Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday night I had the pleasure of supporting four outstanding Territory women, Estelle Cornell, Jodie Milne, Priscilla Collins and Kylie Beumer, at the 2011 Telstra Business Women's Awards. These extraordinary women were Northern Territory finalists. These annual awards recognise and uncover amazing business women who inspire others.

Long-time Territorian Estelle Cornell of Allora Gardens Nursery is proof that, if you work hard and long enough in business, eventually rewards will come. Estelle started her nursery with zero stock on two hectares of land. Ten years on, every single square metre generates income. Estelle has customers from all over Australia. Jodie Milne of Quest Palmerston Serviced Apartments and her partner opened the first accommodation in Palmerston. Priscilla Collins, CEO of North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, has been inspired by her grandmother and mother to succeed. The most impressive was young business awards finalist Kylie Beumer, who is currently the only female patrol captain of the Royal Australian Navy. She spends 150 days at sea each year and she relishes her demanding leadership role and the chance to improve her mariner skills. These very impressive Territory women are an inspiration and are true leaders of the Territory community. I congratulate all four women for being national finalists and I wish them every success in their future careers.