2012 Tasmanian Finalists Announced
15 Aug 2012
Innovation driving success for Tasmanian business women
Business innovation in sectors as diverse as hairdressing, winery tourism and accountancy is winning customers and providing a competitive advantage for the Tasmanian women named today as finalists for the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Awards.
Julia Ralph, 27 and owner of Newstead Hair since she was 21, developed a free interactive iPhone and iPad application that offers online bookings, client feedback and videos on the latest hairstyles. Newstead Hair, winner of the International Hairdressing Society Tasmanian Salon of the Year four times since 2007, has 18 staff, a client list of 6000 and offers iPads for clients to connect with social media or read the latest magazines while they’re in the salon.
Sarah Hirst, owner of Leaning Church Vineyard in Lalla, and Lucinda Mills, a partner in the accountancy business Camerons, are also finalists for the Nokia Business Innovation Award.
Determined to offer a different cellar door experience, Sarah Hirst introduced a cook-your-own BBQ to boost on-site wine consumption. With about 96 per cent of diners ordering wine with their meals, the innovation attracts tourists and locals, adding to the award-winning Tamar Valley winery’s reputation as a venue for corporate functions and weddings.
Lucinda Mills, the first female partner at Camerons, one of the largest locally-owned accounting practices in Tasmania, drove a strategic review of the business that was reflected in improved staff morale and retention, higher client satisfaction and an 88 per cent increase in profitability.
More than half the 2012 Awards finalists come from Launceston and nearby areas. Other local finalists include Diana Butler, founder of The Care for Africa Foundation, Michelle Williams, owner of @home Property Management Solutions, and Megan Hampton, CEO of Elephant Property.
Kate McKenzie, Group Managing Director Telstra Innovation, Products & Marketing and Ambassador of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, said the Awards were a celebration of the enormous diversity of amazing business women in Tasmania.
“For 18 years, the Awards have shone a spotlight on the achievements of inspirational women. In 2012, the 10 Tasmanian finalists range from women who have shown courage and determination to start and grow their own businesses to others who are influential leaders in local business and community sectors. The innovation in ideas and technology that they reveal is vital to the future of the State’s economy,” Ms McKenzie said.
Steve Lewis, Head of Sales, Nokia Australia and New Zealand, said: “Every year we are amazed by the number and calibre of entries for the Innovation category in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards. There are many talented, innovative women in Australia making a huge difference to the economy, their community or to people’s lives. The finalists are an inspiration to us all.”
Winners of the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Awards will be announced at a gala luncheon on 18 September in Hobart.
The Tasmanian winners proceed to the national finals of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards that will be announced in Sydney on 21 November. The winners share in $200,000 in cash and prizes split amongst the state/territory and national winners, and become part of an exclusive national business alumni with wide networking opportunities.
Finalists for the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Awards are:
Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award
| Sarah Hirst |
|
Leaning Church Vineyard, Lalla |
| Paula Leishman |
|
Leishman Associates, Hobart |
| Julia Ralph |
|
Newstead Hair, Newstead |
| Michelle Williams |
|
@home Property Management Solutions, Launceston |
Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award
| Megan Hampton |
|
Elephant Property, Launceston |
| Lucinda Mills |
|
Camerons, Launceston |
White Pages® Community & Government Award
| Judi Adams |
|
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Hobart |
| Diana Butler |
|
The Care for Africa Foundation, Launceston |
| Penelope Dodd |
|
Produce to the People Tasmania, Burnie |
| Jenny Self |
|
The Hutchins School, Sandy Bay |
Nokia Business Innovation Award
| Sarah Hirst |
|
Leaning Church Vineyard, Lalla |
| Lucinda Mills |
|
Camerons, Launceston |
| Julia Ralph |
|
Newstead Hair, Newstead |
marie claire Young Business Women’s Award
| Megan Hampton |
|
Elephant Property, Launceston |
| Lucinda Mills |
|
Camerons, Launceston |
| Julia Ralph |
|
Newstead Hair, Newstead |
More information on the Telstra Business Women’s Awards can be found at
www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com
Media contacts:
Jane de Gault | 0419 818 956 | Telstra
James Howe | 0488 065 058 | Telstra
www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/media-centre/
Reference: 204/2012
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Telstra Business Women's Awards Network