2008 Bendigo Bank Business Women of the Year Awards
Business Woman of the Year - Sponsored by Sea FM Mix 106.3 Townsville
Gross turnover must be >$50,000, operating in chosen career for at least 3 yearsAnnette Elliss
Sturt Business Centre 
Annette Elliss of Sturt Business Centre provides book-keeping services supporting more than 50 small and medium-size businesses. She is a Quicken accredited book keeper which involves ongoing support and training to QuickBooks users.
Annette manages Sturt Business Centre, a fully-equipped serviced office providing short and long-term office space including an 18-seat boardroom. Her current venture is Sturt Business Lounge providing office services and space for professionals to conduct their business, or to unwind between meetings while visiting Townsville. She gives back to the community and is treasurer of the Barrier Reef Orchestra.
Emerging Business Woman of the Year - Sponsored by Wilson Ryan & Grose Lawyers
Gross turnover must be >$30,000; Operating in existing business between 1 - 3 yearsCassandra Waples
Out of the Blue Events 
Cassandra is one of Townsville’s leading event stylists, and her business Out of the Blue Events provides innovative event solutions to the wedding and corporate markets in the northern region.
Cassandra has successfully developed North Queensland’s largest modern hire range including gallery beds, stools, lounges, chandeliers and more. She develops and creates event concepts and transforms simple spaces into amazing experiences. Cassandra’s complete can-do attitude has helped her business flourish over the past year and she is now the preferred supplier of many industry leaders.
Corporate Business Woman of the Year - Sponsored by Townsville Bulletin
Employees and employers operating in the corporate sector, operating in chosen career but not necessarily in the same position for at least 3 yearsKathy Marsh
Kelly Services 
Kathy Marsh is business development manager of Kelly Services Townsville. Kelly Services is a publicly owned, international corporate talent management recruitment service with 2700 branches in 37 countries. Kathy joined the newly opened Townsville branch as business development manager in August 2003.
In her first year the company achieved saw unprecedented growth of 325%. Over the next three years, the business had achieved a massive 833% revenue increase and 2427% in profitability. Kelly Services, Townsville is consistently ranked in the top five most profitable branches in Australia.
Business Excellence Award - Sponsored by Griffin Financial Professionals
Is chosen from all finalists in the Emerging, Corporate and Business Women categoriesHester Jarvis
Ja Delle Designs 
Hester Jarvis of Ja Delle designs has been creating one-of kind spectacular gowns in haute couture, evening, bridal, and fashions-on-the-field, also designing millinery and accessories to match, for the past 10 years. Hester taught in the fashion unit at Townsville Tafe, before opening Ja Delle Designs.
Hester guarantees that one-one-a kind gown on the rack or she can make-to-order. Hester is a well-recognised and respected businesswoman winning numerous awards. One of Hester’s 1950s-inspired beaded bridal gowns won the viewers choice in this year’s NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards. Hester was also a finalist in the Fashions-on-the-Field category.
Judges Encouragement Award - Sponsored by Loloma Jewellers
All applicants are in the running for this AwardWendy Keller
Tropic Sail
Wendy Keller is part owner and operator of Tropic Sail; Townville’s only yacht charter company. In the two years since her commencement, she has managed to bring the business into a new era by rebranding the company and diversifying its product range by introducing a Sailing School; Sail & Spa packages and Sail & Dive experiences. Tropic Sail will also enjoy its first year of involvement in Magnetic Island Race Week.
Wendy has worked in the local tourism industry for the past decade and believes passionately in the region. She is also one of the founding members of Townsville Adventure Group.