Media releases

Westpac and Financial Review launch awards recognising women of influence

 

15 June 2012

Westpac Group and Financial Review Group today announced a nation-wide search for Australia’s most inspiring women of influence. The ‘100 Women of Influence Awards’ were launched at a luncheon today by the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP.

The Awards will recognise the outstanding and inspirational achievements of Australia’s women, across diverse industries and backgrounds.

In launching the Awards today the Prime Minister said: "I commend the Financial Review and Westpac for launching the ‘100 Women of Influence Awards’. These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the amazing achievements of Australian women across a range of fields. We know how important it is for women to have strong role models and I hope these Awards will go on to inspire and encourage more young women to be leaders in their field."

Westpac CEO Gail Kelly said: “As Australia's oldest company, the Westpac Group has a long history of making a positive difference for women. We are delighted to be partnering with the Financial Review in these Awards to recognise and celebrate talented women leaders, mentors and role models; women who are achieving change in their local communities, businesses and society more generally.”

Financial Review Group CEO, Brett Clegg said: "We are immensely proud to be partnering with Westpac Group on this new and substantive Awards program, which endeavours to support and promote diversity in Australia. These Awards are about identifying bold, energetic women, capturing the spirit of change and helping Australia shape a vibrant, inclusive future. At the Financial Review we believe a diverse workforce delivers better outcomes for shareholders, and a more enjoyable, creative and energetic workplace for us all."

The ‘100 Women of Influence Awards’ are open to the general public to nominate outstanding and influential women across the corporate, community, arts, philanthropy, public and not-for-profit sectors. There are 10 categories to nominate in: Board / Management; Diversity; Emerging; Global; Local / Regional; Innovation; Philanthropy; Public Policy; Social Change / Enterprise; and Young Leader.

Nominations and entries open today and close on Friday 27 July for an individual nominating somebody else and Friday 10 August for self-nomination.

For further information please visit: www.afr.com/100women