The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society announces today the addition of two appointments to the Advisory Board of the Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA) – which is gearing up for its second year in 2016. The new appointees are Rebekah Richardson, Head of the White, Sparkling and Rosé portfolio for Pernod Ricard Winemakers Australia, and Brian Walsh, Chair of Wine Australia.
These significant appointments add to the depth and diversity of the board which is charged with overseeing and guiding the direction of the AWIWA.
Rebekah Richardson said that she is thrilled to be part of a platform that is addressing the issue of gender diversity in the Australian wine industry.
“I have been in the wine industry for 20 years and in this time I have seen little movement on the needle as far women filling senior positions in the industry. The Australian Women in Wine Awards starts those key conversations and drives awareness throughout the industry as well as highlighting all the wonderful women we presently have in the industry doing great things, giving hope to those women entering that there is a way forward,” said Ms Richardson.
For Brian Walsh, his involvement has come about due to a recent realisation that progress in gender diversity has been much slower than he had anticipated.
“I was naively thinking that because we see approximately equal numbers of graduates entering the sector that progress in diversity and equity was being made,” said Mr. Walsh.
“Now aware of the large attrition rate of top female talent from our grape and wine community, I realise that something needs to be done. The AWIWA is one important part of that process – providing awareness, recognition, inspiration, confidence and opportunity for women in wine, thereby making our whole wine community both fairer and stronger.
Mr Walsh and and Ms Richardson join Jane Thomson (Chair) Founder and managing director of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society; Toni Carlino, Wine marketing consultant; Samantha Connew, Winemaker and owner, Stargazer Wines and Compass Wine Consulting; Jeni Port, Wine writer and 2015 Wine Communicator of the Year; and Corrina Wright, Winemaker and CEO, Oliver’s Taranga, in making up the Advisory Board for 2016.
** ENDS **
MEDIA CONTACT: Jane Thomson P: 0413 682 377 E: jane@fabulousladieswinesociety.com
Brilliant news – 2 amazing additions to the AWIWA Board.