Media Release, 26 March 2019

Indigenous health research fellow named Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year

 
26 March 2019: Professor Amanda Leach, Principal Senior Research Fellow of Menzies School of Health Research is the 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year.

 

The Menzies School of Health Research is Australia’s leading medical research institute dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
 
Professor Leach works tirelessly to ensure the health and medical priorities of Indigenous Australians and other disadvantaged populations benefit from the huge investments in health innovations other groups receive. 
 
“My commitment to evidence-based multi-disciplinary clinical trials research aims to make a difference to the lives of First Nations people, particularly the children,” Professor Leach said.
 
She hopes to bring the issues threatening the health and education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to the attention of the Australian population.
 
Ms Leach also took home the Northern Territory For Purpose and Social Enterprise Award, which celebrates leaders and employees of organisations making a positive difference to the world around them.

For 24 years, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements of Australian women in business. 
 
Telstra General Manager Media & Sponsorship, Genelle Sharples, congratulates the Northern Territory winners, who are all inspiring examples of leaders challenging the status quo within and beyond their industries. 
 
These winners 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.
 
“Ms Leach has done amazing work in eradicating ear disease within the Northern Territory. She is passionate about raising awareness of the condition and has been able to turn around national guidelines to promote effective treatment,” Genelle said.
 
Also recognised at the 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Award were: 

  • Small Business Award:
    Leah Sloan, Director, Berry Springs Tavern Leah Sloan leads the bar and restaurant Berry Springs Tavern in rural Northern Territory, which supports the local community through sponsorships, fundraisers and the mentoring and training of young chefs.
  • Medium & Large Business Award:
    Angela Tomazos, Managing Partner, National Australia Bank The first female leader for NAB in the Northern Territory, Angela Tomazos is responsible for customer growth, leading through digital transformation, enhancing market presence and elevating outcomes for customers and the community.
  • Public Sector & Academia Award:
    Cheryl Wall, Executive Director Service Delivery North, Department Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Northern Territory Government Cheryl Wall provides housing pathways for the disadvantaged through short-term crisis accommodation, social housing, affordable rentals and home ownership. 

 

 

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. 
 
-ends-
 
 
Media contact: Chris Marks – Media Manager Telstra NT
M: 0475 963 824
E: chris.marks@team.telstra.com
Reference number: 038/2019
 
 
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Full descriptions of the 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Awards winners

 

Amanda Leach, Menzies School of Health Research 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year

 
As the Principal Senior Research Fellow of Menzies School of Health Research, Professor Amanda Leach has a passion for Aboriginal health research. Menzies is Australia’s leading medical research institute dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Amanda works tirelessly to ensure the health and medical priorities of Indigenous Australians and other disadvantaged populations benefit from the huge investments in health innovations other groups receive. Amanda wishes to bring the issues threatening the health and education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to the attention of the Australian population.
 

Leah Sloan, Berry Springs Tavern 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Small Business Award

 
Leah Sloan is joint Director of Berry Springs Tavern, a food and entertainment destination in rural Northern Territory. She aims to create a comfortable, clean, safe and friendly dining experience where customer satisfaction is her highest priority. The business supports the local community, providing sponsorships and fundraising opportunities for numerous local schools, sporting and community groups. Leah has also invested time into building relationships with training providers, mentoring and training seven apprentices in the kitchen over four years.
 

Angela Tomazos, National Australia Bank (NAB) 2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Medium & Large Business Award

 
Proud to be the first female local leader for NAB in the Northern Territory, Angela Tomazos is dedicated to her customers and representing the voice of her community. As Managing Partner, she is accountable for customer growth, leading through digital transformation, enhancing market presence and elevating outcomes for customers and community. She is actively trying to make a positive difference to the community and is regularly involved with projects empowering women.
 

Cheryl Wall, Department Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Northern Territory Government  2019 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Public Sector & Academia Award

 
Cheryl Wall considers herself a social landlord, with obligations far beyond tenancy agreements. Working with the Northern Territory Government, she provides housing pathways for the disadvantaged through short term and crisis accommodation, social housing, affordable rentals and home ownership. Passionate for helping others, Cheryl’s role also involves supporting low income Territorians to overcome various complex issues such as mental and physical health issues, disabilities and education disadvantages. Part of the ‘Our Community, Our Home, Our Future’ program, Cheryl and her team consult with the community on how they wish to see developments in their living environment.