Now in its fourth year, The Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future awards celebrate women aged between 18 and 30 who pursue their dream of helping others.
Now, with just over a week still left to enter the 2016 Qantas Women of the Future competition, let’s look back at some past winners who were on-hand to launch this year’s awards at Kirribilli House alongside Lucy Turnbull, Quentin Bryce and Jesinta Campbell.
Genevieve Clay-Smith: 2015 Judges’ Choice Winner
Genevieve impressed the judges with her not-for-project film company, Bus Stop Films, which aims to create more opportunities for people with disabilities within the industry. Since last year’s Women of the Future Awards, Genevieve continues to be Executive Director and has expanded the business through strategic partnerships. She’ll soon be making another short film with American Horror Story star Jamie Brewer.
Rowena Gilbert: 2015 People’s Choice Winner
PE Teacher Rowena won over The Weekly readers with her Strong Girl Fitness initiative which she started at Kempsey on the NSW mid-North Coast. For a gold coin donation, she encouraged students to participate in an after-school program that covered both cardio exercises and positive body image classes. The idea of encouraging healthy behaviour early on and making it both accessible and affordable was a real winner.
Laura O’Reilly: 2014 Judges’ Choice Winner
Inspired by her brother who has cerebral palsy, Laura founded Fighting Chance, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to give people with disabilities just that – a fighting chance – in the workplace. Particularly focused on young people (who often face life-long unemployment) Laura was determined to use Fighting Chance aim to change the statistics. Off the back of winning, Laura found that the profile and credibility of the organisation grew.
Annabelle Chauncy: 2014 People’s Choice Winner
21-year-old Annabelle co-founded School For Life, a not-for-profit that aims to provide education for children in parts of Africa, particularly Uganda. Designed to work with the local community, all projects are inclusive and educational-focused. The overall mission for the organisation is to help a community become profitable and sustainable on its own. A year after winning the award, Annabelle received a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Complete your entry for The Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future award now.
Entries for The Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future awards close at 5pm on May 31, 2016. The winners will be announced in Sydney on August 31, 2016.
