CEO of the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) Samantha Read was a Victorian finalist in the prestigious Community and Government Category at the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
The Awards, held last night at a gala dinner at Crown Casino, celebrated women business leaders from across Victoria.
Commenting on the experience of being a part of the Awards, Ms Read said, “I would like to add my congratulations to all the winners and finalists, hearing their stories is a huge inspiration. I am so honoured to be a finalist in the Community and Government Category. The Telstra Business Women’s Awards has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my career, and focus on the issues important to me and to Australia.”
“I am passionate about the need for an Australian manufacturing industry. We must continue to invest in Australia’s manufacturing footprint because it drives highly skilled jobs, investment, new technology and research.
“Importantly, if we want the chance to develop the next breakthrough technology – and make it here in Australia – we must continue to invest in manufacturing today.
“I love what I do and it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to continue to pursue this passion for manufacturing in my current role at PACIA. PACIA is the peak industry body for the Australian chemistry industry, representing Australia’s second largest manufacturing sector.
“Knowing the difference chemistry makes to the everyday lives of Australians, from providing clean and safe drinking water to improving public health through innovative technologies, gets me out of bed everyday. This tremendous contribution is not always well understood and I am determined to share this important message.
“I would like to use this experience as a finalist to take my message to girls in school who are considering their future careers, and to speak to them about the exciting and diverse opportunities presented by non-traditional careers such as engineering.
“When I was young my father spent time helping me to build a crystal radio set. I thought this was far more interesting than playing with dolls. He encouraged me to take on mathematics and science subjects at school, which led me to embark on a career in traditionally male dominated engineering and manufacturing sectors.
“Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, noted recently that 75% of the fastest growing occupations will require Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in the future. It is critical we promote these important subjects throughout the education system.
“Telstra makes a significant contribution to the community in their long-standing support of women in leadership roles through the Awards.
“Women are not always good at standing up and promoting their achievements. The Telstra Business Women’s Awards provides a national platform to celebrate the diverse career pathways for women, and I am tremendously proud to be a part of this legacy,” Ms Read said.
Media contact: Claire Selby, [email protected], 0448 028 876.
Released 22 October 2014
About PACIA
PACIA is the pre-eminent national body representing Australia¹s $40bn chemistry industry, whose businesses directly employ 60,000 people and contribute approximately 11.5% of total Australian manufacturing production. PACIA members comprise a broad range of companies positioned across the entire value chain. Members include chemicals manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw material suppliers, plastics fabricators and compounders, chemicals and plastics recyclers and service providers to the industry. These businesses range from small family-owned companies and innovative medium-sized enterprises, to leading national and multinational enterprises.
