CATEGORY 9 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR LEADERSHIP This award recognises outstanding achievement by a young , emerging leader in the economic development profession .
WINNER - Mairead Whelan
Mairead Whelan ’ s work leading and fostering an important creative entrepreneurial community has achieved tangible outcomes for both the Great South Coast region and the economic development profession making her an ideal winner of the Rising Star Category in the Economic Development Awards for Excellence . across industry , education and business . Warrnambool is a better place for having Mairead Whelan serving in the economic development space and the innovation hub located in the South West is a recognisable outcome of that .
CATGOGORY 10 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD This award recognises an individual ( s ) who has displayed dedication and commitment to their community as a leader and advocate for economic development . They will have demonstrated sustained and effective efforts to work with community groups and industry leaders in the development of projects as a business leader , elected official or volunteer .
Highly Commended – Jenny Pursehouse & Todd Taylor nominated by Port- Macquarie Hastings Council Motorcycle Friendly Town Wauchope ( WARHOPE ) Champions
Through strong leadership , creative thinking and diligent risk management , Jenny and Todd took Motofest online to deliver a unique event that enabled local , national and even international viewers to engage with the event .
Not only did they hold the event while others cancelled , they drew an audience of over 60,000 with engagement recorded locally , nationally and even internationally .
At least 3 Wauchope cafes now also trade on Sundays to service the increased number of motorcycle tourists visiting Wauchope throughout the year due .
Motorcycle Friendly Town Wauchope and Motofest are a unique example of a community led , Council supported initiative with its success directly attributable to Community Champions – Jenny Pursehouse and Todd Taylor .
Mairead was a key advocate for the creation of a space in the region to support startups and entrepreneurs to follow their creative dreams . The space was labelled ‘ The Hive ’ and became a new and unique coworking innovation hub that allowed the creative , entrepreneurial and innovative community to interact , share , build ideas and collaboratively create in a space for the first time in South West Victoria .
Upon becoming the first coordinator of this space , Mairead commenced connecting the regional start-up , entrepreneurial and creative community to resources , mentors and a space to work in .
Mairead ’ s leadership and strategic vision during her secondment allowed her to recognise the challenges facing entrepreneurs across the region and find innovative and practical solutions to them .
A trusted and supportive leader , Mairead has built significant relationships across industry , education and business . Warrnambool is a better place for having Mairead Whelan serving in the economic development space and the innovation hub located in the South West is a recognisable outcome of that .
She has established herself as a trusted , supportive leader within the community and has built significant relationships
Motorcycle Friendly ( WARHOPE ) Wauchope is a unique initiative that launched in 2016 , after Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the local community identified an opportunity to establish Wauchope as an acknowledged mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts .
Community volunteers , Jenny Pursehouse and Todd Taylor stepped forward at the launch event to ultimately lead and drive the campaign and , over the last 5 years have invested countless hours of their own time to create economic opportunities for tourism operators and local businesses . They also activated Motofest - an annual motorcycle festival attracting a dedicated audience of around 1,000 bike riders and spectators each year . In 2021 , Motofest celebrates its 5th consecutive year .
In 2020 , through the tenacity and innovation of Jenny and Todd , Motofest was one of only a few events that went ahead ( albeit in a modified format ) despite COVID-19 .
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