With the 2021 Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards Program now underway, SCBWN President Roz White acknowledges the 21 years of the awards history, and encourages the business community to nominate and celebrate outstanding business women they know.  

“The Awards form a large part in delivering on the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network’s purpose to empower and celebrate women to achieve in business. Through these awards we recognise and celebrate those excelling, trailblazing, and making a difference in our community and across the globe, and we encourage others to step into their potential,” explained Roz White. 

The Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network Awards program is noted for its professionalism and recognised as one of the most respected Award events on the Sunshine Coast. Many of the past winners have gone on to become finalists of, and even as far as to win the State and National Telstra Business Awards.

The Award Categories for 2021 are:

●      Outstanding Business Woman of the Year

●      Corporate Business Woman of the Year

●      Professional Business Woman of the Year

●      Young Business Woman of the Year

●      Micro/Small Business Woman of the Year

●      Sustainable Business Woman of the Year

Roz White also excitedly shared that the 2021 Awards Judging Chair is Michelle Hamer who has long been a great supporter of the SCBWN with her involvement in the Network starting in 1998. Under the presidency of Celena Ross, the very first Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Awards were created and managed by Michelle in the role of Judging Chair. 

In March 2000, Michelle became SCBWN President until February 2003, then took on the role as the Awards Judging Chair from 2003 to 2012. In June 2018, Michelle re-joined the SCBWN executive management committee as Secretary, continuing her stalwart support to the Network.  Effective 31st March 2021, Michelle resigned as Secretary of the Network but has returned to the role of Judging Chair to see the 21st SCBWN Awards identify, interview and present the next round of outstanding Sunshine Coast businesswomen. 

“Michelle has made an outstanding contribution to empower and celebrate women in business and will continue to do so in her role as Awards Judging Chair.  We are thrilled Michelle has been appointed to guide the awards process and maintain the integrity, credibility and prestige of these awards for all past, current and future award recipients,” shared Roz White.  

“On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for the friendship and support Michelle has afforded me through my term as President.  I value her expertise and knowledge and respect and admire the contribution she has made in so many ways over so many years to empower and celebrate women in business to succeed. Congratulations and well done, Michelle,” added Roz White. 

Michelle Hamer will be available to answer any questions the award nominees may have regarding the submission and interview process and will assist all nominees and finalists throughout this exciting and rewarding process. She is contactable via email: judge@scbwn.org.au

Nominations are now open for the 21st SCBWN Awards via https://www.scbwn.org.au/2021-awards-open with the closing date being Friday 23rd April 2021. From then, nomination notifications and submission details will be provided to all nominees. The gala presentation night is set for August 2021 with more details to follow.