Meet our Women in Business Awards winners!

Now in its second year, The Australian Women’s Weekly/CPA Australia Women In Business Awards seeks to uncover the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Our panel of judges, each a recognised leader in their field and including former CEO of the Australian Industry Group and Reserve Bank Board member Heather Ridout, as well as the Federal Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer, has spoken – here are the winners!

MAJOR PRIZE WINNER

Ziah Lane, No Issues Tissues

100% tree-free tissues, toilet paper and paper towels made from renewable and sustainable bamboo.

“Brand awareness is the main challenge, getting people to know about the product. No trees are used in the production of these products. Bamboo is the future of the paper industry. I am an advocate and I want everyone to know that.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED WINNER

Julie Adams/Lorna Cook, chemo@home

Administers chemotherapy and other infusions to patients in their own homes

“We are trying to change the face of cancer care, having national coverage would help change the whole paradigm of cancer care across Australia and maybe the world. We don’t have a big marketing budget, so we need exposure so people know this service is here when they need it.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED WINNER

Kristy Chong, ModiBodi

Stylish and comfortable underwear that is period, leak and sweat-proof

“I started the brand to provide a comfortable, convenient and attractive product for women that didn’t exist in the market. Some issues are still taboo, we want to break them down. Being recognised as a leading woman in business will go a long way to helping do that.”

RUNNER UP

Carmen O’Keefe, RIGA Precast Pty Ltd

Canberra’s preeminent precast panel supplier

“Every night I sit at my computer and think, ‘What can I do to make this better? A new trainee? Year 10 school group visits?’ I am inspired to do well, with Riga making a difference. We are changing perceptions within the precast industry.”

RUNNER UP

Caroline Monet, Caroline’s Cream

Therapeutic skincare for the relief of a range of skin conditions

“There are so many people who are going to benefit from this. My product changes people’s lives, it’s not a luxury. It’s the difference of being able to go to work, to sleep at night. This is what drives me.”

RUNNER UP

Rachel Perkins, JustMums Recruitment

Connecting working mums and mums returning to work with family-friendly employment

“The brand development and the advertising that comes with these awards will help grow the business on a national level. It would be amazing to have a presence in every part of the country, and be able to connect working mothers with flexible employers.”

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