Telstra announces Australian Business Woman of the Year 2008 winners

Telstra saw a 20 percent increase in award entries to its Australian Business Woman of the Year last year.

Leanne Wesche, managing director of Perth-based Pacco Group was named the winner.

Leanne established Pacco Group in 2004 and the company has grown to become
one of Australia’s largest independent fruit and vegetable packing businesses, packaging over 60 different varieties and 150 tonnes of produce each week.

Leanne recently launched Safeguard Innovations, a company which offers a range of fruit and vegetable washes designed to protect consumers from food contaminants.

“These awards celebrate the outstanding contribution women make to the business sector, the Australian economy and the wider community.

“We saw a 20 per cent increase in award entries this year, demonstrating that showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of women is continuing to provide an important source of inspiration for other women,” said Sol Trujillo CEO Telstra.

“In today’s economic environment, it’s more critical now than ever before that we stay focused, continue to support women and provide this platform for recognition,” he added.

The other winners were:

National winner of the Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award (for employees in the private and corporate sector or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business): Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hospitality Group, Ultimo, NSW;

National winner of the IBM Community and Government Award (for employees of government departments, statutory bodies and not-for-profit organisations): Professor Margaret Abernethy, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce and Director of the Melbourne Graduate School of Management at the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria;

National winner of the Nokia Business Innovation Award (for eligible business owners, private sector employees and entrepreneurs who answer the innovation questions in the Entry Form): Naomi Simson, founder and chief experience officer of RedBalloon Days, Pyrmont, NSW;

National winner of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Young Business Women’s Award (for women aged 34 years and under, as at 08 June 2008): Jacinta Caithness, CEO-International, Boost Juice Bars and COO, Boost
Investment Group, Glen Iris, Victoria.

According to Holly Kramer, group manager director, Telstra Product Management and Telstra Business Women’s Awards Ambassador, the Awards give successful women the opportunity to reflect and evaluate their achievements, reassess their career and goals, and celebrate their successes.

“Telstra is also committed to developing technology and communication services that give women flexibility by allowing them to work when they want, where they want, and helping them achieve the ever elusive work-life balance,” she said.

The Telstra Business Women’s Awards have been held in each state and territory over the past two months, with each of the category and overall state/territory winners advancing to tonight’s national presentation gala dinner.

All award winners share in a prize pool of over $200,000 in professional development grants and gifts. The overall winner will receive a business development grant and Telstra products and services to the value of $15,000.

National category award winners will receive cash and prizes to the value of $5,000.

Pictured is Jacinta Caithness - National winner of the PWC young business women's award.