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Celebrating women who do business differently

Karyn Starmer15 March 2020
Hannah Gill

Independent’s Director of Property Management, Hannah Gill. Photo: Supplied.

For a quarter of a century, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards program has recognised outstanding women, helped progress their careers and business ideas, and built a support network of like-minded people to learn, grow and connect with.

Many of the most successful women in business have one thing in common, they are pioneers who use their own unique business approach to redefine the status quo both in what they do and how they do it. By undoing traditional approaches to business, they are setting examples to inspire others. The Telstra Business Women’s Awards aim to empower more businesswomen to become role models and to thrive in the competitive world of business.

Five ACT women were recognised by the expert judging panel for changing business for the better at a ceremony held at the National Gallery on Tuesday, 11 March.

Independent’s Hannah Gill was awarded the medium & large business Telstra Women in Business Award.

Hannah Gill is a highly regarded professional and advocate for the property industry. “I am incredibly grateful to receive this award, to receive this recognition is an honour,” Hannah said.

Hannah has worked for over a decade in the property industry. Starting with Independent as a property manager, she has worked upwards for 12 years to her current position as Managing Director of Property Management.

“During that time I have seen increasingly significant issues relating to the rental market in Canberra. We have some of the highest rents in the country, coupled with some of the lowest vacancy rates.

“We no longer have a suitable supply of appropriate and affordable rental housing to meet the needs of our diverse and growing community. And if that isn’t concerning enough, the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness in Australia is older women. In my mind, this is simply unacceptable.

“Housing underpins the fabric of our society and is an essential element for an enabled and empowered community. Having been exposed to these challenges, I am wholeheartedly committed to solving them. I don’t have all the answers, but I am certainly prepared to try and find out,” Hannah said.

As Managing Director, Hannah focused on developing a strong sense of culture among her team that has quickly reaped the rewards of empowerment and good decision making.

“This award is a testament to my team, they make it all happen,” Hannah said.

Hannah says she is currently developing an affordable housing model where apartments are rented to lower-income occupants at 20 per cent below market rate.

Dexar Chief Executive Officer John Runko said, “We are incredibly proud of Hannah for receiving this award, and thank her for all the work she has done and continues to do for us, her clients and the community at large.”

Other ACT award winners are Bree Hills from Canberra Christian School – Public Sector & Academia Award; Heidi Prowse from Mental Illness Education ACT – For Purpose & Social Enterprise Award; Rhiannon Beach from Pups4Fun – Small Business Award; and Samantha Truscott from Allegro Education – Emerging Leader Award.

The national winners will be announced on Thursday, 28 May.

More on Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

2020 ACT Telstra Business Women's Awards winners

2020 ACT Telstra Business Women’s Awards winners – Heidi Prowse, Samantha Truscott, Rhiannon Beach, Bree Hills and Hannah Gill. Photo: Supplied.

Original Article published by Karyn Starmer on The RiotACT.

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