Full list of Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year award winners by Harvey Norman
The RizeUp founder and CEO choked back tears during one of her two speeches at the Gold Coast Women of the Year awards. See the video and list of winners.
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ANGELS Among Us and People’s Choice winner Nicolle Edwards dedicated her Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards to all those “who have experienced violence”.
The RizeUp founder and CEO choked back tears during one of her two speeches on the glittering night at Star Gold Coast before 300-plus guests.
Out of 25 finalists and almost 2000 votes at goldcoastbulletin.com.au, Ms Edwards was named the We Are Phoenix ‘People’s Choice’ winner ahead of musician Michaela Cook and Pink Flamingo co-owner Sue Porrett who won the Star Gold Coast ‘Entertainers’.
Ms Edwards’ RizeUp work, with hundreds of volunteers, tirelessly supporting families affected by domestic and family violence, spurred her St Hilda’s ‘Angels Among Us’ win.
“Gender inequality is a key driver to violence against women, so it is imperative women are sitting at the same table where decisions are being made about the welfare of women,” she told the crowd.
“Violence against women is at critically high levels so as a recipient of the People’s Choice award, it gives me enormous hope when a society recognises the importance of this issue. I dedicate this award to all the women who have experienced violence, the women who have lost their lives to violence and who are, as we speak, escaping from violence.”
Southern Cross University ‘Entrepreneurs’ victor Cherie Uzan admitted she had not anticipated also being the ultimate awards winner on the night.
In the past two years, the owner of Palm Beach Italian restaurant Balboa fought through devastating impacts of the Covid pandemic to also launch the Valley Estate wedding and function venue.
“I want to let everybody know you must believe in yourself, live your dreams and just don’t be afraid to go for it,” Ms Uzan told the crowd.
The night’s 12 awards included Study Gold Coast’s ‘Champions of Education’, Chempro’s ‘Wellness Warriors’, Homebodii’s ‘Young Women’, and Harvey Norman’s ‘Champions of Sport’.
A Destination Gold Coast ‘Stars of Tourism’ award was added - jointly won by SWELL Sculpture Festival director Natasha Edwards and Queensland Airports chief operating officer Marion Charlton.
A new award - Champion of Women - was created for males, going to a “very humbled” Gold Coast Bulletin editor Ryan Keen for championing the awards in 2021 and this year .
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page said the city was “in good hands” after hearing the inspiring finalists’ stories.
The awards also highlighted how women had successfully navigated the Covid pandemic: “We’ve all come through it. That comes through so strongly - you’ve got these women working so hard for community, business, sport - that makes such a difference.”
The ultimate winner won a $5000 Harvey Norman voucher, with category winners receiving $1000 voucher.
FULL LIST: Women of the Year award winners revealed
Nurturing young talent and encouraging creativity among her team of more than 70 staff has been the key to success for one of the Gold Coast’s most inspiring women.
Businesswoman Cherie Uzan was crowned the ultimate winner for the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards by Harvey Norman in a glittering ceremony at Star Gold Coast on Friday night.
The mother also took out the Entrepreneurs category sponsored by Southern Cross University.
Over the past two years, the owner of Palm Beach Italian restaurant Balboa fought through the devastating impacts of the Covid pandemic.
Not only did she come out the other side stronger, but Ms Uzan channelled her courage and determination into building the Valley Estate project, at a time when confidence in the hospitality sector was at its lowest.
A wedding and events space, the project features five extraordinary spaces across a nine-acre estate.
It was completed in under 15 months, which Ms Uzan described as a “remarkable achievement considering the times”.
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“I wake up each day overwhelmingly excited to work in my businesses alongside my wonderful team. Our ethos is ‘positive people with passion and purpose’.
“This feels like such an amazing platform from which I can share my own experiences with other, like-minded individuals, hopefully inspiring them onto their own amazing journeys.”
Her advice for other women was: “Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with good people. And don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and give it a try.”
The awards were attended by Deputy Mayor Donna Gates, Gold Coast-based State Minister for the Environment, Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon, Opposition leader David Crisafulli, State Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber and State Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates.
SCROLL DOWN FOR WINNERS LIST
Other attendees included 2021 category winners, Entrepreneurs winner Tamika Smith - a construction industry trailblazer - and aspiring elite swimmer Montana Atkinson who has a dream of making the Australian Paralympics team and won last year’s Champions of Sport category.
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page, at the awards on the night, told the Bulletin:
“With the Gold Coast Women of the Year awards and the fabulous women we have every year coming through, you see they are talking about the same thing.
“Looking at the women this year up for the awards they are from very diverse backgrounds but are talking about leadership in the same way.
“It’s bringing people around you, sharing your values, contributing to society - so for me to be able to be part of this night, to be leading a company like Harvey Norman that supports women in this way is extraordinarily important.”
Gold Coast Bulletin editor Ryan Keen said the awards, now in their fourth year, always uncover an incredible field of finalists - and deserving winners.
“This year has been no exception and the most pleasing thing for us is to be able to shine a light on these Gold Coast women doing wonderful things in the community and making meaningful contributions - often without much or any recognition.”
The ultimate winner of the Women of the Year awards receives a $5000 Harvey Norman voucher and all category winners receive a $1000 voucher.
Emily Jade O’Keeffe was the awards emcee for a second-year running.
List of winners
Gold Coast Bulletin Woman of the Year (by Harvey Norman)
- Cherie Uzan
Angels Among Us (St Hilda’s School)
- Nicolle Edwards
Champions of Education (Study Gold Coast)
- Kym Amor
Young Women (Homebodii)
- Sophia Rizzo
Stars of Tourism (Destination Gold Coast)
- (joint) Natasha Edwards, Marion Charlton
Entrepreneurs (Southern Cross University)
- Cherie Uzan
Entertainers (Star Gold Coast)
- Sue Porrett
Wellness Warriors (Chempro)
- Felicity Cohen
Champions of Sport (Harvey Norman)
- Natasha Price
People’s Choice winner (We are Phoenix)
- Nicolle Edwards
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