The Australian Event Awards is the national awards program for the events industry. It is the only opportunity for event professionals to compete directly across the nation and across all facets of the Industry to establish which are Australia’s best events and event-related goods, services and innovations.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is aimed at recognising great Australian event industry figures that have made significant contributions to events in Australia.
In 2022, Ms Christine McLoughlin AM, former Chairman of Destination NSW, has been handpicked by the Co-Chairs of the Judging Panel as the exceptionally deserving recipient of this prestigious Award.
Christine McLoughlin AM is an experienced Australian business leader who has played a significant role in the tourism, events and sporting sectors. She is a former Chairman and Board Member of Venues NSW, and is Chairman and Co-founder of the Minerva Network, created to support Australia’s elite female athletes on and off the fields of play.
“Under Christine’s stewardship, Destination NSW accelerated the implementation of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, launched the Feel New destination brand, developed new funding programs and aviation support packages, and delivered a vibrant, world-class calendar of major events.” Minister Franklin said.
During her time as Chairman of Venues NSW she was focused on the breadth of the events industry recognising the vital role played by sports, music, theatre and arts.
As Chairman and Co-founder of the Minerva Network, she has been pivotal in supporting the rise of women’s sport in Australia, offering elite sportswomen access to mentoring from some of Australia’s most senior professional women, at a time when Women’s sport is drawing record global audiences this has been important for our Australian athletes on and off the field.
She is passionate about driving continuous improvement to organisational culture and performance, and has a sharp focus on customer outcomes and stakeholder management.
Christine is Chairman of Suncorp Group Limited, a Director of Cochlear Limited and the Chancellor of the University of Wollongong.
Previous director roles include Deputy Chairman of The Smith Family, Director of the not-for-profit McGrath Foundation, as well as directorships at nib holdings limited, Whitehaven Coal Limited and Spark Infrastructure.
She was Chairman of the “Game Changers” Ministerial Advisory Council, reporting to the Minister for Sport, which provides strategic advice to accelerate change by leveraging increased investment for women in sport at all levels.
Christine is a member of Chief Executive Women, and a former Telstra Businesswomen of the Year.
In June 2021, Christine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to business, the not-for-profit sector and women
The 2022 Australian Event Awards National Winners, including Ms Christine McLoughlin, will be announced at the Event Awards 2022 Ceremony on Wednesday 23 November 2022, onboard The Jackson, Darling Harbour NSW.
The gala awards night will celebrate the past 12 months of hard work, commitment and dedication to the events industry.
Tickets to the Event Awards Ceremony are available for purchase at www.eventawards.com.au/awardsnight