Gold Coast Women of The Year: Nominations now open to find women making a difference
Do you know a creative and innovative woman changing the lives of those around her? Nominations are now open for the Harvey Norman Women of The Year. Here’s how to nominate.
Women of the Year
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IRON woman Courtney Hancock, radio presenter Emily Jade O’Keeffe and entrepreneur Katrina Springer all know the perils of comparing yourself to others.
The three trailblazing Gold Coast women are supporters of the 2020 Harvey Norman Women of The Year campaign, and all agree it’s important to focus your own journey to success.
“Don’t look at the television or Instagram and say ‘they were born beautiful, they were born smart’,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“Everybody has a battle, everyone has to work hard. If you just set the mindset for yourself that ‘it’s not going to be easy, I have to work hard’, then you can achieve anything that you want.”
GOLD COAST CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF WOMEN OF THE YEAR
An initiative of the Gold Coast Bulletin, Women of The Year invites members of the community to nominate Gold Coast women who are achieving great things for the chance to be crowned the winner of one of eight categories. Nominations are now open.
Ms Hancock was the winner of last year’s sporting category, and Ms Springer won the people’s choice vote and was a finalist in the entrepreneur category.
Ms O’Keeffe will be a member of the judging panel alongside Southern Cross University lecturer Robin Stonecash, The Star COO Jessica Mellor, Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page and Bulletin editor Rachel Hancock.
The official launch event held yesterday on International Women’s Day at The Star Gold Coast Garden Kitchen and Bar hosted dozens of pioneering women for morning tea, including the judging panel members, Labor minister Kate Jones and Channel 7 news presenter Amanda Abate.
PHOTO GALLERY: THE LAUNCH AT THE STAR’S GARDEN BAR
Ms Jones said the launch event was a time to reflect on the women who paved the way for future generations.
“I think often about the women that have come before me,” she said.
“I was thinking of Irene Longman, the first woman that came to (Queensland) Parliament who had to put a handbag out the front of the bathroom so the men knew that she was in the bathroom because there were no women’s bathroms.
“Today I go into cabinet and it’s 50/50 women. The world that I live in today is very different.
“I think International Women’s Day is a time we can reflect on the women that have created the pathways for us today.”
NOMINATE A WOMAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Ms Springer said winning the people’s choice category opened up new opportunities for her self-help blogging business The Organised Housewife.
“I was a Give Me 5 For Kids ambassador, helping to raise money for sick kids in hospital,” Ms Springer said.
“It did also give me quite a boost because I think for the last nine years I’ve been running (The Organised Housewife) as a hobby and something to do, but this past year I realised I do more than a hobby business, I change people’s lives.”
JUDGES
Emily Jade O’Keeffe, radio presenter
Rachel Hancock, Gold Coast Bulletin editor
Katie Page, Harvey Norman CEO
Professor Robin Stonecash, Southern Cross University lecturer
Jessica Mellor, The Star Gold Coast COO
CATEGORIES
Angels Among Us
For women who have selflessly devoted their time and energy to helping those in need in the community without looking for attention or praise.
Champions of Education
For women who are passionate about education and support our future generations to pursue the careers of their dreams by offering knowledge, guidance and educational paths.
Champions of Sport
Acknowledge women who have raised the profile of women in sport – either on or off the field. We want to hear about the coaches and women working behind the scenes and the Gold Coast’s sporting elite.
Entrepreneurs
Not content with trying to break the glass ceiling in the corporate world, this category is for innovative women who have created their own empire
Mentors
For mentors, irrespective of gender, who have played a critical role in the personal and professional development of women in achieving success.
The Entertainers
For women who enrich the cultural fabric of the Gold Coast through entertainment, arts and culture, whether it’s creating art or managing and producing events.
Wellness Warriors
For women who inspire others to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
Young Women
For women under the age of 25 that are making changes for the better in our city. Nominees in this category must be born after 01/01/1995.
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