Terrilee  is a woman who walks to the beat of her own drum. As a mother of four – her 19-year-old daughter and three sons aged 17, 15, and 14 – her role extends far beyond her own family.

Rod Francisco's unwavering support for women, both professionally and personally, has made him a true champion for gender equality. With a long career in Human Resources, a field predominantly occupied by women, Rod's teams have always been a testament to his dedication and support.

Her nominator described her as “an Absolute Star”.

She not only juggles motherhood, working as a writer and editor for Mackay Whitsunday Life and being an amazing friend… Last year she also took on the challenge of beating the big C.

As a devoted mother of five, business leader, and pillar of the Greater Whitsunday community, Lisa Versaci has turned a deeply challenging personal tragedy into a legacy of love, support and empowerment. What this woman has done, really boggles the mind – so strap in.

Sari Jurczyluk symbolises everything this award represents – compassion, strength, and an unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of mothers and families.

Arhamah Haider's nomination reads like the pages of a "Little People, Big Dreams" book, yet her story is only just beginning. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things that we are bound to read about her in the future.

Nell Thomsett embodies the spirit of a Magic Muse through her transformative boudoir photography and unwavering dedication to empowering women.

Being a female in a male-dominated industry is no catwalk.

In a world where gender stereotypes still persist, it takes courage, determination, and a true passion for breaking barriers for many young women to pursue non-traditional trades.

Codie Ebner is doing just this.

For as long as she can remember, Adrienne Bradshaw has had to adapt. At 14 she held down two jobs, cared for her siblings, and ran their household all while still studying – she was determined to finish year 12. She did and became the very first one in five generations to graduate from high school.

Not only has Marnie Louise endured chronic health issues that she thought meant she could not have children, relationship breakdowns, domestic violence, depression, the heartbreak of losing her father, almost losing her eldest daughter, the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial mind and owning her own business.

Rob Coco may possess a commanding stature, standing head and shoulders above most people in a room, but those who have had the pleasure of meeting or working with Rob know he exudes an aura of warmth and kindness with a reassuring presence.

In his interactions, he is mindful of other’s feelings, his words and gestures guided by empathy and compassion.

One of Lauren Neill’s favourite sayings is “friends don’t let friends wet their pants.”

Lauren is paving the way for better pelvic floor health one Kegel muscle at a time.

Through her work as a pelvic health physiotherapist, Lauren inspires not only her patients but other physiotherapists and health professionals. Her goal is to inspire all women to seek help no matter ‘how embarrassing’, they think their symptoms are by removing the stigma associated with these conditions.

If there was ever an example of a woman who has their finger in many pies in the Mackay region it is Danielle Jesser.

She’s an accomplished journalist and still writes historical news articles for the Daily Mercury, she’s edited books, she’s written a short history book about the Mackay region, giving the proceeds to her local Habana Progress Association.

Right now she’s immersed in a podcast projects about an extinct native bird.

Tina Burger has been described as the magic maker of the cheerleading squad world.

A former cheer girl herself, life has thrown her some curve balls. But through it all,  she’s always found a way to stay involved with the sport that she loves.

 She has been nationally recognised as a coach in cheer and gymnastics. She has written programs implemented by Gymnastics Australia and choreographed dances performed in China for Chinese New Year.

Dr Sarah McLay, founder of the Clermont Country Practice (CCP) located in Clermont.

Sarah is passionate about sustainable medical service provision in Rural Australia and cares for the people of the Isaac region.

In the past year Sarah has been a voice for rural medicine and has made many sacrifices to her young family to provide care and service to the Clermont and Isaac region, during a national doctor shortage and the COVID 19 pandemic.

Sarah’s vision is to provide consistent high quality medical services to a country town in great need.

Sonya Oliver Scoble believes we need to treat mental health issues and sufferers with the same compassion, support and dignity as we would any other potentially terminal illness.

Sonya, with her husband Barry started MAD Cow Coffee Mackay as a legacy to their son Aiden who lost his battle with Mixed Anxiety and Depression (MAD) and a tribute to a great bunch of Mad Cow friends and family who supported and continue to support them through the hard times.