A night of style

The name says ‘style’ but the InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards celebrate that and so much more besides, as the country’s most outstanding, accomplished and talented women are recognised for their efforts across a range of fields.

For the panel of judges, themselves extraordinary and talented individuals, the decision making process becomes harder with each passing year, such is the depth of talent amongst women showing amazing foresight, dedication, artistic flair and ingenuity across the award’s nine categories.

Then there is also the InStyle and Audi Style Scholarship, which each year recognises the efforts of one individual and their pursuit of excellence in their chosen field. The scholarship carries a $10,000 bursary to help the recipient further their efforts, whether their field be film, charity and community or robotics as have been the case in the past.

Australia has no shortage of women who excel in their chosen profession or field, so to simply arrive at a list of nominees is an achievement in itself. Although each of the candidates and eventual nominees come from a diverse collection of backgrounds, they share an unrelenting desire to  effect change for the better – to improve the lot of those around them, by striving for excellence in their chosen field.

The awards night is an unbridled celebration of this passion and drive, that each year sees the country’s most talented and celebrated women, past winners and nominees come together for a glittering celebration and outright party. This year The Star in Sydney was the glittering venue for what was the biggest night in the award’s history as the likes of emcee Melissa Doyle, Marta Dusseldorp and Dannii Minogue joined Julie Bishop and Layne Beachley for the stellar night.

With Audi ambassador James Tobin greeting the more than 300 guests on the red carpet, it was a veritable melting pot of the country’s finest as Audi after Audi delivered one talented guest after another to red carpet at The Star.

The night was one of inspiration, The Star Events Centre decorated in rich burgundy tones with olive highlights and white roses on each of the tables. Candle light and subtle, strategic lighting around the vast room gave a feeling of intimacy as the guests arrived for the evening.

Channel Seven’s Melissa Doyle brought her own distinctive style and easy professionalism to her role as emcee, introducing presenters and giving the evening a relaxed feel. A more glamorous gathering you would be hard pressed to find, and yet there was a feeling a great camaraderie as one inspiring woman after another graced the stage to present or receive an award, sharing their personal insights and inspiring stories.

Undoubtedly the most sentimental favourite for the evening was the presentation of the Lifestyle Award, which saw 93-year-old Margaret Fulton honoured for her amazing career as a celebrated cook, author and food writer. Although slightly slower with the passage of time, Fulton had lost none of her charm and sparkle, accepting the award with her trademark good humour.

Certainly there was no shortage of humour in the room either or great entertainment as the guests enjoyed performances by Owl  Eyes and Emma Louise.

The 11 awards once again saw a diverse group of women recognised and celebrated for achieving excellence in the respective areas. For the first time Sport was introduced as a category, a move InStyle editor Emily Taylor said was right given 2016 was an Olympic year. Jockey Michelle Payne became the first recipient of the award, another first for the country’s first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.

Illustrating just how diverse the awards actually are, in other categories, terrorism expert Professor Anne Aly received the award for Charity & Community, while Robyn Nevin and Bruna Papandrea jointly received the Arts & Culture award.

For the InStyle and Audi Scholarship, Dr Emma Fulu joined a distinguished group of previous recipients, the Director and founder of The Equality Institute recognised for her work into the cause and prevention of violence against women. Dr Fulu’s extensive knowledge and research in the field has proved invaluable in advising on policy and projects specifically aimed at addressing the cause of violence not only in Australia but around the world. The $10,000 bursary will go towards the continued work of her institute and in addressing one of the most insidious problems of the modern age.

The inspiring work of Dr Fulu and her fellow winners on the night represent just a small proportion of the extraordinary women in our community, all of whom deserve recognition. But the InStyle Women of Style Awards are as much a beacon to shine light on the achievements of women in general and once again, the night was a triumph.

Congratulations to all of the winners:

Entertainment:                       Marta Dusseldorp 

Nominated: Miranda Tapsell and Kat Stewart

Sport:                                      Michelle Payne

Nominated: Caroline Buchanan and Lydia Lassila

Beauty:                                    Megan Larsen 

Nominated: Suzette Cassie and Lara Worthington

Fashion:                                Linda Jackson 

Nominated: Karen Walker and Lee Mathews

Science:                                  Professor Sharon Lewin 

Nominated: Professor Emma Johnston and Dr Abigail Allwood

Charity & Community:         Professor Anne Aly 

Nominated: Tara Winkler and Tanya Hosch

Arts & Culture:                       Robyn Nevin and Bruna Papandrea 

Nominated: Dr Gene Sherman

Business:                                Melanie Perkins 

Nominated: Margot Spalding and Erica Berchtold

Lifestyle:                                 Margaret Fulton 

Nominated: Megan Gale and Saskia Havekes

Readers’ Choice:                    Lara Worthington

Voted by InStyle readers

Style Scholarship:                 Dr Emma Fulu

Nominated: Genevieve Clay-Smith and Eleanor Gammell