This year’s finalists in the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards are impressive and inspiring. Winners will be announced at a National Gala Awards on Wednesday, 26 November at Crown Palladium in Melbourne. To book your tickets, visit Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year

Anne Cross
UnitingCare Queensland

“I care about the wellbeing of people and communities and am driven by the contribution not-for-profit organisations make to the social and economic life of Australia.”

Anne Cross is passionate about the not- for-profit sector, particularly about UnitingCare Queensland, organisation she has led for the last decade. When first appointed in 2003, a challenging merger of more than 100 separate aged care, community services and hospitals had commenced, but the strategy needed clarity and capital investment had stalled. Today UnitingCare is a mature, focused, integrated organisation, thanks to Anne’s governance.

Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year

Julie Crisp
Deloitte

“I identified significant potential for growth in providing business process solutions to centres beyond Darwin – businesses everywhere are seeking to deliver the same outcomes more effectively.”

As head of Deloitte’s Darwin Assurance and Advisory division, Julie Crisp has brought a business improvement mindset to all projects. In practice, it meant being on top of emerging industry issues affecting her clients and offering solutions to run their businesses more efficiently, effectively and economically. relationships.

Telstra Western Australian Business Woman of the Year

Sharon Warburton
Brookfield Multiplex

“My desire to provide for my daughter and be a role model for younger peers in the mining and construction industries drives me. I hope sharing my experiences helps attract and retain women in these industries.”

With modest aspirations to travel the world, Sharon was the first person in her extended family to complete university, graduating as a Chartered Accountant. Today, Sharon holds high-level positions in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. With significant experience in typically male-dominated industries, Sharon is committed to improving diversity and retention in construction and mining, actively mentoring young women seeking out leadership roles. As a self-confessed reformed workaholic and single mum, she also champions workplace flexibility.

Telstra South Australian Business Woman of the Year

Erma Ranieri
Office for the Public Sector (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)

“What I have learnt from leading change programs during my career is the critical importance of people being engaged and wanting to participate. This includes both senior people, and people at lower levels and in direct service delivery roles.”

Erma Ranieri knows that without engaged employees, change will not succeed. Coming to Australia when she was young, with English as her second language, she saw how government services changed the lives of her parents and relatives and became a passionate believer in what the public sector can achieve. In 2014, Erma was appointed to the role of Commissioner for Public Sector Employment and Chief Executive of the Office for the Public Sector.