Western Australia’s export strength was recognised at this year’s Australian Export Heroes Awards, with four of the eight recipients coming from WA.
First held in 1997, the awards recognise individuals who make outstanding contributions to the Australian economy through exporting, judged by a panel from the Australian Institute of Export.
One of the state’s most senior executives, Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Sam Walsh, was named an export hero for his role in shaping the company’s international strategy.
Former WA premier, Sir Charles Court, was also recognised for his contribution to the state as a former minister for industrial development and the North West, helping to secure the state’s economic independence from Canberra through developing its mining sector.
Small business entrepreneur Mary Nenke was acknowledged for successfully growing her Kukerin-based yabbie business, Cambinata Yabbies, from a small operation supplying one restaurant in Perth to an export business with markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US.
Gold Corporation company director Donald Mackay-Coghill received an award for his role in the development of the organisation, which operates the Perth Mint and is a world leader in precious metals refining and minting.
Australian Institute of Export executive director Ian Murray said the awards’ recipients had added value to Australia’s international trade and boosted the country’s image as a progressive member of the international business community.
“With exports contributing to more then 20 per cent of Australia’s GPD, it is a critical element that we recognize the best exporting individuals in the business”, he said.
Just two years ago, WA had received only 6 per cent of the awards in the competition’s history, with former Clough Ltd chairman Harold Clough, Austal chairman John Rothwell and former Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Renwick the only winners from WA.
