WANTED: SMART STATE WOMEN WHO SHINE

Minister for Women Margaret Keech today launched the Beattie Government’s 2007 Smart Women – SmartState Awards.

Mrs Keech said the awards were a highlight of the year for many women working in science, engineering and information and communication technology (ICT).

“In their fifth year, the Awards continue to grow in both reputation and quality,” she said.

“In 2006, nominations for the Smart Women – Smart State Awards increased by 70 per cent, showing a huge jump in interest from the state’s highest women achievers.

“These women bring diversity, cutting-edge skills and expertise to their industries, and contribute greatly to the SmartState.

“From world-class research to prevent life-threatening diseases, through to information technology projects in Indigenous communities, Queensland women are truly making a difference.

“It is important that we celebrate these inspirational women attaining success in traditionally male-dominated areas of work and study.”

Mrs Keech said one of the aims of the awards was to attract more women and girls into the work and study of science, engineering and ICT.

“Projections by the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist indicate that if Australia is to remain competitive, we need to increase the number of university qualified scientists, engineers and technologists from 500,000 to approximately 665,000 - not an easy feat by any means,” she said.

Last year’s winner of the Secondary Student Award, Zoe Brown, showed what an impact the Awards had on her future plans.

“Winning the award was the highlight of my secondary schooling. I was delighted to be able to pay recognition to the work that goes on in medical research. Winning a state award has clearly helped my application for places in the competitive sphere of medicine at university,” Ms Brown said.

Another past winner travelled to the U.S.A. where she worked with top groups at HarvardUniversity and gave a seminar on her research. Another gained the confidence to market her business interstate.

Mrs Keech said there would be new categories and more prize money awarded this year.

“Nominations will open in April and the winners will be announced at the prestigious Smart Women – Smart State Awards ceremony in Brisbane at the new State Library Queensland on 29 August,” she said.

To register your interest in nominating for or sponsoring the Awards visit www.women.qld.gov.au/smartwomenawards or phone 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007