A decade of innovation

The stunning Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) overlooking Sydney Harbour was the venue for the 2018 InStyle and Audi Women of Style awards – the 10th year Audi Australia has partnered with the leading women’s title to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women.

The theme for the evening was, fittingly, ‘a decade of innovation’ looking back on the many women who have blazed the trail not only for other women but society in general, and recognising the work of this year’s category winners.

The guests were a veritable Who’s Who of leaders from a vast array of professions, disciplines and areas of expertise, with some of the biggest names in arts, entertainment and industry all coming together for the glittering night.

Audi ambassador, Melissa Doyle reprised her role as emcee, welcoming guests to the glamorous evening which in 2018 featured a revised format on previous years. At the heart of the night though was the same underlying theme to celebrate the achievements of women – those who had distinguished themselves with their vision, dedication and tenacity.

The judging panel are themselves all celebrated leaders in their own right. InStyle Editor, Emily Taylor; Gillian Armstrong – film director; Layne Beachley – Environmental campaigner and champion athlete; Dame Quentin Bryce – Former Governor-General of Australia; Anna Burgdorf – Marketing and Communications Director, Audi Australia; Collette Dinnigan – fashion designer; Deborra-Lee Furness – actor and human-rights advocate; Cassandra Kelly – international advisor, speaker and chair, Pottinger; Nicole Kidman – actor and goodwill ambassador; Elizabeth Ann MacGregor – Director, MCA; Pip Marlow – Suncorp Group and Louise Olsen – Designer, artist and creative director, Dinosaur Designs.

Their decisions were not made easy by the wealth of tremendously accomplished women in the running this year, but those singled out were certainly deserving of the recognition.

The night also celebrated and championed the concept of genuine equality and the idea of positive change. 

“Tonight’s theme, a decade of innovation, and the concept of true equality, are so current and so relevant and, so important to Audi,” said Audi Australia Managing Director, Paul Sansom at the event.

“Women like professional racing driver, Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinski, have played a major role in driving success for our brand, and in smashing stereotypes. In fact, it was 1980 when Audi signed our first female rally driver – Michele Mouton – who remains the most successful female driver of all time and a motor racing legend.” 

“It’s also about recognising and acknowledging that progress is the responsibility of us all, in our own way, every day. And tonight we are celebrating some incredible Australian women who are shining a very bright light on progress and innovation.”

On the night, 10 extraordinary women were recognised and honoured for their achievements in their respective fields. The InStyle and Audi Style Scholarship though was revised in 2018, with a new initiative designed to assist even more women achieve their potential and beyond.

“For the past nine years, we’ve had the great pleasure of presenting the Audi Style Scholarship to one deserving young woman to help further her career. This year, in the spirit of innovation, we’ve opted instead to work with The Smith Family, an amazing charity and a partner of our philanthropic Audi Foundation, to nominate 15 young women from disadvantaged communities for a very special opportunity,” Mr Sansom said.

 “An opportunity to meet our Audi Style Scholarship alumni who will share their stories of success and of roadblocks, with these young women, to inspire them to rise to challenges, help shape their future careers, and realise their hopes and dreams.” 

“We believe there is no better way to support more young women to achieve their goals than with real life role models, who don’t come much better than our own Audi Style alumni.”

This year’s event also served as the launching platform for a new and exciting initiative from Audi Australia. #DriveProgress, is designed to support more diverse and inclusive conversations in a way that better connects with all Audi customers, covering numerous new initiatives across the entire Audi business. 

“Tonight marks the dawn of a new movement for our brand in Australia. The car industry isn’t very well known for being progressive when it comes to women, but our goal is to change that, and to continue the movement that began in the 1980s with a highly successful all-female rally team,” Mr Sansom said. 

“What better moment to launch our initiative than here in a room full of Australia’s most brilliant, progressive women, at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields.”

Congratulations to all of the winners at this year’s InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards.

Recognised at the 2018 InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards

The Brand Maker
Elle McPherson

The Fearless Spirit
Jade Hameister

The Dream Weavers
Sally Pottharst & Jodie Fried

The Fashion Innovators
Simone & Nicky Zimmermann

The Creative Visionary
Mikaela Jade (Judges’ Choice Award recipient)

The Community Champion
Violet Roumeliotis

The Irrepressible Force
Susan Alberti

The Progressive Voice
Rachel Botsman

The Bright Star
Delta Goodrem

The Drivers of Change
Lucy & Rosie Thomas