Monday 6 November 2006

Outstanding Leaders Recognised in Statewide Awards

Five outstanding Queensland managers were recognised for their contribution to leadership in the Smart State, winning over 19 other hopefuls at Friday night’s Management Excellence Awards, organised by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).

The AIM Management Excellence Awards is one of the few awards which recognise the individual and his or her influence on the environment in which they work.

Johann Van Zyl from Queensland Alumina in Gladstone took the gong for Professional Manager of the Year and was recognised by the judges for his “world class leadership ability”.

Toowoomba finalist Richard Oddo won in the Rural/Remote Manager category for his work as Centre Manager at Kingaroy Shoppingworld and Westlands Roma, in which he stays true to advice his father gave him 26 years ago to “work hard, be honest, treat people with respect and enjoy your job”.

In the other categories, it was a great night for Cairns as Mario Calanna, CEO of Calanna Pharmacies took the honour as Owner Manager of the Year, while Danae Jones, Managing Director of In Touch Media won the gong for Young Manager of the Year.

The 2006 Medal for Management Innovation went to Deborah Fleming, the creator and producer of ABC’s Australian Story who was praised for her “commitment to excellence in journalism, her fairness, level head and calm demeanor”.

AIM CEO Carolyn Barker said all the winners were successful and motivated people who have a positive effect not just on the bottom line but on the people around them and the culture of their workplace.

“The Management Excellence Awards are designed to acknowledge the efforts of some of the best managers and leaders on the cutting edge of their field,” Ms Barker said.

“The judging is so hard every year because the Awards continue to draw increasing interest, generating hundreds of nominations across each category annually. The depth and breadth of talent amongst our nominees and finalists is amazing and is incredibly positive for Queensland.”

The Management Excellence Awards have grown in the last decade to become a ‘must-attend’ event on the Queensland corporate calendar. Regional finals are held in the run up to the State final in Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville.

This year’s sell-out evening saw Brisbane’s Sofitel Ballroom packed with 600 of the state’s best business brains who were entertained by a keynote speech from the celebrated author of "Mao's Last Dancer" Li Cunxin and a breathtaking performance by international dance artists Soul Mystique.