Business Women of the Year

Two ACU National finalists in the 2009 Telstra Business Women's Awards have taken out top place in their respective states.

Veronica Wensing, a student at the University's Canberra Campus was named Australian Capital Territory Business Woman of the Year, and Professor Pauline Nugent, Dean of Health Sciences at the Melbourne Campus, was named Victorian Business Women of the Year.

Both women also took out top honours in the Community and Government category for demonstrating passion and enthusiasm in their roles.

Veronica was recognised for her role as Executive Officer of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre.

The Centre provides 24/7 phone support for people affected by sexual violence as well as legal and medical advocacy services, face-to-face counselling for women, children and men, community education and input into government policy and reforms.

Currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Services (Leadership) at ACU National, Veronica plans to begin a Master of Social Work in the coming year.

"These awards are an opportunity to highlight the work of people, like myself, who work tirelessly to improve the way of life for victims of sexual assault," she said.

"I am not in this job for the money or the profile. I am involved because I feel passionately about the topic and believe in the rights of all humans to live freely from violence," she added.

Professor Nugent was recognised for rapidly championing major changes after joining the University's Melbourne Campus in 2007 by increasing the number of courses, research activities and employees in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Both women will now progress to the national finals of the awards in Melbourne on 12 November.