A WOMAN who owns and manages a beef cattle property in south-west Queensland is urging others working on the land to celebrate their business achievements by entering the 2013 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Carolyn Burnes, an awards finalist last year who operates the Quilpie cattle spelling yards, says women working in agricultural industries bring amazing qualities to the traditionally male-dominated area but are often overlooked.

“These qualities are what are keeping primary production going.  It is getting tougher and tougher on the land and the margins are diminishing, therefore women are pushing to the forefront of these battles,” Ms Burnes said. 

“The incredible balance that women have seems to play a huge part of the existence of many families within the rural sector.  My message to women on the land is, don’t ever undervalue your contribution’s worth.”

Reflecting on her experience in the Telstra awards, Ms Burnes, pictured above, said she had initially dismissed a letter notifying her that she’d been nominated anonymously.

“As a mother of two small children, trying to run a cattle property and three businesses, with minimal staff, I don’t have time to celebrate what I have achieved and I don’t do it for the purpose of recognition. I just need to get done what has to be done each day and provide for my children as required.” 

“I went ahead with my entry and the rewards have been never-ending.  If you have the honour of being nominated, do yourself a favour and submit your entry.”

Ms Burnes said the awards, which are in their 19th year, are invaluable in recognising and celebrating women’s contribution to business.

“Women often bring with them a different approach to business than that which men do.  This in turn brings terrific balance to business within Australia.  To have this recognised is a huge step forward for the narrowing of gender discrimination and most importantly is of huge benefit to business in Australia, because women have a lot to offer on this front.”

“If you have the honour of being nominated, you will go through an enduring process of self-reflection.  Reflection can boost your confidence when you actually start to put on paper the things which you have achieved in life.  It will either give you the confidence you need to achieve great things, or give you the drive to try even harder so you can achieve your life goals.”

Ms Burnes said the awards alumni also provided terrific networking opportunities.

“My business is continuing to grow and to be even more fulfilling as I have more confidence to push it.  I am very content being who I am … any self-doubt I had was eliminated thanks to the awards.”

Kate McKenzie, Telstra’s group managing director Innovation, Products and Marketing, and an awards ambassador, said in a press statement issued this week that the awards offered women an exceptional opportunity for public recognition of their achievements and, as a result, to raise their profile and increase their business opportunities.

“They provide an opportunity for outstanding Australian business women to meet and share ideas with their peers, connect with women outside their sector and build new networks,” Ms McKenzie said.

“They also highlight the importance of women harnessing and sharing knowledge through mentoring. Last year’s survey of awards alumni found three-quarters were mentoring other women.”

• Nominations for the awards can be made at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com. Entries open on April 29 and can be submitted until Tuesday June 25.