Talent search starts anew

This week marks the launch of WA Business News’ 2005 40under40 Awards program. Julie-anne Sprague, Noel Dyson and Alison Birrane profile some of the past winners.

Launched in 2002, the WA Business News 40under40 Awards have showcased the State’s premium business talent, from small business owners to multi-national executives, all at the top of their field before the age of 40.

Winners include financial talents such as Mark Barnaba and Graeme Yukich, tech guru Peter Brown, dentists, veterinarians, scientists and mining entrepreneurs such as Peter Harold – the 40under40 Awards reward talented individuals from a variety of fields.

The 2005 40under40 Awards were officially launched this week at the Western Australian Museum at a cocktail function attended by past winners, sponsors and stakeholders, all keen to encourage nominations for the program.

Anyone in the community can nominate someone they believe should be assessed for the award, or individuals can nominate themselves.

Nominations for the 2005 40under40 Awards close on December 10 2004 and entries for the awards close on December 13 2004.  Last year a record 130 nominations were received.

The 2005 40under40 Awards will be assessed by a panel of 19 judges who will assess a range of criteria including significant business achievements, business disasters and lessons learned, entrepreneurial and innovative attributes, challenges faced, as well as community involvement.

The 40under40 Awards program has created new opportunities for many winners, whether in gaining new business or providing key contacts for a business deal.

In fact, deals are often stuck during the 40under40 gala awards evening, a date highlighted in the calendars of many of the State’s top business people.

The 2004 40under40 Awards were held on the 14th floor of the (then) just completed Woodside Plaza building – the only floor not leased at the time.

And while Western Power’s blackouts caused WA Business News’ events department a headache or two, the event went off without a hitch and was followed by an after-party at newly opened Bar One at the bottom of QV1.

The First Amongst Equals Award is given to the person who embodies the essence of the 40under40 Awards, an outstanding individual who has overcome the hurdles to create success but also contributed to the community.

That person becomes the ambassador for the awards the following year and joins the hall of fame.

First Amongst Equals winners have been: Wills Domain managing director Darren Haunold; Commtech Wireless chief executive officer Nathan Buzza; Azure Capital managing director Mark Barnaba; and Icon Tourism chief executive officer Manny Papadoulis.

For more details on the 2005 WA Business News 40under40 Awards, including entry forms or to make a nomination, visit the 40under40 Awards website at www.40under40.com.au