2005 Snapshot - Judges' Comments

FRANK EDWARDS

City of Perth, CEO

“THE 40under40 award is a significant event that highlights the enormous and varied talent we develop in WA".

“The wide experience of the judges makes the process robust and balanced. I continue to be enormously impressed by the entrepreneurship of so many West Australians who have achieved so much in the early years of their working lives. It all points to an exciting and vibrant future for our state.”

 

EUGENIE HARRIS

Department of Education and Training, senior public relations consultant

“It was a privilege to review the amazing achievements of these young leaders. Their leadership, entrepreneurship, talent, passion, innovation and commitment are an inspiration.

“It was exciting to see the wide range of industries they cover and to realise that Western Australia is assured of a bright future with men and women like these in our community.”

 

IAN GAY

Qantas, regional general manager

“This was Qantas’ first year as a sponsor of the 40under40 Awards and my first year as a judge. I found the experience most enjoyable, reading about great people in WA doing great things in a wide range of business, community and not-for-profit sectors. 

“I congratulate WA Business News for running this high-profile event, which will continue to encourage and recognise the entrepreneurial spirit in our state.”

 

ROBERT HARVEY

Edith Cowan University Faculty of Business and Law, executive dean

“Proportionately, WA has more high growth companies than our eastern states counterparts.

“These companies are driven by young, enthusiastic entrepreneurs, many of whom have honed their management skills at university.

“The 40under40 competition has been very successful in drawing these people out and it is great to be able to acknowledge their successes.

“I was particularly impressed with the nominees from the less traditional business areas such as medical research, academia and not-for-profit organisations.”

 

ANTHONY HASLUCK

Clarity Communciations,  managing director

“The feature of this year’s crop of 40under40 entrants and winners was the strong showing from people working in or associated with scientific research.

“In particular, the medical and biotechnology fields were well represented, demonstrating that WA has both huge talents and huge potential in this area.

“At a time when a state election is focused on what WA will look like in the future, the wide variety of candidates/businesses and the focus towards new areas of business offers hope that we can one day become a much more knowledge-based economy.”

 

PETER TALIANGIS

Westcare Incorporated, corporate business manager

“Western Australia has a very rich base of outstanding people under 40.  Every person that nominated for the award is worthy of recognition, all are making an outstanding contribution to their organisation and their community. 

“The people that make the top 40 are those people the judges believe stand out from the rest, and should help inspire those that have missed out to strive for greater success in business.”

“Entrepreneurship is alive and well in WA. We have one of the largest rates of new company listings on the Australian stock exchange and many people coming up with innovative business ideas, concepts and strategies.

“We should embrace and support all the people that put their houses and reputations on the line to deliver new business opportunities from around the world to WA.”

 

GARY STOKES

Department of Industry and Resources, deputy director general, business and trade services

“The standard of entrants was excellent, particularly in the entrepreneurial area.  I think the standard reflects the ‘out there’ spirit of Western Australian business.

“What was also very pleasing to see was the contributions, many unheralded, of the work that is being done in the community by these young individuals. 

“The awards are designed to recognise all facets of community and business life and this aspect of the award was well addressed.

“In addition, it was pleasing to see the diverse range of commercial, not-for-profit and academic entrants.

“These awards can be won by anyone from any sector large or small and from any enterprise irrespective of its corporate structure. 

“The entrants should be proud of their achievements and the Western Australian community should appreciate the efforts of these fine men and women who have taken risks, who have contributed to the community and who have achieved significantly in their chosen field of endeavour.”

 

JEFF GLANCE

Godfrey Pembroke Exchange Plaza, principal consultant

“It has been a tremendous experience and the vast array of Western Australian business talent was astounding.”

 

FRANK TUDOR

Woodside Energy Ltd, LNG Marketing China,  general manager

“This is the second year that I have participated as a judge and yet again I have been impressed with the quality and diversity of the applicants.

“Clearly, the state of entrepreneurship in Western Australia covers the broadest possible spectrum of endeavours, from medical research through exploitation of the state’s abundant energy and mining resources.

“I believe the 40under40 initiative is a worthwhile unique event which allows high-performing individuals from different fields to come together and be recognised by their peers for their contribution to their own self fulfilment, their chosen field of endeavour and society at large.

“Woodside is pleased to support the initiative and I am personally proud to be involved in my capacity as a judge.”