Fairfax Media : Celebrating Australia’s most influential female leaders

11 May 2018:

Celebrating Australia's most influential female leaders

The Australian Financial Review teams up with new presenting partner, Qantas, to relaunch the 100 Women of Influence Awards.

The Australian Financial Review and Qantas today announced the return of the 100 Women of Influence Awards, which recognises the achievements of Australia's most influential female leaders.

Designed to increase the visibility of women's leadership and highlight the important contribution women make in creating a bold and diverse future for Australia, this year will be the first time the awards have been supported by the national carrier.

The 100 Women of Influence Awards initially ran from 2012 to 2016 before taking a one-year hiatus. This year, it returns in partnership with Qantas and will soon open to applicants across 10 categories: Arts, Culture and Sport; Board and Management; Business and Entrepreneur; Diversity and Inclusion; Global Innovation; Local and Regional; Public Policy; Social Enterprise and Not-for-profit; and Young Leader.

Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Chief Customer Officer and a member of the awards judging panel, said: 'As a company that greatly values diversity of thought and experience, Qantas is delighted to be working with The Australian Financial Review to highlight and celebrate the contribution women make every day. Together we look forward to paving the way to a more inclusive and contemporary Australia.'

The 100 Women of Influence Awards has recognised some of Australia's most formidable and talented individuals. Past overall winners include Moya Dodd, Ann Sherry AO, Elizabeth Broderick AO, Professor Adele Green AC, and Jan Owen AM.

Michael Stutchbury, editor-in-chief of The Australian Financial Review commented: 'We are thrilled to be again celebrating highly talented, dedicated women who are leading change at work and in the community.'

The awards are intended to encourage the widest possible range of women to enter or be nominated and show their contribution. To do that, judging will focus on quality and impact rather than the scale or seniority of a woman's role.

The Australian Financial Review managing editor Joanne Gray, who will lead the judging panel for the awards, said:

'This year, the judges will be looking for women who invest their time and energy into helping other women make the most of their potential. These women will advocate for change every day - in their workplace, their community, their peer group and wherever decisions are made. These women confront unfairness and don't take no for an answer. They identify what needs to be done and roll
up their sleeves to do it. These are women who use their skills and talents to help change the status quo and create a more equitable society.'

The Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards, presented by Qantas, will officially launch on 29 May at a special event at the Art Gallery of NSW. Finalists will be announced on 4 September, ahead of a gala awards night at Sydney's Town Hall on 17 October, where 10 category winners and an overall winner will be crowned.

Nominations for the awards open Friday, 29 May 2018, and closes on 10 July 2018. Entries can be submitted online at www.afrwomenofinfluence.com.au.