Unveiling Australia's One to Watch Award Finalists

The meat industry is a dynamic and vibrant sector, teeming with exceptional talent, especially among women who are integral to shaping its future.

Leveraging the profound success we've witnessed in the UK & Ireland, Meat Business Women is excited to extend the One to Watch Award to Australia. This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable achievements of young, driven women who are on the verge of making a significant mark on our industry. It underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting the career progression of women, offering a significant prize to aid in their personal and professional development.

The introduction of this award in Australia in 2024 solidifies our pledge to cultivate and elevate the next generation of industry leaders.

With over 20 applications received from across Australia, encompassing all sectors of the meat industry from butchering to processing, we are delighted to unveil our finalists for this year's One to Watch Award.

Meet our Australian finalists for 2024:

 

Each of our finalists will receive complimentary tickets to The Power of You conference on 20 March. Here, we will announce the winner, who will be awarded $5,000 to invest in her personal and professional growth. This generous sponsorship comes from Marel, a testament to their support for advancing women in the meat industry.

Our independent judging panel this year comprises:

· Alison Meagher, also known as Butcher Girl Alison, who is a seasoned butcher advocating for modern craftsmanship and sustainability in the meat industry.

· April Warman, Regional Managing and Service Director at Marel, who is renowned for her leadership in driving service excellence in food processing across Asia and Oceania with a people-first approach.

· Amy Brooks, Manager of Marketing, Community Engagement, and Group Safety at Stockyard Beef, celebrated for her expertise in marketing and community engagement.

· Edwina Toohey, General Manager of Research, Development, and Adoption at the Australian Meat Processing Corporation (AMPC), who is committed to propelling the industry forward through innovative research and development.

April Warman expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "It's inspiring to see such a diverse and talented group of women stepping forward to make their mark in the meat industry.

Their ambition and drive are exactly what we need to lead our industry into a bright and inclusive future. On behalf of Marel and the judging panel, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists. Your dedication to personal and professional excellence sets a remarkable example for aspiring women in our field."

Adding to the sentiment, Stacey McKenna, Chair of Meat Business Women Australia, shared her excitement: "The calibre of applicants this year is truly exceptional. Each finalist embodies the innovative spirit and resilience that define the future of our industry. This award shines a light on their achievements and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I'm proud to stand with these inspiring women as they pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous meat industry."

Previous One to Watch winners have utilised their awards in various ways to enhance their skills and careers, from engaging in leadership training and earning professional certifications to initiating projects that drive innovation and development within the industry.

Limited tickets for the Power of You Conference and networking event on 20th March at the Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields are available. Join us in celebrating the achievements of these outstanding women and networking with industry peers.

Secure your tickets before they sell out! Book here.

NB: To maintain the highest standards of fairness, we want to note that Amy Brooks, a judge from Stockyard Beef, recused herself from evaluating the finalist from her own company. We employed an independent assessment for this entry to ensure an unbiased and equitable competition process.