 20 and 30 per cent. Belinda is actively involved in the Newcastle Hunter Junior Chamber of Commerce and is currently studying for an MBA.