Smart women in West Moreton and Darling Downs region shine!

The Bligh Government has recognised the outstanding achievements of two women from the West Moreton and Darling Downs region – with the duo named as finalists in some of Queensland’s most prestigious awards

Minister for Women Margaret Keech is delighted to announce Dr Yan Li and Nicola Mead are in the running for the Smart Women Smart State Awards 2008.

"Congratulations to these two amazing ladies for being innovative and excelling in their chosen fields," Mrs Keech said.

"The Bligh Government is improving services and by supporting and encouraging people to excel we continue to grow and improve Queensland,"

"To be short-listed for these awards is a great honour as the women are up against some of the best minds in Queensland in some of the most complex and crucial fields."

Dr Yan Li is a finalist for the Women in the Community Public Sector - ICT award for her Co-operative Education in USQ Networking Programs project.

Nicola Mead is a finalist for Undergraduate Students Engineering award for her project investigating domestic water use in Toowoomba.

"These awards provide recognition for my work on how to local manage water by using new technology," Ms Mead said.

The winners of the Smart Women - Smart State Awards 2008 will be announced at a ceremony being held at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane on 2 September 2008.

"These awards showcase women who are excelling in traditionally male dominated fields of science, engineering, information and communication technology, and the environment," Mrs Keech said

"The awards are part of the Smart Women - Smart State Strategy and have recognised the achievements of Queensland women for the past six years."

Media Contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236

Nicola Mead can be contacted for interview on 0438782950.