About Cairns Business Women’s Club
History
A Vision
CBWC was born in the 1980’s from a vision to improve the profile of women in business in Cairns. Thirty years later the Club continues to realise that vision through its regular networking events, annual awards and leadership role in the Cairns business community providing support, inspiration and professional development to its members.
The Inaugural Lunch
In 1985 Margaret Gill, then owner and manager of motel accommodation in Cairns, placed an advertisement in the local paper to put the idea out there that business networking lunches weren’t just for men. “I decided that if I received 20 or more replies I would launch the club,” said Margaret. At that first lunch there were 57 women and Cairns Businesswomen’s Club was off and running!
“If we are to take our place as women in what has traditionally been a “man’s world” it must be on equal footing, driven by our determination and combined efforts to succeed.”
Margaret Gill, CBWC Founder and President 1985/86
Recognising talent and hard work
Soon after the Club was formed members identified the need to recognize the talented women of our region who were committed to succeeding in business. Held annually in May each year the Cairns Business Women’s Club Awards acknowledge the talent and hard work of nominees’ from amongst its members and other Cairns locals, and has become a ‘badge of honour’ in the Cairns business community.
Growing up
In 1990 the Club became incorporated and set out its legal constitutional objectives to be overseen by an elected Board. The primary aim and objective of the Club being: to promote a united forum of women working together for greater acceptance and recognition for women in the business community, whether in private enterprise or public service.
An Annual General Meeting is held in February when members elect the president and board members.
Continued growth and success
In 2015 monthly lunch events averaged 95 attendees, with two breakfast seminars and a ‘Business & Bubbles’ evening event proving to be very popular with close to 100 attendees. Our Annual Awards attracted 25 finalists and over 170 members, sponsors and their guests attended the Gala Ball in May.
In 2016 CBWC will continue to grow attendance numbers at existing events and introduce new training events increasing the value add for members and creating even more inspiring opportunities for current and new members.
CBWC Constitutional Objectives
- To honour and recognise the Association’s founding objectives which were to promote a united forum of women working together for greater acceptance and recognition for women in the business community, whether in private enterprise or public service.
- To offer mutual support, inspiration, networking, professional development and assistance to members.
- To raise funds and sponsorship to conduct the day to day business of the Association, annual Cairns Business Women’s Awards and other such activities as deemed appropriate by the Board.
- To co-operate with other bodies and associations which, in the opinion of the Board, will assist in furthering the aims of the Association.
- To be non-profit making, non-political, non-sectarian, non-racist and non-sexist.
- To encourage community support for the aims or objectives of the Association and to encourage business and community involvement in support of meeting the objectives of the Association.
- To take a leadership role in supporting the business community.
Past Presidents
2021-
Krista Watkins
2020-2021
Renee Accatino & Jacqui Piggott
Vice Presidents
2020-2020
Vlasta Eriksson
2018-2020
Julianne Steer
2014-2018
Sally Mlikota
2010-2014
Kylie Gabutto
2008-2009
Andrea Jackson
Lend Lease Forest Gardens
2005-2007
Shelley Evans
Unique People
2003-2004
Melanie Wicks
20/20 Group
2001-2002
Gayleen Toll
Precruitment
2000
Margaret Price
1997-1999
Gaye Scott
Cairns Port Authority
1995-1996
Franca Martini-Forde
NQ Staffing Solutions
1994
Lyn Bennett
1993
Shirley Map
1991-1992
Sandra Kirkwood
1990
Judi Turner
1989
Margaret Gill
Parkview
1988
Barbara Grainer/Margaret Gill
1987
Yvonne Morgan (now Stevenson)
1985-1986
Margaret Gill
Parkview
Download the CBWC Constitution
Download the Refund/Cancellation Policy
