Award Winners
2005 QLD Award Winners
2005 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year
Annette Walters
Annette Walters is Director of Walters IGA Group of Supermarkets. Commencing with one supermarket, the business today operates six IGA stores in North Queensland. Annette oversees the administration of the group, which has an annual turnover of $55 million and a staff of 500, as well as its community support programs including an annual fundraising car rally. The business contributes approximately $100,000 each year to community groups and local projects and has been awarded the IGA International Retailer of the Year.
Private & Corporate Sector Award Winner
Debra Burden
Debra Burden is the CEO of Railways Credit Union which provides a range of financial services to 17,000 Queensland Rail employees and their families. Under Debra's leadership the business has become the sixth best performing credit union in Australia. Since taking on the role in 1999 Debra has modernised the credit union, implementing a full customer relationship management system, a state-of-the-art call centre and an on-line insurance quoting and sales system.
Hudson Community and Government Award Winner
Judy Newman
Judy Newman is Head of Senior School - Academic at The Cathedral School, a co-educational day and boarding school in Townsville. Judy has responsibility for academic issues, curriculum, staffing, student certification and professional development activities in a school with 750 students and 150 teaching and non-teaching staff. For the past 12 years Judy has represented Queensland independent schools on the Social Sciences Subject Advisory Committee with the Queensland Studies Authority.
Young Business Women's Award Winner
Leisa Thomson
Leisa Thomson is Managing Director of Baxter Bears Preschool and Early Learning Centres. Leisa oversees the daily operations of five childcare centres which offer a comprehensive service including the provision of meals, nappies and transport to school. Leisa has worked with various Queensland government departments in developing policies and community initiatives surrounding childcare. Leisa's childcare centre was the first in the state to be awarded a 24 hour childcare license.