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THE ENTERTAINERS: Lucy Fisher, Festival Director, Gold Coast Film Festival. Lucy is dedicating to advancing the Australian film industry, the Gold Coast, and recognition and balance for women in the film industry. The GCFF was cancelled in March just as the program was launched. Months of hard work has been put on hold, but Lucy has already introduced gender parity across all her events. Pics Adam Head
1/24THE ENTERTAINERS: Lucy Fisher, Festival Director, Gold Coast Film Festival. Lucy is dedicating to advancing the Australian film industry, the Gold Coast, and recognition and balance for women in the film industry. The GCFF was cancelled in March just as the program was launched. Months of hard work has been put on hold, but Lucy has already introduced gender parity across all her events. Pics Adam Head
CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Natasha Price. Wheelchair track and road racing athlete. Natasha developed a neurological disorder in 2012 that left her a wheelchair user. In her short but successful sporting career, she has so far won the 2019 Auckland Marathon as well as being selected to represent Queensland in the 2020 National Track and Field Championships in Sydney (postponed due to the COVID-19) (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)
2/24CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Natasha Price. Wheelchair track and road racing athlete. Natasha developed a neurological disorder in 2012 that left her a wheelchair user. In her short but successful sporting career, she has so far won the 2019 Auckland Marathon as well as being selected to represent Queensland in the 2020 National Track and Field Championships in Sydney (postponed due to the COVID-19) (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)
CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Sue Dalton, the principal of Miami State High School received a flood of nominations from parents and her colleagues. They describe her as a “true hero” and an “incredible lady and role model to so many children and families, turning Miami High School around into a caring, bonded community and motivating students and parents to always strive to achieve”. Pic Tim Marsden
3/24CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Sue Dalton, the principal of Miami State High School received a flood of nominations from parents and her colleagues. They describe her as a “true hero” and an “incredible lady and role model to so many children and families, turning Miami High School around into a caring, bonded community and motivating students and parents to always strive to achieve”. Pic Tim Marsden
CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Glynis Nunn mentors and coaches young athletes in her role as executive director of The Gold Coast Academy of Sport, a not-for-profit organisation. She strives to run all programs cost-neutral to reach as many local athletes as possible. Recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Glynis chose to go public with her condition to inspire others to overcome their health hurdles.
4/24CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Glynis Nunn mentors and coaches young athletes in her role as executive director of The Gold Coast Academy of Sport, a not-for-profit organisation. She strives to run all programs cost-neutral to reach as many local athletes as possible. Recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Glynis chose to go public with her condition to inspire others to overcome their health hurdles.
CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Renee Cohen, Gold Coast Titans General Manager Community and Game Development. Using the power of sport to uplift those who need a helping hand, Renee drives programs in game skills and participation and indigenous culture and education. One of her young charges, Ethan Sloane, has captured the hearts of the club as Chief Morale Officer.
5/24CHAMPIONS OF SPORT: Renee Cohen, Gold Coast Titans General Manager Community and Game Development. Using the power of sport to uplift those who need a helping hand, Renee drives programs in game skills and participation and indigenous culture and education. One of her young charges, Ethan Sloane, has captured the hearts of the club as Chief Morale Officer.
MENTORS: Larissa Rose, director and senior environmental manager of Glowing Green Australia. Larissa has led environmental education programs in Queensland schools, government community grants and devised sustainability plans and environmental auditing for schools and companies nationally. As well as taking on nine female interns over the past two years as central team members of Glowing Green Australia, Larissa has mentored scores of young women starting careers in environmental science through her role as an adjunct lecturer at Bond University. Picture: Lawrence Pinder
6/24MENTORS: Larissa Rose, director and senior environmental manager of Glowing Green Australia. Larissa has led environmental education programs in Queensland schools, government community grants and devised sustainability plans and environmental auditing for schools and companies nationally. As well as taking on nine female interns over the past two years as central team members of Glowing Green Australia, Larissa has mentored scores of young women starting careers in environmental science through her role as an adjunct lecturer at Bond University. Picture: Lawrence Pinder
MENTORS: Nicole Joy, founder Becoming Mum podcast and Nicole Joy Inspire movement. Nicole is a young Gold Coast entrepreneur, a primary school teacher by trade, who has published two cookbooks. She launched her own pyjama range, Frankie and Nicole, and has run women’s wellness retreats. Her nomination said the most inspiring thing about her is the way she shared her recent IVF journey through podcast Becoming Mum, becoming a mentor to many mothers going through the same thing.
7/24MENTORS: Nicole Joy, founder Becoming Mum podcast and Nicole Joy Inspire movement. Nicole is a young Gold Coast entrepreneur, a primary school teacher by trade, who has published two cookbooks. She launched her own pyjama range, Frankie and Nicole, and has run women’s wellness retreats. Her nomination said the most inspiring thing about her is the way she shared her recent IVF journey through podcast Becoming Mum, becoming a mentor to many mothers going through the same thing.
THE ENTERTAINERS: Sue Porrett. Owner of the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub and Aerial Angels, Sue has built two successful businesses and put on a string of world-class shows domestically and internationally. She has given many Gold Coast performers the platform to do what they do best. Picture: Jerad Williams
8/24THE ENTERTAINERS: Sue Porrett. Owner of the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub and Aerial Angels, Sue has built two successful businesses and put on a string of world-class shows domestically and internationally. She has given many Gold Coast performers the platform to do what they do best. Picture: Jerad Williams
YOUNG WOMEN: Tani Bloudell, 23, has been volunteering on the Gold Coast since she was 12. She started with Riding for the Disabled, helped the kids at Mudgeeraba Special School and fed the homeless with Homeless Connect. As a 17-year-old, she raised over $1M in educational resources for Tupou High School in Tonga, a school with 800 students and no desks or chairs. She sourced and shipped six 40ft containers worth of resources and refurbished a hospital that was destroyed by a cyclone. Tani also established a sister school exchange program between Tupou High School in Tonga and All Saints, whereby a Tongan student is given private school education and campus accommodation at the Gold Coast school every year. Picture Glenn Hampson
9/24YOUNG WOMEN: Tani Bloudell, 23, has been volunteering on the Gold Coast since she was 12. She started with Riding for the Disabled, helped the kids at Mudgeeraba Special School and fed the homeless with Homeless Connect. As a 17-year-old, she raised over $1M in educational resources for Tupou High School in Tonga, a school with 800 students and no desks or chairs. She sourced and shipped six 40ft containers worth of resources and refurbished a hospital that was destroyed by a cyclone. Tani also established a sister school exchange program between Tupou High School in Tonga and All Saints, whereby a Tongan student is given private school education and campus accommodation at the Gold Coast school every year. Picture Glenn Hampson
YOUNG WOMEN: At 15, Alexandra Wells petitioned local politicians for funding to start the Gold Coast Inclusive Sports Program. The program is now entering its fifth year and has 100 participants and more than 50 teenage volunteers. She is now working on a model of the program that can be rolled out in other communities. Pic Mike Batterham
10/24YOUNG WOMEN: At 15, Alexandra Wells petitioned local politicians for funding to start the Gold Coast Inclusive Sports Program. The program is now entering its fifth year and has 100 participants and more than 50 teenage volunteers. She is now working on a model of the program that can be rolled out in other communities. Pic Mike Batterham
WELLNESS WARRIORS: Karla Gilbert received the most nominations in the Wellness Warrior category for her work empowering educators, parents and kids to make healthier choices. A seven-time ironwoman champion turned stand-up paddleboarding star and health coach, Karla partnered with Kool Kids centres across the Gold and Tweed coasts to put bliss balls, chia puddings, sushi bowls and fruit smoothies on the lunch menu for children. A mother of two, she is an accredited nutrition and health coach and certified Level III and IV fitness trainer. Picture: Jerad Williams
11/24WELLNESS WARRIORS: Karla Gilbert received the most nominations in the Wellness Warrior category for her work empowering educators, parents and kids to make healthier choices. A seven-time ironwoman champion turned stand-up paddleboarding star and health coach, Karla partnered with Kool Kids centres across the Gold and Tweed coasts to put bliss balls, chia puddings, sushi bowls and fruit smoothies on the lunch menu for children. A mother of two, she is an accredited nutrition and health coach and certified Level III and IV fitness trainer. Picture: Jerad Williams
CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Race engineer and Dare to Be Different ambassador. Romy is instrumental in the performance of the Red Bull Holden racing car and the team of mechanics behind it. Despite travelling with the team for 189 days last year, she is heavily involved in educating the future generation of female engineers. Romy is an ambassador for Dare To Be Different, which aims to increase the participation of women in all forms of motor racing and change the views of women in perceived male-dominated industries. Picture: Tim Hunter.
12/24CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Race engineer and Dare to Be Different ambassador. Romy is instrumental in the performance of the Red Bull Holden racing car and the team of mechanics behind it. Despite travelling with the team for 189 days last year, she is heavily involved in educating the future generation of female engineers. Romy is an ambassador for Dare To Be Different, which aims to increase the participation of women in all forms of motor racing and change the views of women in perceived male-dominated industries. Picture: Tim Hunter.
YOUNG WOMEN: Izellah Connelly, 13, is on her way to international pop stardom. The St Hilda’s student released single Where Nobody Knows Me, recorded in LA. It follows a string of previous releases, including her first song, Unbeatable, performed live on the ABC ME program.
13/24YOUNG WOMEN: Izellah Connelly, 13, is on her way to international pop stardom. The St Hilda’s student released single Where Nobody Knows Me, recorded in LA. It follows a string of previous releases, including her first song, Unbeatable, performed live on the ABC ME program.
MENTORS: Danielle Lim is the solicitor and principal of DSL Law. She worked for a top-tier law firm for many years before deciding that retirees needed a more personal connection and approach.
14/24MENTORS: Danielle Lim is the solicitor and principal of DSL Law. She worked for a top-tier law firm for many years before deciding that retirees needed a more personal connection and approach.
WELLNESS WARRIOR: Joely Davie, CEO World Gym Australia, group fitness co-ordinator, wellness and vegan advocate and spin cycle master. Joely’s supporters say she’s so much more than a motivator, business owner and fitness instructor.
15/24WELLNESS WARRIOR: Joely Davie, CEO World Gym Australia, group fitness co-ordinator, wellness and vegan advocate and spin cycle master. Joely’s supporters say she’s so much more than a motivator, business owner and fitness instructor.
CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Julia Crilly is a professor in emergency care at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service and Griffith University. She has independently and jointly been involved in gaining more than $6 million in grants to fund research projects that enable clinicians and students to be mentored.
16/24CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION: Julia Crilly is a professor in emergency care at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service and Griffith University. She has independently and jointly been involved in gaining more than $6 million in grants to fund research projects that enable clinicians and students to be mentored.
WELLNESS WARRIORS: Cherie Hugo, Director, My Nutrition Clinic and founder of The Lantern Project. For the past seven years, Cherie has had a calling to improve the quality of life of elderly Australians through good food and nutrition. She founded the not-for-profit The Lantern Project, a national collaboration of individuals, industry and government agencies working together to seek solutions to the aged-care crisis.
17/24WELLNESS WARRIORS: Cherie Hugo, Director, My Nutrition Clinic and founder of The Lantern Project. For the past seven years, Cherie has had a calling to improve the quality of life of elderly Australians through good food and nutrition. She founded the not-for-profit The Lantern Project, a national collaboration of individuals, industry and government agencies working together to seek solutions to the aged-care crisis.
ANGELS AMONG US: Melissa McGuinness, Founder of YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety. Melissa received the second most nominations in the Angels Among Us category, including this recommendation from Senior Constable Tracey Clouston: “Melissa’s son Jordan died in one of the most horrific car crashes in recent history on the Gold Coast in 2012. He was speeding and under the influence of alcohol and cannabis when he collided with a stationary vehicle on the M1, killing four occupants in the other vehicle. Since 2017, Melissa has self-funded presentations to high-school students throughout the Gold Coast and all over Australia called YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety. This is the most effective, impactful and emotionally engaging presentation of its type I have ever seen.”
18/24ANGELS AMONG US: Melissa McGuinness, Founder of YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety. Melissa received the second most nominations in the Angels Among Us category, including this recommendation from Senior Constable Tracey Clouston: “Melissa’s son Jordan died in one of the most horrific car crashes in recent history on the Gold Coast in 2012. He was speeding and under the influence of alcohol and cannabis when he collided with a stationary vehicle on the M1, killing four occupants in the other vehicle. Since 2017, Melissa has self-funded presentations to high-school students throughout the Gold Coast and all over Australia called YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety. This is the most effective, impactful and emotionally engaging presentation of its type I have ever seen.”
ENTREPRENEURS: Tamika Smith, executive director and founder, Top 100 Women in Construction, a technology-based professional industry association for women working in the construction sector. It connects almost 14,000 individuals worldwide. Recently named internationally as The Most Influential Woman in Construction by BUILD, Tamika’s expertise ranges from project management and development to sales.
19/24ENTREPRENEURS: Tamika Smith, executive director and founder, Top 100 Women in Construction, a technology-based professional industry association for women working in the construction sector. It connects almost 14,000 individuals worldwide. Recently named internationally as The Most Influential Woman in Construction by BUILD, Tamika’s expertise ranges from project management and development to sales.
ENTREPRENEURS: Naomi Spies, Director/Owner, Ruby Communications. The PR professional is the mother of two children and managed her pregnancies while opening two offices. She initiated PR training workshop series, teaching small businesses how to promote their own businesses. Naomi has set the standard that Ruby Communications will invest 25 per cent of their time into any non-profit who approaches the agency. She is currently assisting Support the Girls, Bravehearts and Hear & Say with their PR, major fundraising and community engagement campaigns.
20/24ENTREPRENEURS: Naomi Spies, Director/Owner, Ruby Communications. The PR professional is the mother of two children and managed her pregnancies while opening two offices. She initiated PR training workshop series, teaching small businesses how to promote their own businesses. Naomi has set the standard that Ruby Communications will invest 25 per cent of their time into any non-profit who approaches the agency. She is currently assisting Support the Girls, Bravehearts and Hear & Say with their PR, major fundraising and community engagement campaigns.
THE ENTERTAINERS: Amy-Louise Anderson, secondary school drama teacher and head of production at Gold Coast Little Theatre. Amy has been involved in community theatre since before leaving school. Many of her acting and drama students have left school and followed their dreams of theatre, with quite a few being successful thanks to her encouragement.
21/24THE ENTERTAINERS: Amy-Louise Anderson, secondary school drama teacher and head of production at Gold Coast Little Theatre. Amy has been involved in community theatre since before leaving school. Many of her acting and drama students have left school and followed their dreams of theatre, with quite a few being successful thanks to her encouragement.
ENTREPRENEURS: Amreet Abbott is the Chief of Growth, NowInfinity. Amreeta is one of Australia’s most successful fintech CEOs. Her company NowInfinity launched in 2012, operating from the Corporate Centre in Bundall. NowInfinity is a technology platform that enables accountants, lawyers and financial advisers to easily set-up and manage entities.
22/24ENTREPRENEURS: Amreet Abbott is the Chief of Growth, NowInfinity. Amreeta is one of Australia’s most successful fintech CEOs. Her company NowInfinity launched in 2012, operating from the Corporate Centre in Bundall. NowInfinity is a technology platform that enables accountants, lawyers and financial advisers to easily set-up and manage entities.
ANGELS AMONG US: Therese White is the head nurse (CNC) at Robina public hospital. This mum of two daughters puts everyone else first, running a busy emergency department. She rarely has time to stop for lunch and dinner, particularly amid the COVID-19 chaos when her skills are needed more than ever.
23/24ANGELS AMONG US: Therese White is the head nurse (CNC) at Robina public hospital. This mum of two daughters puts everyone else first, running a busy emergency department. She rarely has time to stop for lunch and dinner, particularly amid the COVID-19 chaos when her skills are needed more than ever.
ANGELS AMONG US: Kathrine Peereboom, Founder and CEO of registered Australian charity Spectrum Support Ltd, dedicated to the safety, health, education and inclusion of autistic Australians. Teaming up with the Mental Health Intervention Unit, her message was developed into training modules that are now required viewing for every police officer in NSW, and soon Australia.
24/24ANGELS AMONG US: Kathrine Peereboom, Founder and CEO of registered Australian charity Spectrum Support Ltd, dedicated to the safety, health, education and inclusion of autistic Australians. Teaming up with the Mental Health Intervention Unit, her message was developed into training modules that are now required viewing for every police officer in NSW, and soon Australia.
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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/special-features/women-of-the-year/meet-your-harvey-norman-women-of-the-year-finalists/image-gallery/78f6d6295d860a95681d91a35e7426fe