In 2024, the National Industry Awards took place at the Grand Ballroom at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) with more than 750 lunch guests. Sheila Vijeyarasa, host of the awards lunch since 2022, pointed out how far the event has grown even in the past few years. She said: “In 2022 we had a little over 300 guests in the Ivy Ballroom… Here we are now… more than doubled in size.”

A total of 16 awards were presented to winners including two new categories added in 2024: the WiBF Inclusive Workplace of the Year and WiBF Mentor of the Year. WiBF also received more than 300 nominations, making it one of the most significant National Industry Awards in WiBF’s history.

WiBF president, Sangeeta Venkatesan, told the audience that that their attendance was testament to their support, engagement, contribution and drive in diversity and inclusion initiatives, and to supporting women in their organisations and across the industry more widely. She continued: “Diversity and inclusion is more than who you hire: it is how you work. It comes as no surprise that strong initiatives directly affect the future and the culture of an organisation.”

She continued: “At WiBF we have been very busy, welcoming a number of new members and university partners. We’ve gone international, having recently hosted our first event in New Zealand.”

WiBF’s independent chair, Diana D’Ambra AM, added: “I feel very privileged to be here today to celebrate not just the nominees in the room but everyone that participates, supports and contributes to our banking and finance community in so many diverse and very necessary ways.”

Victoria Hickey, chief financial officer, business banking at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the headline sponsor of the National Industry Awards, spoke about the time and effort many of the lunch attendees devote to support, develop, grow and provide opportunities to women. “I thank you for all of that effort because it is making a difference, and we are changing the landscape,” she continued.

As in 2023, the lunch was live streamed via LinkedIn, allowing WiBF members across Australia and around the globe to join. There was a keynote interview with Michele Bullock, the first female governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, who talked candidly about her first year in the role as well as her perspectives on the future of Australia’s financial markets.

Winners spoke of the recognition the National Industry Awards provides. Qing Liu, head of compliance, third party risk and data at Moody’s and winner of the WiBF Award for Achievement in Regulation and Compliance, told the audience: “Being nominated, knowing the calibre of the other nominees, is truly amazing. Thank you WiBF for putting on this amazing event, thank you to my colleagues and teammates for your unwavering support and hard work. Together we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lay ahead.”

Donald Daniel, learning delivery manager, financial crime operations at National Australia Bank and winner of the WiBF Inclusive Leader Award, added: “This has to be the most pivotal thing I’ve achieved in my career. For me, diversity is just a fact. It’s the inclusion aspect that is a choice. I am always advocating that choice. I have had some amazing female mentors in the past, and they really showed me a different way of thinking, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and connected.”

Awards sponsors also recognised the important role WiBF plays in celebrating the achievements of women in the banking and finance industry, showcasing outstanding role models and demonstrating diverse pathways for success. “We are deeply honoured to have this opportunity to support and uplift women for the remarkable contribution they make to our industry,” said Stephen O’Flynn, partner and chair of SW Accountants & Advisors.

The 2025 National Industry Awards will mark WiBF’s 25th anniversary. In a departure from its traditional lunch format, the celebration will be a gala dinner to be held at the ICC in Sydney.

WiBF thanked the 18 judges of the 2024 National Industry Awards for their contributions with gifts, sponsored for the second year running by KangaNews.

 To learn more about WiBF, visit wibf.org.au.