2007 Women in Business Winners

Professional Services & 2007 Woman of the Year

Jenny Hutson of Wellington Capital.

Some 18 months ago Jenny made the jump from partner at McCullough Robertson - a feat she reached aged 28, and the youngest woman to ever do so at McCullough - to create her own merchant bank, which has had wonderful success."

"A finalist in 2006 Jenny Hutson's achievements throughout 2006 and 2007 are a huge inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. While leaving a successful law career to pursue Wellington Capital was a huge leap of faith, Jenny's determination and commitment has resulted in outstanding success for Queensland businesswoman of the Year."

The managing director and chairperson of Wellington Capital Limited, Jenny has not only created one of Queensland's largest merchant banks, but as well continues to make her mark in the community.

Jenny not only works hard at providing a flexible working environment but is a director of the Mental Health Foundation of Australia and is on the Australian Surf Life Saving Centennial Advisory Committee and is a member of the Perigian Surf Life Saving Club.

Business & Financial Services

Debra Burden of Qld Country Credit Union.

"Breaking the mould, shifting the goal posts, clearing the decks and reaping the rewards. Debra Burden achieved all this and more in her seven-year tenure as chief executive of Railways Credit Union, and now as CEO of the Queensland Country Credit Union. Debra's cutting edge approach to leadership turned around Railways into a proactive sales-conscious workforce and after reaching her goals with the credit union, she left to take up a new challenge with QCCU in December 2006."

Manufacturing.

Lydia Jordane of Lycon Cosmetics.

"From mixing wax on her kitchen stove to running a globally recognised brand of skincare products, Lydia Jordane has kept her focus on trust, communication, and quality. In 2006 Lydia introduced 11 new products to consumers, opened up new distribution channels into countries including Saudi Arabia, and in 2007 is opening a new manufacturing plant in Brisbane's West End."

Primary Industries

Nicole Hollows of Macarthur Coal.

"Nicole Hollows' rise to chief executive officer of Macarthur Coal at age 35 would be a remarkable achievement for anyone who believes in a glass ceiling. However if you don't believe in it, then Nicole's current position is, put simply, a reward for hard work. Nicole is now the most senior female in what cannot be understated as a male-dominated sector.

Her success, she says, is proof that women can and should occupy senior positions and make valuable contributions to their companies and the resources sector as a whole."

Transport

Faith Dempsey from Transcoal.

"Faith Dempsey is the managing director of TransCoal & Des/Dem (pronounced Dez-Dem) International Services. She is also a director of CoalSync, an IT company which is developing a 'scaled up' version of TransCoal's integrated planning, with the aim that Queensland's coal industry can synchronise their logistics schedules and provide rail and port operators a longer term view of demand."

Retail and Wholesale.

Annette Walters from Walters IGA.

"In 1991 Annette Walters purchased her first IGA store in Gordonvale in far north Queensland - that store had six staff and turned over $2.5 million. Today Annette owns nine stores, employs more than 1,000 staff and her supermarkets turnover about $110 million annually. Her phenomenal success and commitment to the north of the state is an absolute inspiration to us all."

Public and Not-For-Profit

Professor Julie Campbell of The Wesley Research Institute.

"Professor Julie Campbell's passion, drive and determination for learning and teaching the wonders of science is second to none. The Director of the Centre for Research in Vascular Biology at the University of Queensland, and Director of the Wesley Research Institute at the Wesley Hospital is an official "Queensland Great", and is relentless in her drive to teach peers and students the value of science research."

Personal and Other Services

Linda Lowndes of Microskin International.

"Complete conviction has seen Microskin International founder Linda Lowndes develop a world-first product that is changing the lives of people with debilitating skin conditions. The former hairdresser and make-up artists has developed a product which 'visually corrects' debilitating skin conditions, which, after 10 years of hard labour, has become an overnight success story. Now Linda is changing the lives of people around the world."

Construction & Property

Renaye Peters of Leighton Contractors.

"As a key member of Leighton Contractors' northern region leadership team, Renaye Peters has played a crucial role in winning and delivering billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects in Queensland.

In her role as Strategic Development Manager, she has been responsible for promoting Australia's largest construction company to potential clients.

Leveraging her skills as a registered architect, a degree in project management and more than 17 years' experience in construction, Renaye has also lead project bids, advised and lead construction alliances, and managed the business development, communications, graphic design, and community and stakeholder relations teams."

Technology.

Tammy Halter from Absolute Data Group.

"Information Technology firm Absolute Data Group founder Tammy Halter has just come up for breathe after establishing her breakthrough "broadcaster" software application for the consumer market in February.

Established in 1997 ADG has over the past decade become a key supplier of software that enables organisations to create, manage and deliver business information, including technical documentation such as maintenance manuals and operating procedures, as well as sales and marketing documents like catalogues, directories and listings."