Peak Hill businesswomen Leanne Heywood has received an Australian Medal of the Order (OAM) award on the Queen's Birthday list for her services to business through several organisations.
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Ms Heywood, who grew up in Narromine, was one of 371 OAM 2021 recipients in the country announced on the Queens birthday for the general division.
Ms Heywood was also a 2019 NSW Business Woman of the Year Award recipient, but despite the previous accolade, she was 'shocked' to learn she can now add an OAM to the list.
"The first reaction I had was shock, but then obviously pride that my work had been recognised," she said.
Ms Heywood holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Charles Sturt University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne.
From her farm in Peak Hill, Ms Heywood commutes to work on a regular basis in Sydney, holding more than 25 years of corporate experience in the mining sector.
She is currently a senior marketing executive of Inenco Industrial Services, a non-executive director for the Australian Meat Processor Corporation and a member of the NSW Council for Women's Economic Opportunity.
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Ms Heywood is also well-known across the Dubbo region and wider as an advocate for women in business.
"My love for business really developed in my early career and I then did an accounting degree and started work in the mining industry," she said.
But while she had, and still holds, a love for the mining industry, entering the male-dominant industry as a woman wasn't always an easy pursuit.
"I just really loved the mining industry," she said.
"I loved the interesting things that happened on a day-by-day basis.
"At the same time, I found it incredibly challenging.
"I was often one of one or one of two women on a mine site of maybe 300 men and that's where my desire to advocate for women came from.
"I really wanted to try and make [other women's] lives easier than mine was."
Ms Heywood also has some advice for other women who hope to prosper and bloom in the business realm.
"Have a plan and believe in yourself," she said.
Ms Heywood will be officially presented with the OAM at a later date this year to be announced.
Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
