Mega list: Influential women in 2023 of the Wide Bay and Burnett

Business women, sportswomen, community leaders and advocates are changing the world and we are paying homage to more than 100 of those incredible women living and working right across the Wide Bay and Burnett. See the full list here:

Inspirational women of the Wide Bay Burnett in 2023.

Celebrating International Women’s Day does not only mean focusing on women’s rights and achievements but on recognising the significant roles they play in shaping our communities and building a better future.

From Bundaberg to the Fraser Coast, down to Gympie and out to Kingaroy and Gayndah, bakers, club presidents, television stars, octogenarians and business women have made names for themselves across the Wide Bay and Burnett.

Hervey Bay kindergarten teacher Danielle Askew started the global phenomenon of dressing up to take your bins out during the Covid lockdown. Picture Lachie Millard

The Fraser Coast is home to kindergarten teacher Danielle Askew, who posted a humorous video on social media during Covid lockdowns to reduce the feeling of isolation and reached international communities in similar situations.

Cecilia Hynes of Maryborough, 102 years of age, holds a photograph of herself when she was aged 18 years.

Sports stalwart Cecilia Hynes was recognised for her lifelong love for hockey and her dedication to the Maryborough District Hockey Association. At 100 years of age, she was named the Fraser Coast’s Sportsperson of the Year.

Read about Fraser Coast’s most influential women of 2023 revealed.

Bundaberg boasts a number businesses powered by women who used their innovative minds and creative skills to make a living.

Kristy Roberts from Bundaberg’s The Cupcake Girls.

Born from a simple cupcake stand at a market, Bundaberg mums Kristy-Lee Roberts and her best friend Jess have whipped up a storm with their baking business The Cupcake Girls.

With 27 female business leaders contributing, including Bundaberg business woman Rebecca Corbett, the book shares inspirational stories and expert advice.

A no-nonsense business specialist is helping the Bundaberg and wider business community while tackling the challenge of motherhood at the same time. Business coach Rebecca Corbett has helped more than 700 businesses flourish.

Read about Bundaberg’s amazing mums of 2023 who started their own businesses.

Gympie Cats Football club president Ann-Marie Warren.

Gympie Cats AFL club president and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gympie president Ann-marie Warren was awarded for her tireless and successful efforts to keep the club on its feet.

For her battle through the complications of Covid restrictions and the 2022 floods, she was named 2022 Queensland Sports Volunteer of the Year.

Gympie musician Jazmyn Smith was nominated for a young achiever award for her business, Jazmyn Produces. Photo: Supplied

Gympie musician and business owner Jazmyn Smith demonstrates the importance in showing off the region by bringing her clients to Gympie for video shoots.

She released her own debut as a songwriter and singer this year and is in the running a Queensland young achiever award for 2023.

FULL LIST: Read about 30 Gympie women of influence 2023

Cherbourg Mayor Elvie Sandow made history in 2020. Picture Lachie Millard

Elvie Sandow from South Burnett made history in 2020 as the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

Ms Sandow has guided the Cherbourg community through many events including the Cherbourg suicide crisis and the Covid pandemic.

South Burnett Council’s Jane Erkens. Picture: Dominic Elsome

The woman most likely everyone in Nanango knows or has certainly heard of, Jane Erkens, was sworn into the South Burnett Regional Council in May 2022.

Mrs Erkens was a Nanango real estate agent before being appointed to the council, where she regularly fights for the community’s interests.

Read about 21 of Burnett’s most influential and inspirational women.