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Australia’s most influential women have been recognised for their leadership skills at a recent ceremony.
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards 2013 applauded the efforts of female leaders across a variety of sectors, including business, philanthropy, research and not for profits.
Skin cancer researcher Adele Green was the overall winner, beating off competition from nearly 500 applicants and the 99 other finalists.
“It sounds so obvious now, but Adele Green has played a crucial role in convincing Australians that putting on sunscreen is a good way to fight skin cancer,” the AFR stated.
“She was among the first to identify the skin cancer epidemic in Australia and then a landmark study of the disease in the Queensland town of Nambour helped identify the best ways to fight it.”
Other winners at the awards included Catherine Harris in the business entrepreneurship category. Harris is the chairwoman of food retailer Harris Farm Markets, which operates 23 stores across NSW.
While boasting an illustrious career, it was her development of a retailing business that now challenges Coles and Woolworths that won her the prize.
Belinda Hutchinson, chair of insurer QBE, and Asia-Pacific head of Vegemite Rebecca Dee-Bradbury were both recognised for their board management leadership skills.
Hutchinson was described by AFR as arguably “the most successful boardroom operator in Australia”.
“She is one of only a few females chairing one of the ASX’s top 20 companies, overseeing a company that operates in 46 countries with more than 75 per cent of its business overseas,” the newspaper added.
Hutchinson is also the University of Sydney chancellor, with the educational institution saying it is “delighted” that her achievements have been formally recognised.
Similar praise was heaped on Dee-Bradbury, with the businesswoman’s passionate approach to the food industry and product development highlighted.