Award Winners
2008 QLD Award Winners
2008 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year
Professor Paula Barrett
Pathways Health and Research Centre, West End
Professor Paula Barrett is Director of Pathways Health and Research Centre, a Queensland-based international consultancy-based clinic founded in 2003, which provides resilience and life-skills programs to families and school communities. With a focus on coping with anxiety, depression, and stressful situations, Pathways Health and Research Centre's internationally recognised programs provide a range of life-enhancing services for everyone from children to adults. The organisation's program, FRIENDS for Life, has been recognised by the World Health Organization as the best practice for the prevention and treatment of childhood anxiety and depression through the building of emotional resilience.
Winner of the Business Owner Award
Professor Paula Barrett
Pathways Health and Research Centre, West End
Professor Paula Barrett is Director of Pathways Health and Research Centre, a Queensland-based international consultancy-based clinic founded in 2003, which provides resilience and life-skills programs to families and school communities. With a focus on coping with anxiety, depression, and stressful situations, Pathways Health and Research Centre's internationally recognised programs provide a range of life-enhancing services for everyone from children to adults. The organisation's program, FRIENDS for Life, has been recognised by the World Health Organization as the best practice for the prevention and treatment of childhood anxiety and depression through the building of emotional resilience.
Winner of the Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award
Tory Richards
Maroochydore
Tory Richards is Chief Executive Officer and Director, Reed Funds Management Limited (RFML) and Director, Reed Property Group Consolidated (RPGC). Previously an independent consultant, Tory approached RPGC with her business idea of sharing its commercial property investment opportunities with stakeholders. Subsequently, Tory established RMFL in 2004 and Reed Property Trust in 2005, which currently manages a large portfolio of client funds. Tory has also helped to coordinate several development trusts, providing diversified property products to both the public and institutional markets. Most recently, Tory has overseen an international merchant bank's investment in RPGC which has helped to accelerate the company's growth.
Winner of the Community and Government Award
Bronwyn Sheehan
Lutwyche
Bronwyn Sheehan is the Chief Executive of The Pyjama Foundation, a Queensland based charity delivering early literacy programs to children in care. Since founding the organisation in her kitchen in 2004, the program has reached more than 500 children throughout Queensland. Bronwyn is currently involved in managing all aspects of the business, from the day-to-day operations to developing future strategic development and expansion. In the past four years, The Pyjama Foundation has expanded regionally to include the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Toowoomba, South Burnett and Cairns.
Winner of the Nokia Business Innovation Award
Ivanka Belic
Paddington
Ivanka Belic is Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Workers Cottage t/a Little Workers, a children's fashion label based in Paddington. Little Workers clothing is Australian-made, and is stocked in more than 20 independent stores as well as being available online via a virtual store and mail order catalogue. Ivanka is one of the first designers to have researched, tested and implemented the innovative new fabric for Little Workers' ‘SCRUNCH-ME' range. The newly developed fabric, made from cotton and wire, does not require ironing and is simply scrunched into shape when worn. Little Workers children's fashion is sold both Australia-wide and internationally.
Winner of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Young Business Women's Award
Olivia Maragna
Stones Corner
Olivia Maragna is General Manager of Aspire Retire, a financial planning firm which provides holistic financial advice and strategies on a fee for service basis. Having established the company in 2003, Olivia is responsible for the day-to-day operations, new business strategy, staff management and training. Olivia's desire to help others through simple financial education and by delivering outstanding client relations has enabled Aspire Retire to retain 100 per cent of its client base. In 2005 at the age of 28, Olivia was the youngest person to receive Self Managed Superannuation Adviser accreditation along with Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Accountant status.