WA's best on show

Western Australia’s business and political leaders mingled with the next crop of entrepreneurial talent as a crowd of 850 people celebrated the 2015 40under40 Awards at Crown Perth last night.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Christian Porter provided a message from Tony Abbott, replete with his own humorous touches, and Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi was on hand to make the big announcement – that the First Amongst Equals prize had gone to Lions Outback Vision founder Angus Turner.

During the evening, the crowd was entertained by the Perth Symphony Orchestra, founded by previous 40under40 winner Bourby Webster, local party band Proof, sand artist Brett Bower, and singers from Lakelands Senior High School led by the talented student voice of Rhea.

Hosted by Alex Lush, the evening anointed 40 new winners to join 520 previous awardees since 2002. In addition to the 40, plastic surgeon Anh Nguyen won the People’s Choice award for the most votes via social media.

Several previous 40under40 First Amongst Equals winners were in attendance, including Bannister Downs dairy founder Sue Daubney, cardiologist Michelle Ammerer, IT entrepreneur Nathan Buzza, and investment banker Grey Egerton-Warburton.