THE shining lights of Western Australia’s business community were recognised last month at the 2004 WA Business News 40under40 Awards.
THE shining lights of Western Australia’s business community were recognised last month at the 2004 WA Business News 40under40 Awards.
More than 500 guests attended the gala event, now in its third year, adding further to the awards’ reputation as a much-anticipated event in the Perth social calendar.
In keeping with the awards’ cutting-edge feel, the 2004 40under40 event was held at the newly opened Woodside Plaza.
In this special commemorative edition, WA Business News, showcases snapshots of the annual awards evening, which proved to be a night of surprises and entertainment.
A stand-out feature of the night was the performance of The Three Waiters. Masquerading for the first part of the night as waiters, the three tenors from Melbourne surprised the crowd with an energy filled musical performance.
Adopting Italian, French and Australian characters, The Three Waiters wooed the 538-strong crowd with a show of vocal gymnastics, vying to outdo one another’s respective nationality’s favourite opera, anthem and ballad.
Among the VIP guests at the event were former Clough Limited chairman Harold Clough, State Opposition leader Colin Barnett, Kalgoorlie MLA Matt Birney and City of Perth Lord Mayor Dr Peter Natrass.
When presenting the 1st Amongst Equals award (awarded to one person judged to have the qualities to galvanise the group), Harold Clough congratulated WA Business News on its commitment to the local business community.
“Congratulations to WA Business News for bringing us each week a paper with positive and informative news,” he told the crowd.
“Keep up the good work. We are all well served by your efforts”.
The 40 winners announced on the night were selected from a record 130 nominations, with each of the 40under40 winners presenting a story of perseverance, courage and entrepreneurial flair.
In recognition of the growing stock of female entrepreneurs, 11 women earned a position among the 40 winners.
The final 40 winners have proved themselves to be exceptional leaders and stand-out achievers, coming from a wide array of industries that ranged from IT to investment banking, the restaurant industry to food production.
Margaret River vigneron, Darren Haunold, won the 1st Amongst Equals award. In his role as managing director of Wills Domain, Mr Haunold, aged 27, has transformed the vineyard into a multi-million dollar operation that is poised to launch itself into the international hotel and resort arena.
WA Business News would again like to congratulate all those nominated and particularly the 40 winners.
