National Awards 2026
Celebrating excellence in Australian women's entrepreneurship, the 2026 WCEI National Awards honour visionary leaders who inspire, support and drive business success, within the values framework of WCEI. Winners will be celebrated in a prestigious Hobart cocktail event on 14 August 2026, and will represent Australia on the global stage at the FCEM Global Awards ceremony.
2026 Award Recipients
WCEI Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising Entrepreneurial Excellence
Lyndey Milan OAM, whose four decade career has built an enterprise spanning food and wine, television, publishing, speaking, culinary experiences and tourism.
The Shirley Randell AO Award – Community Dedication and Social Impact
Celebrating Extraordinary Social Contribution
Ronnie Benbow OAM, founder and CEO of The Carers Foundation Australia, recognised for her sustained work supporting and advocating for unpaid family carers.
Digital & Technology Innovator Award
Recognising Women Driving Innovation Through Technology
Tracy Sheen CSP, recognised for helping businesses and leaders translate technology and AI into practical, responsible and sustainable business use.
The Dr. Noel Waite AO Award, WCEI Champion
and Ambassador
Celebrating Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership
Jenny Hoysted ACC ICF FAHRI and Robin Powis, recognised for their exceptional leadership, advocacy and contribution to strengthening WCEI and advancing its mission.
Environmental Impact Award
Recognising Businesses Advancing Environmental Sustainability
Lynette Mayne AM, Executive Chair of The B Team Australasia, recognised for turning environmental ambition into practical systems, collaboration and business led action.
WCEI 2026 Champions Award
Contribution to WCEI and FCEM across Australia and internationally
Suzanne Bosanquet FRAIA, recognised for her exceptional contribution to WCEI and FCEM internationally, including her involvement in successive FCEM World Congresses, the 2024 Sydney Congress and the development of Social Impact Scholarships for migrant, refugee and First Nations entrepreneurs.
Meet 2024 Award Recipient Margot McKinney OAM
Busi Faulkner, Home Care Nurses Australia
2025 Recipient of The Lorraine Martin AO Award
Deborah Wace, Churchill Fellow, Fabric Designer, Ecological Activist, Plant Advocate and Professional printmaker from Tasmania
2025 Recipient of The Shirley Randell AO Award
Kelly Slessor, The E-Commerce Tribe
2025 Recipient of The Digital Innovation Award
Andrea Plawutsky, Amplify Me
2025 Recipient of Dr. Noel Waite AO Award
Tracy Sheen, The Digital Guide
2025 Recipient of Inaugural WCEI Champion Award
Margot McKinney OAM, Fourth Generation Jeweller and Designer
2024 Recipient of The Lorraine Martin AO Australian Entrepreneur of the Year
Rachael Downie, Business Success Mentor, Author and Keynote Speaker
2024 Recipient of The Shirley Randell AO Social Impact Award
Lalita Lowe, Sustainable Educator, Creative Director and Author
2024 Recipient of the WCEI Sustainability in Business Award
Di Tompson, FCEM World VP Asia
2024 Recipient of the WCEI Ambassador of the Year
2024 WCEI National Awards
