Cr Kristy Vallely chats with last year's Cairns Regional Council Woman of the Year Amanda Lee-Ross at the launch of the 2021 International Women's Day Awards
Cairns Regional Council is looking for the region's most inspirational women.
Nominations are now invited for the 2021 Cairns International Women's Day Awards, with winners to be announced at two special breakfast events on Monday 8 March.
Breakfast events will be held at the Pullman International and the Hilton Cairns this year, with the award presentations to be streamed live on big screens at the two venues.
"Due the growing popularity of International Women's Day, this year we have decided to spread the event across two venues," Mayor Bob Manning said.
"A simulcast broadcast from one venue to the other will mean that no matter which hotel you're enjoying the breakfast, you'll still get to enjoy the excitement as the winners are announced."
Nominations are open for Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year, and for the annual $2000 scholarship.
Guests attending the two events will also vote on the People's Choice award.
Mayor Bob Manning said the day was a chance to thank women in the community who have made a difference in the lives of others.
"International Women's Day highlights the accomplishments of women and the steps being taken toward equality across the globe," Cr Manning said.
"On a local level, we look to this special day to appreciate the achievements of women within our community.
"We are looking for nominations for women from all walks of life who have contributed to community, life, sport, welfare or the arts, either as a volunteer or a worker."
The award categories are:
- Cairns Regional Council's Woman of the Year award (open).
- Young Woman of the Year award (under 25 years old).
- Council's $2000 Scholarship to enable a local woman to access learning and networking opportunities to benefit her career or other endeavours.
- Channel Seven's People's Choice award, to be voted by the guests attending the breakfast.
Seven News presenter Joanne Desmond will MC the awards at Pullman International Breakfast, and Star FM radio presenter Juanita Soper will MC the event at the Hilton Cairns.
Entertainment will include performances by Cairns Voice Studio.
Tickets to the breakfast will be available next week through Ticketlink.
Nomination forms are available from any branch of Cairns Libraries or Customer Service Centres or online.
Nominations close Monday 22 February.
