The Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future awards were established to seek out Australia’s most inspiring young women; to celebrate women that will, in their own way, change the world.
Now in it’s fifth year, the competition encourages young women aged between 18 and 34 with a great business idea, charity or creative venture to enter, and the panel was blown away by entries.
And the nominees will be in good company with a litany of other iconic Australians in attendance at the Langham Hotel in Sydney.
MC Lisa Wilkinson will be joined by Australia’s first female Foreign Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop, tireless UNHCR campaigner Marta Dusseldorp, and hilarious political journalist, and fabulous baker, Annabel Crabb.
And we haven’t even started on the phenomenal women in the audience…
Turia Pitt, who is pregnant with her first child, makes a stunning entrance in this blush-pink dress.
“I’m not worried about Michael at all as a dad. He’s got that paternal instinct he’s going to be great,” she told us of welcoming her son with fiance Michael Hoskin.
Turia and Sara McGrath cuddle up.
Journalist Cassandra Thorburn.
Cass packs a punch of pretty in this gorgeous fuchsia dress.
Cassandra with a friend.
Radio star Em Rusciano is all about the power dressing! We just love this Trelise Cooper suit.
Taking a break from the news desk, Mel Doyle and Edwina Bartholomew.
Showbiz legend Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Foreign Minister Hon. Julie Bishop.
Women of the Future – Karlie Noon
Aussie icon and former AWW fashion editor Maggie Tabberer.
Author, actress and all-round legend, Judy Nunn.
Turia and fitness entrepreneur Michelle Bridges catch up.
Talk about a power pair!
Dame Quentin Bryce is a vision in red.
Dr Kerryn Phelps with her partner Jackie Stricker-Phelps.
Deborah Hutton can do no wrong in this chic blazer and leather skirt ensemble.
Dame Quentin Bryce and actress Marta Dusseldorp enjoy their meals.
Just like one of her kitchen cabinet creations, Annabel Crabb looks delightful!
Newly engaged Edwina Bartholomew with Melisa Doyle and Jayne Ferguson.
Ita Buttrose, Leigh Sales, Dr Kerryn Phelps, Jackie Stricker-Phelps, Quentin Bryce, Annabel Crabb and Julie-Bishop.
It doesn’t get much better than Sandra Sully hanging out with KAK!
Love Child star Miranda Tapsell cuts a stylish figure in this pretty pink off-the-shoulder gown.
It’s been a huge year for Kerri-Anne, who not only was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame but she’s also working on her upcoming memoir.
“‘Me Time’ is relatively rare. I actually love playing golf. I just love that walk,” KAK tells us of how she relaxes.
As one of the nation’s most trusted and beloved newsreaders, Sandra Sully is a true role model.
A Place to Call Home’s Marta Dusseldorp.
“Being a mum – it’s such a fun ride,” Michelle Bridges tells us.
Sara McGrath keeps it classic in a tailored white suit.
The inspirational Ita Buttrose.
Bauer Media publisher Jayne Ferguson.
The Today Show host didn’t waste any time getting everyone together for a fun selfie!
Karlie Noon, 26, ACT: An astrophysics student who mentors young Indigenous people.
Whitney Yip, 28, VIC: Co-founder of Body Safety Australia, an enterprise to protect children from sexual abuse.
Saskia Hampele, 27, VIC: Founder of Gift Box, distributing tampons to homeless women.
Lauren Shuttleworth, 32, QLD: Founder of Words With Heart, print and stationary to fund education for girls.
Robyn Papworth, 31, VIC: Created a sensory garden for children with special needs.
Mikayla Ivanov, 24, QLD: Co-founder of The Tippy Toe Co., dance classes for children with special needs.
Pip Harvey Ross, 24, QLD: Founder of Many Shades, offering housing to orphaned Tanzanian children.
Laura Dagley, 31, VIC: A medical research scientist.
Apajok Biar, 22, NSW: Advocate for South Sudanese youth.
Emily Whish-Wilson, 31, VIC: Founder of Bustle Bags, therapy backpacks for children with autism.
