WHILE they didn't come away with the top gongs, two Leeton shire residents have acknowledged they were winners in a different capacity as part of this year's Telstra Women's Business Awards.
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Sauce Communications owner Liane Sayer-Roberts and Southern Cotton general manager Kate O'Callaghan were short-listed in their respective categories of business owner award and private and corporate sector and travelled to Sydney last week to be part of an official ceremony.
They were named finalists after more than 1500 nomination were received for the awards.
They were among a select group that included mostly those hailing from Sydney.
Taking out Mrs Sayer-Roberts' category was Justine Curtis from Inspired Adventures, while Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz from Mirvac was the winner in Mrs O'Callaghan's section.
"I just felt to be named as a finalist with such amazing women was just as good as winning," Mrs O'Callaghan said.
"It was an amazing experience.
"There's so many wonderful women out there doing great things. It was really eye-opening and an honour to be part of the whole process."
The idea behind the awards is to shine a light on the work businesswomen throughout the state are doing, as well as recognising their achievements.
The Leeton pair was also treated to a presentation from Olympic medallist Alisa Camplin as part of the awards program.
Mrs Sayer-Roberts said it was an experience she wouldn't forget any time soon.
"I was incredibly honoured to be recognised as one of the state's top five female business owners at the awards," she said.
"While I didn't win in the traditional sense; the journey, relationships and platform to share my vision for rural women meant I won in so many other ways.
"The calibre of women across every category was awe inspiring ... being a part of the process is something that will stay with me for years to come."