Making waves: a marine trailblazer and history-making captain announced as 2025’s Woman of the Year

A history-making captain and marine trailblazer has been recognized as Cairns’ 2025 woman of the year.

Owner and Managing Director of North Marine Courtney Hansen was awarded Woman of the Year at a special event by Cairns Regional Council on International Women's Day at the Tanks Arts Centre. Picture: Brendan Radke

A history-making captain and marine trailblazer has been recognized as Cairns’ 2025 woman of the year.

Owner and managing director of North Marine, Courtney Hansen, was awarded the honor at Saturday’s International Women’s Day celebration at Tanks Art Centre.

Ms Hansen first made waves in 2015 after being named the first full-time female captain of Northern Australia’s largest shipping company, Sea Swift, commanding a 50-metre barge across the Torres Strait, Gulf of Carpentaria, and Darwin.

During her time at North Marine, Ms Hansen has created numerous employment opportunities for women across the male-dominated industry.

Courtney Hansen was named Woman of the Year for her successful career across the marine industry and active mentorship to younger women following in her footsteps. Picture: Brendan Radke

Despite women accounting for just three per cent of Australia’s maritime workforce, Ms Hansen said she was living proof that anything is possible.

“I think if you’re passionate and dedicated, you’re going to succeed in whatever you do,” Ms Hansen said.

“I don’t think gender is a barrier… as long as you’re in the right headspace, respectful, and doing your job right.

“My advice is to be passionate, be dedicated, and be fearless and courageous because the world is your oyster.”

Claudia Kurowski, 16, and Michelle (Shelly) Langford were also recognized at the event for their outstanding contributions to the community and their efforts to improve gender equality.

Ms Kurowski was named Young Woman of the Year for her work in youth parliament and vocal advocacy for increasing female representation in leadership roles.

The Cairns State High School student said that after entering the world of politics, she didn’t feel represented.

The Cairns Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and the Women's Recognition Award winners have been named at a special event by Cairns Regional Council on International Women's Day. Women's Recognition Award winner Michelle Langford, Woman of the Year Courtney Hansen and Young Woman of the Year Claudia Kurowski with their awards at the Tanks Arts Centre. Picture: Brendan Radke

“When I joined youth parliament, I was really keen to make legislation for healthcare… living in Cairns and seeing the regional inequities we have here… I really wanted to see and make that tangible change,” Ms Kurowski said.

“But when I shadowed these predominantly male MPs, I didn’t see a lot of myself.... Currently, women make up only 38 per cent of the house of reps, so we need to see that gap change.”

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden is only Cairns’ second female mayor in the city’s nearly 150-year history.

Ms Eden said more work was needed to change the political landscape, but the depth and calibre of women in the community was inspiring.

“When I hear these women speak, it gives me such hope that tomorrow… it’s looking that little bit brighter,” Ms Eden said.

“I’m a mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son, and to hear what these young women are doing… it makes me feel that there is a lot of hope for where we need to get to.”

Originally published as Making waves: a marine trailblazer and history-making captain announced as 2025’s Woman of the Year