Time to shine and nominate Coast women

IT is time to celebrate and champion the impressive women of the Gold Coast.

The 2021 Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year nominations are now officially open, with stalwart sponsor Harvey Norman and CEO Katie Page again backing the awards.

Ms Page, also behind the stunning success that is the Magic Millions annual yearling sales carnival fortnight, said: “Harvey Norman has partnered with the Gold Coast Women of the Year Awards from day one in 2018, so we know what to expect - the best! Every year women doing exceptional things; women who change people’s lives for the better are all revealed through these nominations.

“The Gold Coast is thriving and the contribution of local women is one of the main drivers. If you know a woman making a difference - big or small, nominate them for the Gold Coast Women of the Year awards.”

The closing date for nominations is Friday, May 7, 2021, across the following categories: Angels Among Us, Champions of Education, Champions of Sport, Entrepreneurs, The Entertainers,

Wellness

Women.

The awards are in association with the Gold Coast Bulletin, whose editor Rachel Hancock, no stranger to achievement and high standards, said: “The Gold Coast Bulletin is delighted to once again shine a light on the fabulous women who make our city so successful and special.

“Last year’s winners were truly inspiring and I know there are so many more inspirational women out there that don’t seek praise,” she said.

“This is your chance to nominate them, or yourselves, to share the stories and raise awareness with hundreds of thousands of Gold Coasters.”Star Gold Coast chief operating officer Jess Mellor, who shares revealing insights into her journey up the corporate ladder, said of Star’s backing of the event:

“The Star has an incredible diversity inclusion focus, and I am so proud to be a walking, talking demonstration of The Star’s commitment to diversity and female leadership opportunities.

“I think The Star’s diversity and inclusion program is not limited to just women, it’s inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI, it’s multifaceted,

Warriors and

Young which gives me a lot of pride in my workplace.

“Here everyone is heard and accepted. Being able to promote these awards, which give a voice to so many women in our community and highlight their achievements which is something we talked about before - women find it so hard to talk about their own achievements - I think it’s important as a business we support that progression and promotion of women in our community.”

Last year’s winner and charity dynamo Tani Bloudell said it had “given me recognition and respect in the community which has helped me to continue to make a bigger difference. I have used my title to show others you can do it, it doesn’t matter your age, where you come from, if you’re male or female.

“Women can do everything just as well as men, if not better.”

Road safety campaigner and People’s Choice winner for 2020 Melissa McGuinness urged people to nominate: “Go have a crack. Worse case if you fail you’re better to have had a go than to have not tried at all.”

To nominate head to www.womenoftheyear.com.au. The winners will be revealed at a glitzy ceremony at Star on July 17.