2011 Business Woman of the Year Awards

The Cairns Business Women's Club congratulates our 2011 winners of the CBWC Business Woman of the Year Awards!

CBWC Business Owner of the Year

Mary-ann McEacham – JM Switchboards

JM Switchboards has been providing electrical switchboard design, manufacture, repair and installation services for over 20 years.

We specialize in designing quality purpose built control switchboards and control panels for the water and wastewater industry, including SCADA (supervisory control & data acquisition).

We provide a range of switchboards and products for industrial and commercial use. The quality of the product we provide and how we deliver it is our trademark.

We are recognised as a preferred supplier of electrical switchboards and industrial services in our field.

Westpac Bank Small Business Owner of the year

Jennifer Thompson, A-List Events

A List Events International Pty Ltd is a specialist event management company based in Cairns, Australia. Our mission is to professionally manage memorable events and conferences that “WOW” – by looking beyond the parameters... going the extra mile... exceeding every expectation on time, every time.

Since its inception in 2002, A List International have produced over 170 diverse events, including gala dinners, fashion parades, product launches, business meetings, awards nights, golf days, sporting events and large public events. Additionally, A List Events International has successfully expanded its event portfolio to include conferencing and is the only Professional Conference Organiser based in Far North Queensland.

Services including entire project management of an event or conference as well as providing specialised assistance with budgeting, guest lists, registration services, secretariat services, media liaison, sponsorship, protocol and VIP services.

A List Events International has a sister business, A List Events Shanghai, based in China since 2009.

Treasury Wine Estate Manager in Business

Jane Kahler, Hinterland Aviation

Hinterland Aviation offers personalised charter flights throughout Australia, Indonesia, Papua Ne w Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and regular scheduled flights from Cairns to Cooktown and Coen.

With over 20 years experience Hinterland Aviation is one of North Queensland's most experienced charter companies. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client's expectations, whether it be a short point to point charter or a complicated itinerary across the region and beyond.

Our terminal facilities are amongst the best of their kind in Australia. Our fleet of 15 aircraft are serviced in our large state-of-the-art hangar and pilots undergo extensive and ongoing training, resulting in a safety record Hinterland Aviation is extremely proud of.

We have a diverse range of clientele holding large contracts to service the tourism industry as well as mining and government contract. In addition, we are authorised to conduct aerial work such as aerial photography, aerial spotting and powerline inspections.

Performex Studios Young Female Entrepreneur

Katy Garner, Connect2Mums

Connect2mums is the online community connecting mums! It has over 4000 members from across Australia and New Zealand and is Australasia's leading ‘mumpreneur' community.

Connect2mums provides members with relevant information and opportunities to interact and Socialise with other mums. Friday night live chats, newsletters, product reviews, real-life events, competitions and articles are just some of the ways women can get connected at Connect2mums.

Connect2mums is passionate about supporting mums in business and is also the home of the AusMumpreneur Awards, Mumpreneurs Conference, Connect2mums Magazine, Australasian Mumpreneurs Network and AusMumpreneur Magazine. The members say Connect2mums is one of the most welcoming and friendliest sites they've experienced and women feel safe to ask questions and offer advice and recommendations to one another in a supportive and non- judgemental environment.

New Directions in Business

Noelene Mays, All Women in Atherton

Life presents many challenges and throughout my working career I have had my share. The most recent was bringing my latest business from just a thought, to being the largest lingerie shop outside Brisbane, within a couple of years.

When I bought the All Woman business and relocated it to Atherton, the Global Financial Crisis was about to bite but that made me more determined to succeed.

There were many new things to learn as I had not worked in the lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear industry previously. It was hard work and I am grateful for the support I received.

I am sure all the nominees in these awards have met their challenges head-on, too.

I am honoured to have been nominated for this award and wish my fellow business women all the very best for the future.

The Inaugural Michelle Commins Legacy Award

Dareyle Hester, Department of Justice & Attorney General

Daryele Hester is one of our community's quiet achievers, volunteering her time and energy selflessly. Throughout her son's primary school years Daryele was an active participant on the P&F association at Our Lady Help or Christians School, serving as President in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 Daryele was made an honorary Life Member of the P&F. Daryele continues to be an active Participant with the P&F at her son's high school and also with local sporting groups.

The 15th Jean Skea Memorial Encouragement Award

Glenys Duncombe, Far North Queensland

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is a great local charity supporting the whole of the Far North Community. All funds raised by the Foundation stay in the north supporting the people who support it. The Yellow Pages Cardiac Challenge is our largest event and promotes the goals of the Hospital Foundation through cycling. As one person stated after finishing the ride in Cooktown “This ride has been a life changing experience” and I also have experience a personal impact in my life though cycling. The reality of this ride is to focus on what you want to achieve, and what you can get out of such an experience. Cycling is such a great way to get out, have fun, meet lots of people and lead a healthy lifestyle whilst achieving the Foundation's goal to assist in the establishment of Far North Queensland as a centre of excellence in health services.