The exceptional qualifications and success of women from the city was showcased at last week’s Cessnock Business and Professional Women’s Club annual Young Career Woman and Career Woman of the Year gala awards night.

More than 80 members, guests and entrants enjoyed a wonderful evening at Hunter Valley Gardens when Natalie Surian was named Young Career Woman and Jennifer Williams as Career Woman of the Year.

Natalie had seven years experience in sales, marketing and promotion before moving from Sydney last year to start working with Tower Estate Wines in Cellar Door Sales.

By this year she had created, and was working in her current position as marketing manager for Tower Estate which encompasses Tower Estate Wines, Roberts Restaurant, Tower Lodge and Blaxland’s Inn.

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Business Marketing with a double major in Marketing Public Relations and Organisational Communications from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, and a Diploma in Direct and Digital Marketing from the Australian Direct Marketing Association. She also holds a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training.

Career Woman of the Year, Jennifer Williams, moved here from Sydney to Cessnock in early 2006 and is the owner/director of Jennifer Williams Photography in Vincent Street.

Jennifer now calls Cessnock home and is forming local friendships and business relationships and aspires to help make a difference.

She holds a Diploma of Graphic Design and Photography, a Certificate in Small Business Management and has over time developed computer skills. She has also developed specialist computer skills using digital photography layout and design programs.

Jennifer has strong organisational skills and prides herself on her career achievements. Over the last 20 years she held positions as a Freelance Photographic Stylist to editorship of six magazine titles for Express Publications and has been running her own businesses since 2000.

Official guests included Deputy Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Bob Pynsent, BPW National President, Marilyn Forsyth, NSW Young Career Woman and the Year, Heather Hunter from Tamworth, club patron Mary Campbell and sponsors representatives.

Special guest speaker was strategic adviser and consultant and manager and university lecturer, Mary Johnsson.