Media Release, 19 March 2019

Aged care provider CEO, Lucy O’Flaherty, is named Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year

 
19 March 2019: Lucy O’Flaherty, Chief Executive Officer of Glenview Community Services, is the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year.

 

Ms O’Flaherty has driven Glenview Community Services to become a multi-award-winning Tasmanian aged care provider. Providing residential, community, independent living, day centre, and respite services, she is actively helping shape the future of the sector.

With dementia being the second highest cause of death for the Tasmanian population, Ms O’Flaherty also holds a passionate vision to have a major impact on dementia services. She successfully acquired $19 million of social impact funding from industry superfunds, which has provided her with a platform to create Australia’s first dementia village, Korongee. 
 
With the aged care industry currently going through major reforms, Ms O’Flaherty is helping to recreate the vision and future of the sector.
“As a hands-on learner, the secret to my success is keeping it real, never getting caught up in selfimportance and always remembering my values,” said Ms O’Flaherty.
 
Ms O’Flaherty also took home the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s For Purpose and Social Enterprise Award. 
For 24 years, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements of Australian women in business. 
 
Brendon Riley, CEO of Telstra InfraCo, congratulated the Tasmanian winners, who are all inspiring examples of leaders challenging the status quo within and beyond their industries. 
 
These women are undoing traditional business practices by using their own unique approach to rewrite what it means to be successful. They’re championing inclusion, innovation, and inspiring others to do the same. 
 
“Lucy O’Flaherty has identified an opportunity in a sector that needs reinvention and managed to secure funding from corporate stakeholders to turn her vision into a reality. She is a humble leader who is driving transformation through her deep commitment and passion for continuous learning,” Mr Riley said.  Also recognised at the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Award’s were: 

  • Small Business Award:
    Lucy Given, Owner and Creative Director, LUC Homewares and Design Lucy Given runs a homeware and design company that sells high quality items crafted by talented local artists.
  • Medium & Large Business Award:
    Trisha Squires, Chief Executive Officer, AFL Tasmania As the first woman appointed as the state Chief Executive Officer of AFL Tasmania, Trisha Squires plays an integral role in game development, state and community leagues, talent pathways, partnerships and the AFLW.
  • Public Sector & Academia Award:
    Dr Katrena Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Association of Tasmania
    Representing 29 of the Tasmanian councils, Katrena Stephenson works with her team to keep councils informed on policy, research and other developments, and develops strategic approaches and practical solutions to a range of issues.
  • Emerging Leader Award:
    Talitha Devadass, Program Manager for Entrepreneurship Facilitators, The Van Diemen Project Talitha Devadass provides an accelerator program that helps new and existing business owners reach their goals.
  • All 2019 State and Territory winners will be invited to Sydney for the National Awards judging on Wednesday 15 May. The national winners will then be announced at a dinner celebration on Thursday 16 May. 

    Full descriptions of the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Awards winners

    Lucy O’Flaherty, Glenview Community Services Inc. 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year Award winner

     
    UK-born Lucy O’Flaherty is CEO of Glenview Community Services Inc, a multi-award-winning Tasmanian aged care provider of residential, community, independent living, day centre and respite services. With aged care undergoing historic and complex reforms, she is active in helping to create the vision for the sector now and into the future. Having acquired $19 million of social impact funding from industry superfund HESTA, Lucy was able to create Korongee, Australia’s first dementia village. With dementia being the second highest cause of death for the Tasmanian population, Lucy’s mission is having a major impact. Her vision for the future involves moving dementia care out of the shadows and demystifying aged care.

    Lucy Given, LUC Homewares and Design 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Small Business Award winner

     
    With a passion for design and quality, Lucy Given, Owner of LUC Homewares and Design, transitions high-end environments from feeling inaccessible and intimidating to a warm and friendly atmosphere. Endorsing her “buy one, buy less, buy well” mantra, Lucy doesn’t just sell products, but experiences and conversations. Having established the store’s own brand, LUCASA, in 2018, Lucy’s vision is to use and promote the talents of local artists and designers in a range of homewares products. She takes pride in her brand’s Tasmanian heritage, which has given LUC Homewares and Design a unique identity and point of difference. As a leader, Lucy’s strength is facilitating a democratic, confident and collaborative team. While she creates the vision, she believes it is her team that truly elevate her journey.

    Trisha Squires, AFL Tasmania  2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Medium & Large Business Award winner

     
    As the Chief Executive Officer of AFL Tasmania, Trisha was the first woman to be appointed as a state Chief Executive Officer in the AFL. She plays an integral role in the direction of the AFL in Tasmania, in particular, game development, state and community leagues, talent pathways, partnerships and the AFLW. In particular, Trisha has strong views on gender diversity and inclusion. She works towards ensuring an inclusive sporting environment for girls and women, while creating the same opportunities in AFL for both girls and boys. Trisha holds a strong alignment with a number of charities such as The Reach Foundation and RHH Research Foundation. Trisha also runs an executive coaching service, encouraging women to be successful leaders, individuals and mothers.

     

    Dr Katrena Stephenson, Local Government Association of Tasmania 2019 Telstra Tasmania Business Women’s Public Sector & Academia Award winner

     
    CEO of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Katrena Stephenson represents all 29 of the Tasmanian local councils. Dedicated to building the capability and effectiveness of those councils, she manages a skilled team to keep councils informed on policy, research and other developments and develops strategic approaches and practical solutions to a range of issues. Having previously worked across a diverse range of sectors, Katrena has also held senior executive positions with Housing Tasmania and was the principal architect of the first Affordable Housing Strategy, which was at that time, Tasmania’s largest-ever social program. Katrena has been actively engaged in supporting women in Tasmania, having contributed in the establishment of the Tasmanian Professional Women's Network and currently progressing a tri-sector International Women's Day awards event for 2019.

     

    Talitha Devadass, The Van Diemen Project 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women’s Emerging Leader Award winner

     
    Talitha Devadass, Program Manager at The Van Diemen Project, creates spaces for deep conversation, connection and diversity. Her purpose is to help new and existing businesses in Tasmania thrive. Weighing idealism with cheques and balances, Talitha brings her clients’ ideas to life. Talitha believes all individuals have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and for the planet. Weaving this philosophy into her advice for her clients, she actively promotes equality, diversity and activism. As she is also involved in the Young Social Pioneers Program, Talitha has had the opportunity to develop initiatives with measurable impact in her region such as facilitating youth workshops about work-readiness, confidence, and leadership