Celebrating the success of our business women

Business Asia, March, 2001

Take a holistic approach

"You may be a good business woman, but you also need to show your commitment to all areas of your life. That's one of the reasons why the Awards appealed to me so much. They recognise the need for a healthy balance between work, personal life, and contributing to the community. The judges are looking for a holistic approach," said Gabrielle.

Driven by her desire to make a difference, Gabrielle is equally committed to community involvement, working as a volunteer counsellor for the Eating Disorders Support Network and travelling internationally as a trainer for American Motivational Coach, Anthony Robbins and supporting a kids helpline.

A recent invitation from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to be part of the Honouring Women program and Network of Ambassadors for Women is also a personal highlight for Gabrielle since winning the Award.

"To all the business women out there, my advice is be in it -- it's an experience you'll never forget!"

Join the impressive list of winners

Patria Jafferies joins a line-up of five outstanding Australian business women who have won the coveted Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award since its inaugural year in 1995, including Sue Vardon, CEO Centrelink (1995), Lyn Russell, CEO Thuringowa City Council (1996), Gail Austen, Manager and Owner, Goodtime Products (1997), Dr Penny Flett, Executive Director, Brightwater Care Group (1998) and Sheryle Moon, then the Managing Partner of Andersen Contracting (1999).

The Telstra Business Women's Awards have sought to be as wide-ranging as possible, with five categories covering the private and public sectors, group businesses and business women under 30 years of age.

Award Categories

There are five Award categories for each State and Territory, and two overall State and National Winner Awards:

* Westpac Group Business Owner Award

(Owners with more than 50% share in a business revolved in key management decision making).

* Ansett Australia Private and Corporate Sector Award

(Employees or owners of a business with more than 100 employees).

* AusIndustry Private Sector Award

(Businesses with fewer than 100 employees).

* Shell Community and Government Award

(Government departments, industry bodies and non-governmental departments).

* Alcatel Young Women's Award

(Women thirty years and under).

* National Awards

Overall State/Territory Winner and Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Total prizes over $15 000

* Winners share in a prize pool of over $255,000.

Telstra is proud to acknowledge the support of these leading Australian companies as sponsors of the 2001 Telstra Business Women's Awards:

* Skilled Quest Personnel

* BRW

Entry Details

The annual Tetstra Business Women's Awards recognise the contribution of women to the business and community and provide opportunities for career and self-development.

Created by Telstra in 1995, the Telstra Business Women's Awards recognise the importance of women as instigators, developers and managers of business.

Participants are encouraged to take the time to reflect on their business motivations, and the impact their achievements have had on those around them.