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Ann Sherry. Photo by Nic Walker, The Australian Financial Review
Ann Sherry was awarded the top honour for her leadership across corporate Australia and for the significant contribution she has made to the social and economic advancement of women.
As CEO of the leading cruise operator in Australia and the South Pacific region, Ann Sherry restored the reputation of cruising and led the resurgence of the industry in the region. The cruise industry is now the fastest growing segment of Australian tourism and now carries one million passengers a year – a milestone reached six years ahead of target.
Over the course of her career, Ann Sherry was instrumental in introducing paid maternity leave into the corporate sector during her time at the Westpac Group and was influential in the creation of the innovative not-for-profit Jawun. She has also served as First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra and Australia’s representative to the United Nations on human rights and women’s rights.
Unfortunately Ann Sherry is currently overseas and was not in attendance at the awards presentation at the Sydney Town Hall. However, when asked to comment on her win, Ann said: “It is an unbelievable honour to be named as the overall winner for the 2015 Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards. These awards uncover amazing talent across a range of fields and allow women, particularly young women, to visualise a pathway for success, which is so important to drive change.”
“We change the world one person, one organisation, one company at a time and it is vital that we support each other to achieve an Australia that values contribution regardless of gender. I would like to see a focus on Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, reducing violence against women and challenging corporate cultures that do not recognise the value of women at every level,” said Ann Sherry.
The 100 Women of Influence Awards also recognised ten other women across the categories of Board/Management, Public Policy, Diversity, Business Enterprise, Young Leader, Global, Local/Regional, Innovation, Culture and Social Enterprise.
THE 2015 THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW AND WESTPAC WOMEN OF INFLUENCE AWARDS CATEGORY WINNERS
- Board/Management: Diane Grady, Board Director of multiple companies
- Business Enterprise: Ros Moriarty, Managing Director, Balarinji
- Culture: Janet Whiting, Head of Litigation Practice, Melbourne, Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers
- Diversity: Ann Sherry, CEO, Carnival Australia
- Global: Prof Jane McAdam Director, Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, University of New South Wales
- Innovation: Prof Veena Sahajwalla, ARC Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellow & Director, University of New South Wales
- Local/ Regional: Prof Lesley Chenoweth, AO, Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor of Social Work and Head of Logan Campus, Griffith University
- Public Policy: Pat Anderson, Chairperson, The Lowitja Institute
- Social Enterprise/ Not-for-Profit: Dr Jane Burns, CEO Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre
- Young Leader: Jenna Tregarthen, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Recovery Record
While the guest of honour Ann Sherry was unable to attend, most of the women who appear on the The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence joined Federal minister for women and employment, Michaelia Cash, 2014 overall winner and former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, and media personalities including Deb Knight (who was the MC for the event), Natarsha Belling, Melanie Doyle and Caroline Jones, at the Sydney Town Hall where category winners were announced on Thursday 15 October 2015.
For more information about The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2015, including a complete list of this year’s 100 Women of Influence visit the website www.100womenofinfluence.com.au.
100 Women of Influence Awards 2015 Gala Dinner at Sydney Town Hall 15 October 2015. Photo by Belinda Rolland.